- Related Diseases
- Images & Quizzes
- Index
- A Visual Guide to PMS Slideshow
- Take the Menopause Quiz
- Pelvic Pain Pictures Slideshow
- What is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- Is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- What are the side effects of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- What is the dosage for chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- Is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
What is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Chaste tree is shrub. The dried ripe fruit is used as a natural herbal supplement. Although exact mechanism is not known, Chaste tree presumably works by decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone release. Lowering of follicle-stimulating hormones increases progesterone-to-estrogen ratio, giving relief from menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
What brand names are available for chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry, Vitex, Monk's Pepper
What is the dosage for chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Take 4-20mg by mouth per day.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Take 20-40mg by mouth per day.
- Crude herb extract: Take 20-240mg by mouth per day, divided in 2 to 3 doses.
- Fluid extract: Take up to 40 drops by mouth per day.
- Dried fruit extract: Take 1.6-3ml by mouth up to two times a day.
- Tincture: Take 35-45 drops by mouth up to three times a day.
The maximum daily dose is 1800 mg per day.
Which drugs or supplements interact with chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
Chaste tree berry should be avoided in women taking birth control or any other hormonal medications because chaste tree also affects hormone levels.
Chaste tree should be used with caution in certain antipsychotic or anti-Parkinson's medications because chaste tree may affect dopamine levels in brain, reducing the effect of antipsychotic or anti-Parkinson's medications.
Is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Chaste tree is known to affect estrogen and progesterone levels, which may not be safe for pregnant women. Therefore, it is not recommended to use chaste tree products in pregnant women.
It is not known whether Chaste tree enters breast milk; however, it is best not to use chaste tree in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral?
What preparations of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral are available?
Chaste tree is available in crude herb extract capsules, fluid extract, dried fruit extract, and tincture forms.
How should I keep chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)-oral stored?
Due to many manufacturers producing each formulation, storage requirements may vary based individual product.
REFERENCE:
Stacie E. Geller, et al. Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn't. J Womens Health (Larchmt). Sep 2005; 14(7): 634–649.
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- vitexagnus castus (Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry, Vitex, Monk's Pepper, Agnus Castus, Gattlier, Indian) Related Diseases
- vitexagnus castus (Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry, Vitex, Monk's Pepper, Agnus Castus, Gattlier, Indian) Images & Quizzes
- vitexagnus castus (Chaste Tree, Chaste Berry, Vitex, Monk's Pepper, Agnus Castus, Gattlier, Indian) Index
Stacie E. Geller, et al. Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn't. J Womens Health (Larchmt). Sep 2005; 14(7): 634–649.
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Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are experienced by many women, especially at night. However, not all women undergoing menopause experience hot flashes. What causes hot flashes? A hot flash is a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body. Treatment for hot flashes include hormone replacement therapy and alternative prescription medications such as:- SSRIs (Effexor, Paxil, Prozac),
- clonidine (Catapres),
- megestrol (Megace),
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Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Menopause Quiz
The Menopause Quiz challenges your knowledge about the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases. Menopause can bring many physical, mental and sexual challenges to maturing women, but they don’t have to be limiting. Take the Menopause Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms and treatments of what’s known as “the change of life.”
Menopause Slideshow
What is menopause? What are the signs of menopause? What age does menopause start? Learn about menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Find the latest treatments for menopause.
Menopause and Sex
Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.
Menstrual Cramps and PMS Medication Guide
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
Menstruation
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Premature Menopause (Medical Procedural Causes)
Premature menopause is when menopause occurs in a woman before the age of 40. Causes of premature menopause include premature ovarian failure, treatments for cancer and other conditions, surgical removal of the ovaries, or chronic diseases of the pituitary or thyroid gland, or psychiatric disorders. Treatment is directed at menopausal symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has also been referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The cause of PMDD is unknown. Some of the common symptoms of PMDD (not an inclusive list) include:- mood swings,
- bloating,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- irritability,
- headache,
- breast tenderness,
- acne,
- hot flashes
- and more.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. Common PMS symptoms include;
- Depression
- Irritability
- Crying
- Oversensitivity
- Mood swings
For some women PMS symptoms can be controlled with natural and home remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.
Vaginal Bleeding
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions that may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- IUDs
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Lupus
- STDs
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Emotional stress
- Anorexia nervosa
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Cancers
- Early pregnancy
The treatment for abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding depends upon the cause.
Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include:- vaginal dryness,
- itching,
- irritation, and/or
- pain during intercourse.
Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, which may include:- nerve irritation,
- genetic factors,
- hypersensitivity to yeast infections,
- muscle spasms,
- hormonal changes, and more.
