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1)  Vitex and PCOS - Dr. Amy Day Answers
Your Questions

Question:
I'm experiencing irregular cycles and infertility and
I want to try a Vitex supplement, but I'm
concerned about it increasing luteinizing hormone
(LH).

I've heard that Vitex increases LH and one of the
hallmarks of PCOS is a high LH to FSH ratio.
Isn't that just adding fuel to the fire?

Answer:
Many women wonder whether they should use the
herb Vitex agnus castus, or chaste tree berry, to
help with their PCOS symptoms.

In my practice, Vitex has been very effective at
encouraging ovulation, managing PMS, regulating
the cycle and improving fertility, even in women
with polycystic ovary syndrome.

There are two important factors to keep in mind
when deciding whether to use Vitex.

First, Vitex is not appropriate for every woman
with PCOS. I think of it less as a PCOS treatment
and more as a treatment for irregular cycles and
infertility. If you have PCOS symptoms but are not
concerned about fertility or ovulation, then there
are other treatments that would be a better fit.

However, if you are struggling with irregular
cycles, infertility, a lack of ovulation and low
progesterone levels, then Vitex could work
wonderfully for you.

The second factor to keep in mind is timing.

Your hormone levels are changing every day of
your cycle. The PCOS blood test for LH:FSH ratio
is usually run on Day 3 of the cycle. This is a time
when LH is supposed to be low, so a high number
indicates a problem.

However, as a woman approaches mid-cycle, LH
must spike higher in order to stimulate a normal
ovulation and then appropriate progesterone
production.

Vitex does not simply elevate LH; it works at a
regulatory level and helps to orchestrate this whole
process.

If you are hoping to ovulate, you want a high LH
but you want it to happen at the right time, and
Vitex can help make that happen.

So, I do not see polycystic ovarian syndrome as a
contraindication to using Vitex. In fact, I've seen
Vitex help many women with PCOS to achieve
successful pregnancies.

You can get a recommended Vitex here:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/store/vitex

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I've been unable to find this on the boards. Has anyone with a high LH level, and/or a 3:1 LH:FSH ratio seen success with using vitex? Research was done on women without PCOS who had irregular menses and vitex raised their LH levels and produced regularity.

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Lay down, hips up for 30 mins. Have sex every other day during ovulation week to give sperm 24hrs to regenerate.

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Lay down, hips up for 30 mins. Have sex every other day during ovulation week to give sperm 24hrs to regenerate.

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https://www.babycenter.com/400_what-are-some-tips-on-getting-pregnant_945494_497.bc

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IVF Florida - South Florida Fertility Specialist - Beginning Fertility Treatment

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Making the decision to seek fertility treatments can sometimes be a huge emotional commitment, a commitment that some find difficult to make. Dr Vanessa Weitzman explains how the process begins. IVF FLORIDA provides skilled and experienced support staff who are available to help you understand the fertility treatment processes as well as your insurance coverage and potential out of pocket expenses.

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HealthGrade: 4.3
https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-vanessa-weitzman-2w8g3
Vitals: 4.6
http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Vanessa_Weitzman/reviews

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Dr. Vanessa Weitzman | Infertility Specialist | IVF FLORIDA

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IVF FLORIDA's Dr. Vanessa Weitzman has experience in IVF, diminished ovarian reserve, and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Make an appointment with her in Miami!

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Unfortunately, a woman's fertility tends to decline sharply after the age of 35. Due to decreased quality and quantity of eggs, hormonal shifts, and other factors, a woman in her late thirties is likely to have a much harder time conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term than a woman in her late twenties. Therefore, it is best not to wait the full year recommended for most couples before getting a fertility assessment. However, as long as the woman is healthy and has no other factors for infertility, she should try to conceive naturally for six months before seeking infertility treatment. Source: https://ivfflorida.com/understanding-infertility/when-to-see-a-reproductive-endocrinologist/

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http://swbasicsofbk.com/wellness/prepping-your-body-for-pregnancy/