Hello everyone,
How are you doing? In the UK, the weather has taken a dark turn (literally). However, I have decided to stay positive and embrace the cosy season.
In today’s newsletter, I am bringing another possible aid to managing PCOS: Agnus Castus. I used this herb for two years and have quite a soft spot for it.
This week’s question
Is Agnus Castus good for my PCOS?
In short, yes. It has been shown to help regulate periods in those with PCOS and decrease pre-period symptoms.
In this newsletter:
What is Agnus Castus?
What is it used for?
Does it help PCOS?
How does Agnus Castus work?
Is taking Agnus Castus safe?
What is Agnus Castus?
Agnus Castus, also known as Vitex agnus-castus or chasteberry, is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for treating a variety of gynaecological disorders. It looks like this 👇🏼
What is it used for?
I am always amazed at the power of plants to help our bodies. Our ancestors have been using them for centuries, and I am always excited to see when something like this gets some scientific backing.
Most research on Agnus Castus/Vitex is on premenstrual syndrome and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Studies done on administering this herb measured the following: irritability, mood alteration, anger, headache, and other menstrual symptoms, including bloating and breast fullness. A recent meta-analysis of studies done on approximately 1,000 women showed a significant decrease in all those symptoms, and the ideal dosage seemed to be 20mg/day.
Does it help PCOS?
There are quite a few studies on the effect of Vitex on PCOS. 5 RCT (Randomised control trial) available on the administration of Agnus Castus (or a derivate) to women with PCOS:
One reported lowering prolactin levels for those who have high levels of prolactin
Two studies reported improving period regularity
One study compared Metformin to Agnugol (an extract of Agnus Castus) and found that both had similar effects on the menstrual cycle, helping regulate the period.
Most of these studies measured after administering Agnus Castus 30 drops of a commercial tincture for three months.
One study showed no difference in helping regulate the menstrual cycle after taking Agnus Castus for three months. This was a powdered form rather than a tincture.
How does it work?
The exact mechanism is not yet known, but it seems to have the ability to act on dopamine receptors in the brain leading to the stimulation of LH and FSH. In PCOS, LH dominates over FSH, leading to longer cycles and failed ovulation (revision here). The effect of this herb helps to bring these hormones into balance.
Is taking Agnus Castus safe?
The European Medicines Agency suggests that 20mg a day of Agnus Castus is safe to take to treat PMS for three months.
Although it is likely safe for most people, some known side effects of Agnus Castus include allergic reactions, swelling, difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, stomach aches, trouble sleeping and weight gain. If you have any of these, please stop taking it immediately.
Because of the herb’s effect on the pituitary gland, those with a pituitary disorder should not take it without talking to their doctor first.
If you're taking other hormone medications, such as the contraceptive pill or hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), do not take Agnus Castus without proper medical advice from your GP or a healthcare professional.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this and has offered another toolkit for your PCOS management.
See you next Sunday,
Francesca
Cerqueira, R. O., Frey, B. N., Leclerc, E., & Brietzke, E. (2017). Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 20(6), 713–719. doi:10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0
Arentz, S., Abbott, J. A., Smith, C. A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-14-511
Eltbogen, R., Litschgi, M., Gasser, U., Nebel, S., & Zahner, C. (2014). Vitex Agnus-Castus extract (Ze 440) improves symptoms in women with menstrual cycle irregularities. Planta Medica, 80(16). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1394507
Moini Jazani, A., Nasimi Doost Azgomi, H., Nasimi Doost Azgomi, A., & Nasimi Doost Azgomi, R. (2019). A comprehensive review of clinical studies with herbal medicine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Daru: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 27(2), 863–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40199-019-00312-0
Shayan, A. (2016). Comparing the effects of agnugol and metformin on oligomenorrhea in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, 10(12), QC13. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2016/22584.9040