Chaste Tree (Vitex) 225 mg by Pure Encapsulations

Cyclic breast tenderness and mood swings before your period are the classic reasons people look for vitex for PMS. It is most useful if your Prolactin (the pituitary hormone that can suppress ovulation) runs high-normal and your luteal Progesterone (the hormone that stabilizes the second half of the cycle) runs low. It can also help with cycle regularity after stopping hormonal birth control. The 225 mg chaste tree extract here fits a once‑daily, maintenance-style approach.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) nudges the pituitary to release less Prolactin by acting on dopamine receptors, which indirectly supports higher luteal Progesterone. That shift often eases PMS breast discomfort and irritability within 2 to 3 cycles. Smaller effects on LH and FSH (the brain signals that coordinate ovulation) can help tighten up timing in unpredictable cycles. Vitex is not a classic phytoestrogen; its main action is the prolactin-progesterone balance.

Take one capsule once daily, with or between meals. Morning is preferred for many because prolactin peaks overnight. Be consistent for at least 2 to 3 full cycles; some need up to 6 cycles to see the full effect. If PMS remains unchanged after 3 months, recheck Prolactin and Progesterone, and consider other options like magnesium glycinate, vitamin B6, or SSRI therapy for severe premenstrual mood symptoms.

Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, since lowering Prolactin can affect milk supply. Skip vitex if you use dopamine drugs (cabergoline, bromocriptine, most antipsychotics) or are on fertility meds or hormone therapy without clinician guidance. Oral contraceptives still work, but mixing signals can be counterproductive. If Prolactin is elevated, rule out hypothyroidism with a TSH test and pituitary causes before self-treating. Headache, nausea, or rash are the usual mild side effects.