Vitex increases progesterone levels by increasing LH (luteinizing hormone) levels, and it suppresses prolactin levels – the result is increased ovulatory cycles. This sounds like a perfect scenario for PCOS sufferers, but there’s a problem. Vitex can actually worsen PCOS for some because their LH levels are already high. If you know your LH level is high (if you don’t know – ask for a hormonal panel blood test from your doctor), you should not use Vitex. Most women have the kind of PCOS that is insulin-resistant and comes with high LH, and they should avoid Vitex.

When you should take Vitex if you have PCOS

If you have PCOS with normal LH levels and high prolactin levels, you might consider using Vitex. You can have your prolactin levels tested by your doctor. This kind of PCOS has a different root cause, usually inflammation from allergens like dairy and gluten or as the result of using the birth control pill. Vitex in this case can help to suppress prolactin levels and increase ovulatory cycles.

What to take instead of Vitex to manage your PCOS

There are several kinds of PCOS, but these two supplements will work for any woman with the condition.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a proven natural treatment for insulin-resistant PCOS. You can also add cinnamon to your oatmeal, eggs or beans and make it part of your meals.

Magnesium – Try a topical form of magnesium like those created by Ancient Minerals or the powdered form from Natural Calm. Magnesium is an essential mineral that most of us are deficient in, but it’s a proven treatment for improving insulin resistance.

Do you have severe PMS? or Feel your hormones are off.. The truth is If you aren't doing anything proactive/preventive, your hormones are probably off or on the way to be.

As you may know and/or may experience SYMPTOMS ARE irritability, depression, anxiety, bloating, breast tenderness, sugar cravings, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, and cramps.

Majority of women suffer from PMS which can negatively affect their quality of life. Most women accept this as normal, which is not the case!!! I have so many women come in both old young and everything in-between and 1/9 of my patients have PMS but are coming in for something else. They all think its normal. ITS NOT NORMAL equaling PMS is not a sign of HEALTH. 75% of women in the US have PMS --THIS IS ALARMING !
20% Of those women have PMS that is so bad that they can't function without serious medical help and even that is not affective or without side effects .

“The real fact is that suffering related to menstrual cycles is unnecessary — and not caused by bad luck, but by bad habits, environmental toxins, and stress.” Mark Hyman.

Dairy, Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, stress, and lack of exercise make PMS worse.

The reason why you have PMS is because of inflammation and increased estrogen which makes your progesterone decrease

1) Take a chance and GO Paleo:) with MOSTLY GREENS & limited fruit.
2) Clean up your diet”
▪ no refined flour, dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods or even vegetable oil. .
▪ Eat every 2 hours small meal with protein.
▪ Eat evenly throughout the day and don’t skip meals.

2) Take supplements- ONLY ONLY PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
▪Magnesium citrate or glycinate
▪Calcium citrate
▪Vitamin B6, B12, & Folate. You can usually find this is in a B-Complex
▪Evening primrose oil
▪EPA/DHA (omega 3 fats) — Take 1,000 mg once or twice a day. ********************************DHA is SO INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.. LOOK OUT FOR A Blog post on that .
▪Taurine
▪A good daily multivitamin (all the nutrients work together)
**message us if you want access to professional grade supplements.. WE are here to help.

4) EXERCISE EVERY DAILY.
it balances hormones but it also brings fresh blood and oxygen which decreases inflammation. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 4 to 5 times a week.

5) –Get rid or donate plastic storage containers & perfume
These disrupt are hormones disruptors. The most common hormone disruptors include:
• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Triclosan or other antibacterial products
• BPA
• Several constituents of perfume
Unfortunately, these chemicals are everywhere. Breakdown products from plastic containers (even the BPA-free ones) and Teflon cookwares can also disrupt your hormones.

6) Get acupuncture and get rid of stress for an hour.
Acupuncture is a safe & effective way to treat PMS, as well as to manage pain, stress, and inflammation (source).
Acupuncture for PMS is suggested weekly for 3 – 4 menstrual cycles.

What have you tried? Please let us know and comment below!

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