The Natural Fertility Community

Hi,

I have a problem.
I've been taking Vitex for 3 months already. I got 2 cycles, so my cycle is 21 days, not 28 days for now. I hope that my cycle will be normal eventually. But since 3 weeks I'm feeling like "cake" - I'm retaining water and it's really unpleasant. Is it from Vitex? I thought there is no side effects?! Any suggestions how to normalize the situation.

Thanks

Hi nadin13,

I have never heard of bloating caused from Vitex. Have you changed anything in the last few weeks that may have contributed to this, such as diet changes, exercise (lack of). Just wondering Bloating is a symptom of PMS. Vitex does take many months to acheive full benefits, 6-12 months of consistent use. I wouldn't say there are no side effects, every woman's body is different and may react differently to taking herbs of any kind, there is always a chance of having a reaction or allergy to certain plants, foods, ect.

Thank you, Dalene, for the answer.
Maybe you're right that the bloating is cause by the PMS, because between the periods everything is OK. However, as the time between my first periods was too short, I felt like the bloating effect lasted so long.
Anyway, I'm persistent with the Vitex, I want a second child I'll keep you posted, if there are other things.

Best regards,
nadin13

Do keep us posted!

Hi, it's me again
I have a question to you, Dalene.
First of all here are some details: As I mentioned before I've started taking Vitex since mid-April. I got my "first" cycle on 21st of May. After 9 days the flow stopped (during this time I was not taking Vitex), but I've spotted for 3 more days. My first cycle was very weak and with brown color.
After 10 days, I got my "second" cycle, on 11 of June; it's my 12th day today and the flow doesn't "slow down" at all on the contrary it's became more intense with cloths. Is it normal? I know that first times are different, but I'm worried.

So, my question is, should I take Vitex now or maybe I should wait until my cycle is over completely?

Best regards
nadin13

So you are saying you have been bleeding heavily for 12 days? Are you still taking the Vitex? Do not take the Vitex if you are bleeding. If a heavy blood flow starts (a soaked pad every half an hour) and is not a part of your normal cycle, seek medical attention right away.

Just because an herb is good in general does not mean it is for everyone. You may be having a reaction to it. I am not sure because I don't know much about your personal fertility issues.

Thank you, Dalene, for your prompt response.
No, the situation is not that bad (sorry, for the misunderstanding) - yes 12 days already, the flow is more heavy, but in comparison with my "first" cycle (first 5 days it was weak and after a little more heavy); nothing warning (changing pads every 4 h, normal red color with little cloths in; no pain, no other symptoms, I'm feeling well).
The question was about the Vitex --> so, no Vitex during the bleeding, I understood.
You think I am having a reaction to the Vitex?!...I hoped that Vitex would help
OK, I will be waiting another couple of days, maybe the flow would stop, if not I'm going to the doctor.

Best regards,
nadin13

It is just difficult to understand each persons individual needs over the internet

There is just no real way to know for sure what is going on. Please keep us updated.

Have you ever thought of Self Fertility Massage to help get your menstrual cycle back on track. This may also help with the bloated feeling and menstrual flow. Learn more here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-massage

Hi, Dalene

I'm continuing to bleed, but the flow decreased gradually. I've forgot to mention that I have PCOS together with my high level of prolactin; and as I've made some research about it, I could tell that PCOS is the main cause for the long bleeding.
I've read a theme here in the forum - "PCOS long cycle" and I think that my situation is the same except for the fact that for the first time my cycle came alone without the help of the birth control pills (so, it is my first experience of natural monthly cycle and maybe this is the response of my body - just thoughts). Anyway, I don't have any base for comparison.

Though, I'm feeling very well, no weakness, no bloating for now (maybe when I'll start again with Vitex, I would know for sure if the bloating is caused by Vitex).

Best regards,
nadin13

Thanks for sharing that you also have PCOS, makes more sense now! You are exactly right, you will know if the Vitex causes bloating in the future.