Vitex & Clomid

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2003
Vitex & Clomid
2
Mon, 10-20-2003 - 4:06pm
Hi...new here. I have been taking vitex for about three months now, and I have seen that it has helped to shorten my cycles. However, I haven't told my OB/GYN I'm using it because she doesn't see any documented evidence that herbs are safe and that they work.

She wants me to try 50 mg of Clomid next cycle. First, I'm not sure if it's worth risking the potential adverse effects of the drug if I am regularly ovulating now. Also, since the vitex has been building up for a few months now, how long before it's out of my system and safe to take Clomid? I've heard that vitex and Clomid counteract each other.

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

Nancy K

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2003
In reply to: nbk64
Mon, 10-20-2003 - 4:41pm
Nancy,

The best advice I can give to you is to DEFINITELY talk to your doctor about your concerns. I know she may not be a big herb believer, but you really shouldn't keep anything in the dark from her. (How would you feel if she didn't share test results with you?) Now that she's talking about prescribing Clomid to you... she really should know what else is going into that body of yours. Most of us on Clomid weren't prescribed it until after a fertility workup & LONG questionnaire from our doctor - everything should really be out in the open before you start it.

I don't know if Vitex and Clomid counteract each other or not. From what I've read, they both can help with luteal phase progesterone levels, but only Clomid is an "ovulation induction drug." In other words... all the Vitex in the world may help regulate your cycles a little better, but may not ensure that you're ovulating. I *think* Vitex works on your pituitary, while Clomid starts first by interacting with your hypothalamus, which then later triggers your pituitary. But again... I'd say talk to your doctor!

Good luck to you!

Tami

TTC#1 since 8/02

CC3 50mg4-8 CD20 1DPO?

www.fertilityfriend.com/home/219d1

Tami
Mommy to Anna 7.7.04 & Ben 11.19.06

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-08-2003
In reply to: nbk64
Mon, 10-20-2003 - 4:57pm
Thanks, Tami.

You're right, I should talk to my doctor. But I think she doesn't know too much about herbs, though, so I thought I would see if anyone else has started on Clomid after vitex. I am ovulating, but she thinks that Clomid may help because it could cause multiple eggs to develop.

NK