What it is
Vitex (Chasteberry) is a botanical supplement derived from the berries of the Vitex agnus-castus tree. It is traditionally used to address hormonal imbalances, particularly those affecting the female reproductive cycle.
Supplement · Hormonal Health
Vitex (Chasteberry)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
pmsirregular-menstrual-cycleshormonal imbalance pituitary glandovarybrain
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How it works
Vitex acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is believed to exert a mild dopaminergic effect, inhibiting prolactin release and potentially modulating LH and FSH levels, which can help re-establish hormonal balance.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address hormonal imbalance, low libido, irregular cycles. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take for Vitex to work?
Consistent daily use is key. Noticeable hormonal shifts typically occur within 4 to 12 weeks of regular intake.
Can Vitex be taken with birth control pills?
It is generally not recommended to combine Vitex with hormonal contraceptives as it may interfere with their efficacy. Consult your doctor.
Is Vitex suitable for men?
While primarily used for female hormonal health, some research explores its effects on male reproductive hormones, but it is not a standard recommendation for men.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for hormonal balance
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Vitex (Chasteberry) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Vitex (Chasteberry)
Vitex (Chasteberry) is a hormonal health supplement used to support hormonal balance. Chasteberry for cycle, PMS and prolactin. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Vitex (Chasteberry) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the endocrine system, thyroid, reproductive system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-12 weeks for hormonal shifts. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Vitex (Chasteberry) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for hormonal balance. Chasteberry for cycle, PMS and prolactin. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-12 weeks for hormonal shifts, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address hormonal imbalance, low libido, irregular cycles. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Hormonal Health category, Vitex (Chasteberry) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.