Vitex is a herbal treatment for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and irregular menstrual cycles.
It stimulates the pituitary gland to increase the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) following ovulation and during the second half of the menstrual cycle. LH then stimulates the ovarian production of progesterone, which is the natural menstrual cycle counter-balance to estrogen. When estrogen is not balanced by adequate levels of progesterone, then a condition of estrogen dominance prevails in the second half of the menstrual cycle, leading to the symptoms of PMS. Living under high stress can make PMS worse since cortisol, produced by stress, can block progesterone's beneficial effect, calling for even more progesterone.
Vitex blunts excessive prolactin production by the pituitary gland. Excessive prolactin levels add to the symptoms of PMS, particularly breast tenderness. Vitex also helps to normalize irregular menstrual problems such as heavy periods, frequent periods, and loss of menstruation after a history of normal menstruation.