Chaste Berry for PCOS and Hormone Balance

If you have gone to your doctor for help with PCOS (or PMS and other menstrual irregularities), he or she may have recommended conventional solutions such as pharmaceutical drugs that have negative side effects, or even surgery.  

Do you want a natural solution? We have great news! There is a natural herb that may be able to help you with your hormone related symptoms: Chaste Berry (Vitex).

Chaste Berry is derived from the fruit of Vitex agnus-castus, or the chaste tree. It is native to western Asia and southwestern Europe, and is now common in much of the southeastern United States. (1) 

Chaste Berry has been used for more than 2,500 years to treat various conditions. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, it was used for a variety of hormone-related gynecologic conditions.  The current literature supports the use of Chaste Berry for cyclical breast discomfort and premenstrual syndrome. Evidence also suggests that it is effective for relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. (1)

Over the past 50 years, Chaste Berry has been used widely in Europe for gynecologic conditions such as PMS, cyclical breast discomfort, menstrual cycle irregularities, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. (1) 

Chaste Berry’s therapeutic effects are attributed to its indirect effects on various hormones, especially prolactin and progesterone. This hormonal effect appears to be dose-dependent: low doses of extract have resulted in decreased estrogen levels and increased progesterone and prolactin levels. Over the past 50 years, 30 European trials of Chaste Berry have reported improvement of menstrual and menstruation-related disorders. (1)

PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder that influences about 6 to 10% of women of reproductive age. Women with this syndrome suffer from acne, obesity, hair loss, hypertension and irregular ovulation. Levels of endocrine hormones are altered in these women and they are at risk of infertility as well as metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. 

Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed for PCOS, including changing lifestyle, surgery and medications. The conventional approach often uses prescription drugs such as Clomid, metformin, tamoxifen, and oral contraceptives, all of which have negative side effects. Another treatment option is traditional herbal remedies, and Chaste Berry is one of the oldest herbal remedies used to treat menstrual disorders and female infertility. It has a positive effect on regulating the levels of sex hormones to relieve issues associated with related to PCOS. (2)

The Chaste Berry extract in our formula is standardized to Agnusides, the active components of Chaste Berry. Our formula does NOT contain any soy, nut, gluten, dairy or egg.

Please reach out to our knowledgeable Certified Holistic Nutritionists and Vitamin Consultants at (281) 646-1659 with any questions about Chaste Berry or any of our other supplements. They will be happy to guide you in the right direction for optimal health. 

1. Chasteberry

2. Effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus Ethanolic Extract on Hypothalamic KISS-1 Gene Expression in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome