Vitex Reviews - What Is It?
WARNING: DO NOT BUY Vitex Until You Read This Review!
Is it a Scam? Does It Really Work? Check Ingredients, Side Effects and More!
Vitex is a shrub growing in the Mediterranean basin and southern Europe. Its round black berries have been used for female reproductive system for hundreds of years. It is like an herbal tonic for women due to its ability to support normal ovarian function. It works by affecting the pituitary gland and is believed to balance menstrual cycle, provide healthy menstrual balance, make periods regular, cope with mild menstrual discomfort and prevent early menopausal symptoms. The major drawback of Vitex is that it takes 3-6 months before providing the first visible effects.
Can this supplement really reduce the effects of the higher mentioned conditions? Can it effectively support healthy skin complexion associated with menstrual changes? Is Vitex free from side effects? Are there any cautions associated with this product? We will answer all of these questions further but at first let's take a look at the information about the manufacturer of the supplement. Unfortunately, there is very little information about the company behind the product. What is known is that the company is called Nature's Way and it is based somewhere in the USA. There is no official website, thus it is difficult to find the actual postal address of the manufacturer. Nature's Way Vitex (100 capsules) can be purchased from retail stores such as Amazon.
Ingredients of Vitex - Does It Really Work? Is It a Scam?
The major ingredient in the product is Vitex agnus-castus. According to webmd.com, it is a shrub native to Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. The plant has long leaves in the shape of fingers. It is also notable for blue-violet flowers and purple berries. The medicines are commonly made from fruit and seed. Vitex agnus-castus is usually taken by mouth for conditions linked to the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome. It is also used for other related conditions and even "lumpy" breasts. The compound seems to affect different hormones involved in women's reproductive cycle. Web.md claims that Vitex agnus-castus is possibly effective for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as it might work like the prescription drug fluoxetine (Prozac). It also seems to be effective for physical symptoms like breast swelling, tenderness, and cramps.
The product can be used for premenstrual syndrome, but there is lack of research proving that Vitex can really decreases breast pain or tenderness, anger, depressed mood, headache and moodiness. It does not relieve bloating. The product is possibly ineffective for the treatment of infertility. An early research demonstrates that it does not increase the chance of becoming pregnant in ladies with infrequent menstrual bleeding. There is insufficient data about the effective use of Vitex for the treatment of breast pain, for increasing lactation, and decreasing menopausal symptoms including nervousness. More evidence is required to define the effectiveness of the supplement for these uses. There is no information about any other ingredients used in the product, so it is difficult to say whether it is safe to use. Let us take a look at potential side effects further in this review.
Customer Reviews - Does It Have Any Side Effects?
Vitex is well tolerated in most users but still some side effects may occur. These include itching, mild upset stomach, rash, hair loss, and fatigue. Be very careful if you are drugs that affect dopamine such as metoclopramide (anti-nausea) or haloperidol (antipsychotic). There is no information about any other drug interactions. The product should be avoided during pregnancy. According to web.md, Vitex agnus-castus is likely safe for most female users when taken by mouth appropriately. This website mentions other possible side effects including upset stomach, nausea, headaches, acne, weight gain, and trouble sleeping. Some women may have their menstrual flow changed when they start taking the supplement. Vitex should not be used by women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine fibroids; endometriosis; or cancer of the uterus, breast, or ovaries. The product can affect hormones and estrogen levels. The supplement can interfere with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization. Since Vitex agnus-castus contains chemicals that influence the brain, it might affect therapy for Parkinson's disease. It also affects a chemical called dopamine in the human brain, thus it might affect therapy for some mental disorders. Be cautious when taking this supplement in combination with birth control pills, medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs), some medications for mental conditions, medications for Parkinson's disease (Dopamine agonists).
There is a great number of customer reviews about Vitex online. One woman bought it to get rid of hormonal acne but the herb didn't help her. On the contrary, it made her skin worse. She started taking EP oil and her acne was gone within three months. Another customer reports that she took two capsules of the product and the next day she got a big lumpy deep pimple on her chin. It was weird for her as she never had chin pimples. However, the woman continued taking the supplement and she got another big pimple on her chin. She was shocked with such a fast reaction. The woman got four bottles of Vitex in her cupboard and two big cysts on her chin! It is better to buy only one bottle to try the product. Based on other reviews, the supplement made other users sick and nauseous. It caused upset stomach, a headache, and terrible nausea after just one pill. Let us take a look at the real users reviews available online.
"I think Vitex is not a good product. Besides, I was disappointed when I asked to the company what kind of gelatin they use for their capsules. The representative of the company told me they use beef and pork gelatin in all their products, not fish gelatin. I threw the bottle into the garbage. The brand is not really "ature's Way"."
"I started taking vitex for sleeplessness, peri-menopausal acne, low energy. I feel more energized but I am so bloated and gassy because of this supplement! In addition, I have put on some weight despite the same eating habits and walking a lot. I am I despair because I can't fit into my clothes! I stopped taking the product yesterday and I feel less abdominal bloating"
"Vitex causes side effects! I took it because I read that it can help with hormonal acne. I have been taking it for two months and it made my skin less oily. Time went on and I started getting darker veins on my legs. I also felt very sick all the time. By the end of my second month, my veins were a mess, so I stopped taking the product. Be careful when taking this drug"
Where To Buy Vitex?
The product can be bought from some retail stores online, for instance at Amazon. One bottle of Nature's Way Vitex Fruit 400 milligrams (100 capsules) can be bought for $6.60. Two bottles are priced at $10.76, while three bottles can be bought for $14.99.
My Final Summary
Based on what we have learnt about Vitex, it is a supplement that still needs more studies and research. Even though it is currently used for a wide range of issues such as low progesterone, PMS, lack of ovulation, lack of a menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycles, acne and others, there is lack of evidence proving its safety and effectiveness. Many actual users report experiencing different side effects and allergic reactions including problems with veins, mood-swings, depression, compulsive thoughts, and others. Taking into account all advantages and disadvantages of Vitex I cannot recommend this product to usage.