A herbal supplement made from the fruit of the Vitex agnus-castus tree, also called chasteberry.
What vitex is
Vitex, or chasteberry, is a herbal supplement made from the fruit of the Vitex agnus-castus tree. It is sold in several forms, such as capsules, drops, and herbal teas. It is often marketed to support more regular periods and is sometimes used after stopping the contraceptive pill. As a herb, its content and strength can vary between brands, so it is not regulated as tightly as prescription medicine. As a result, two products that look similar may not contain the same amount of the active ingredient.
How it relates to PCOS
Despite its popularity, vitex is not a standard treatment for PCOS. The scientific evidence for its effect in PCOS is limited and inconsistent, and most studies are small. It does not replace doctor-confirmed steps such as lifestyle changes or prescription medicine. Treating a supplement as a substitute for effective care can delay suitable treatment. If you are interested in a supplement approach, see the supplements page for a wider view, and first understand what is PCOS so your choices are better informed.
Precautions
Because it is a herb that can affect hormones, vitex may not be suitable for everyone. It is likely to be less suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or taking hormone-related medicine such as the contraceptive pill. This page does not give a dose, because that decision should be discussed with a pharmacist or doctor who knows your situation. Tell them about all the supplements and medicines you take so they can check for possible interactions, and stop use if you notice any unusual effects.
What it means for you
Before trying vitex, talking to a pharmacist or doctor is the safest step. They can judge whether it is reasonable for your situation and offer suitable guidance based on your health history. Herbal supplements are sometimes assumed to be “natural and safe”, but natural does not mean it has no effect or that it suits everyone. If fertility is a priority for you, see also PCOS and fertility for further context, because some supplements need more careful thought when trying to conceive. Any decision about a supplement should be made with a doctor or pharmacist.
This glossary is education, not diagnosis. For your own situation, ask a doctor or pharmacist.