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How Does Vitex Work?
According to Dr. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, Vitex acts on the diencephalohypophyseal system p; in other words, the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Vitex increases LH production and mildly inhibits the release of FSH (see Figure 4). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of proges-terone. This is, in fact, a corpus luteum like hormone effect.10 The ability of Vitex to raise or modulate progesterone levels in the body is therefore an indirect effect and not a direct hormonal action.11 This is in contrast to other phytomedicines, like Black cohosh, frequently used in gynecology because of their direct binding of estrogen receptors ("phyto-estrogens").12
Vitex also modulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Early animal studies indicated an increase in lactation and enlargement of the mammary gland following administration of Vitex.13 It is interesting to note that Vitex has been historically used as a lactagogue (substance to increase milk production) in lactating women with poor breast milk production. As we will note below, clinical studies have confirmed this effect.
Current research with Vitex has indicated usefulness in hyperprolactinemia. In studies with rats, Vitex was shown to inhibit prolactin release by the pituitary gland p; particularly under stress. The mechanism of action appears to involve the ability of Vitex to directly bind dopamine receptors and subsequently inhibit prolactin release in the pituitary.14,15 Slight hyperprolactinemia is commonly associated with corpus luteum insufficiency.16
Okay, since vitex changes the ratio of estrogen/progesterone in favor of progesterone would this be used on a estrogen aromtitzing AS?
It also binds dopamine receptors directly, good for prolactin gyno but would this affect gh release?
Any info appreciated!
According to Dr. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, Vitex acts on the diencephalohypophyseal system p; in other words, the hypothalamus and pituitary.
Vitex increases LH production and mildly inhibits the release of FSH (see Figure 4). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of proges-terone. This is, in fact, a corpus luteum like hormone effect.10 The ability of Vitex to raise or modulate progesterone levels in the body is therefore an indirect effect and not a direct hormonal action.11 This is in contrast to other phytomedicines, like Black cohosh, frequently used in gynecology because of their direct binding of estrogen receptors ("phyto-estrogens").12
Vitex also modulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Early animal studies indicated an increase in lactation and enlargement of the mammary gland following administration of Vitex.13 It is interesting to note that Vitex has been historically used as a lactagogue (substance to increase milk production) in lactating women with poor breast milk production. As we will note below, clinical studies have confirmed this effect.
Current research with Vitex has indicated usefulness in hyperprolactinemia. In studies with rats, Vitex was shown to inhibit prolactin release by the pituitary gland p; particularly under stress. The mechanism of action appears to involve the ability of Vitex to directly bind dopamine receptors and subsequently inhibit prolactin release in the pituitary.14,15 Slight hyperprolactinemia is commonly associated with corpus luteum insufficiency.16
Okay, since vitex changes the ratio of estrogen/progesterone in favor of progesterone would this be used on a estrogen aromtitzing AS?
It also binds dopamine receptors directly, good for prolactin gyno but would this affect gh release?
Any info appreciated!
