Penadios

Indications

Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is the dried fruit of a Mediterranean shrub, used as a herbal medicine for women's health. It is used to help ease:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness, irritability, mood swings, bloating and headache
• Cyclical breast pain
• Some irregular cycles linked to mildly raised prolactin, under medical supervision

There is reasonable evidence for PMS symptoms; evidence for other uses is limited. It is not a contraceptive and does not treat infertility on its own.

How It Works

Chaste berry acts on dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland, the small gland at the base of the brain that controls hormones. This lowers the release of prolactin, a hormone that can cause breast tenderness and upset the menstrual cycle when it is too high, and may help balance the hormones of the second half of the cycle.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label, usually once a day in the morning with water, every day throughout the cycle. Products differ in strength, so follow the label. It may take 2 to 3 cycles to notice benefit. Not for use in children or girls before puberty.

Interactions

• Hormonal contraceptives and hormone therapy: chaste berry may interfere with them; ask your doctor.
• Medicines that act on dopamine, such as Bromocriptine, Cabergoline, Levodopa, or antipsychotics such as Haloperidol and Risperidone: effects may add up or oppose each other.
• Fertility treatments: use only if your fertility specialist agrees.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, or endometriosis
• Pituitary disorders, unless supervised by a doctor
• Known allergy to chaste berry

Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild and uncommon:

• Nausea, stomach upset
• Headache, dizziness or tiredness
• Skin rash, itching or acne
• Changes in menstrual bleeding

Get urgent medical help if you have very heavy or unusual bleeding, severe headache with vision changes, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy. Stop taking it if you become pregnant. Do not use while breastfeeding, as it may reduce milk supply by lowering prolactin.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use reliable contraception if you do not want to become pregnant; chaste berry is not a contraceptive.
• See a doctor if periods stop for 3 months or more, if bleeding is heavy or between periods, or if there is nipple discharge.
• Severe mood symptoms before periods may need other treatment; talk to your doctor.
• If there is no benefit after 3 cycles, stop and seek advice.

Overdose

Large amounts may increase stomach upset, headache and dizziness. Seek medical help if much more than the label dose has been taken, especially by a child.

Therapeutic Class

Herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome (dopaminergic plant extract)

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.