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Subject:
From:
Jennifer Tow <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 20 May 2000 00:07:09 EDT
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In a message dated 5/19/0 11:04:26 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:


Julie,

Following is my response 3 days ago to a post about vitex. Below that are
responses to your post.


<<   this is from the commissione - there are no indicated contraindications
including pregnancy and lacatation.>.

Not only are there no contraindications, but vitex can help to maintain a
pregnancy, as it normalizes the progesterone/estrogen balance. This is an
important herb for women who have miscarriages or difficulty getting
pregnant.

<<  There is evidence that aqueous-alcoholic extracts of chaste tree fruit
inhibit secretion of prolactin in vitro. In human pharmacology there are no
data about the lowering of prolactin levels. There is no knowledge regarding
pharmacokinetics. Systematic studies about toxicology are unknown.>>

Actually, this study had to have been taken out of context, as vitex
stimulates the pituitary directly and regulates hormonal function. So, only
*if* prolactin levels were abnormally high would they be suppressed. This is
a very different way of understanding the medicinal quality of a plant than
in allopathic terms. Vitex, unlike many other herbs, has been studied rather
extensively. In her book, "Herbal Healing for Women", Rosamary Gladstar, one
of this country's best respected  herbalists states that vitex is used as a
birthing aid *and* to stimulate the flow of milk, as it is considered a
prolactin *stimulant*. This has been my personal experience with vitex, both
in using it myself and as reported to me by other mothers. She also states
that no side effects have been reported from extensive and extended use.

<<    Dr. Low Dog suggests that it may be helpful to reduce milk production
only if given right after birth.>>

This would certainly be true *if* there is an overproduction of prolactin
which needs to be normalized in relationship to other hormones.

   << We duiscussed that this might be a good choice for the mother wishing to
get pregnant who is still nursing.>>

If the pituitary is producing hormones out of balance with one another, then
this could be helpful, but if the mother has LAM in the context of a normal
hormonal balance, it will not make any difference to her fertility at that
time. I personally have taken vitex for the past 3 1/2 years. I am nursing a
21 mos old and, as w/ all of my babies, still have LAM.
    One last note: vitex could be very helpful to women with low milk
production, early return of menses, endometriosis, painful or heavy periods,
infertility and IMO post-partum depression.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

<< So, some questions that I have are,
1.  Anyone have experience with this type of concern>>

I have no specific knowledge re: hyperprolactinemia and vitex, but as it
normalizes hormones, it should be helpful.

<<2.  Could anyone please advice on the vitex--my gut feeling is to stop--mom
is worried to do either>>
If she discontinues, she may miscarry, esp in the first 16weeks. If her
progesterone levels are being supported by the vitex, stopping vitex would
likely cause miscarriage.

<<3.  Any suggestions on how to support this mother's lactation once she
delivers?  What should I anticipate? >>

I have only worked w/ one mother w/ hypo-prolactinemia, but I would encourage
her to continue the vitex after delivery.

BTW, so there is no misunderstanding, I am not an herbalist, but vitex is one
thing I have thoroughly researched and personally know a lot about.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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