Does Vitex Work?

Many people may wonder, "Does vitex work?" Some small studies have suggested that vitex (chasteberry) may help to alleviate symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Some research has also indicated that vitex might increase the chance of pregnancy for women with infertility and might also help relieve cyclic breast pain. More research is necessary to prove the effectiveness of vitex for any other use.

Does Vitex Really Work?

As with most dietary supplements, vitex (chasteberry) is claimed to work for a variety of different uses. But does it really work? This article will address the effectiveness of vitex for various uses, including:
 
  • Relieving menopause symptoms
  • Preventing miscarriages in women with insufficient progesterone levels
  • Increasing breast milk supply
  • Decreasing sexual desire in men
  • Treating the following conditions:

 

    • Infertility in women
    • Luteal phase defect (a specific cause for infertility in women)
    • Fibrocystic breasts
    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
    • Acne
    • Headaches, including migraines
    • Insomnia
    • The common cold
    • Nervousness
    • Menstrual disorders, including:

 

      • Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)
      • Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
      • Irregular bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia)
      • Infrequent menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea)
      • Frequent menstrual periods (polymenorrhea)
      • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
      • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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