Description

Chaste tree berry, acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing production of luteinizing hormones and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormones. The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone.

Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea) that is caused by a lack of ovulation, and therefore a lack of progesterone production, should result in menses when progesterone is taken. Progesterone-induced menses indicates an intact reproductive system that is just not going through its cycle.

It suggests that the body is producing enough FSH to stimulate the ovaries, and that the ovaries can develop follicles. It also indicates that follicular production of estrogen is sufficient to cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to grow and that the sloughed endometrium is able to pass through the cervical opening and the vagina. Therefore it is possible that the problem is a dysfunction in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

The ability of chaste tree berry to modulate the hypothalamus or pituitary gland then makes this herb a good candidate for treating amenorrhea (infertility).

High levels of the hormone prolactin are commonly found with corpus luteum insufficiency.

Chaste Tree Berry is useful for reducing high prolactin levels. It inhibits prolactin release by the pituitary gland, especially when the body is under stress.

Chaste Tree Berry should be taken as recommended by a Health Care Professional. Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.