Hi Mamma's, As you always have the best advise, I need your help again. We have decided in January to try for No. 2. As our 1st son was concived at the first try, we only decided to try for No. 2 when we were ready for it. Unfortunately this time around it has not been so easy, so we are still trying. I have started charting about 3 cycles ago and can already see the patern. It appears that I have a short luteal phase. I clearly ovulate based on temp shift but already 8 days after ovulation I start spotting and my period. As I read in the book "Taking charge for your fertility" this could be a problem, I talked to my OBGYN about it, but she is not concerned with it at all. I get the feeling that she does not really believe in such a things as luteal phase defect. As we concived out first baby without problems, she advised me to continue charting and use ovulation kits as those are more reliable. As I read about Vitex, I wanted to give it a try as it supposedly extends the luteal phase. Has any of you tried it and had success with it? How much did you take? Did you try anything else that worked for you to extend your luteal phase and ended up pregnant?I have a physical scheduled with my Primary Physician but as she is on vacation, it is about 6 weeks out. As I am turning 38 next month, I know time is not on my side. Thanks so much in advance for you feedback.
You could consider consulting an expert herbalist because vitex alone might not be all you need. Another OBGYN too?
I don't have any experience with Vitex, but I know that acupuncture can be very helpful with luteal phase issues.
Don't start worrying just yet -- three months of trying is not that long!
No advice, but I wanted to wish you luck and say that I am impressed with how tuned into your body you are. I think you will do well to continue to trust that you know what is going on. Great quality in a mother!
Can't spek to the vitex, but I took a supplement called Pregnancy Prep and conceived within 2 months each time. Did it work? Who knows. I was 36 and 38.
Consider accupuncture. A lot of fertility clinics now suggest it too and its a good way to get the body back in balance. Good luck!
I have heard some really good things about Pre-Seed and Instead Cups. Go to this website and look into them http://thefertilitystore.com/index.php?main_page=index&am...
T.
First, I'm not a doc -- YMMV. But here's my experience. I also have a short cycle -- sometimes with a shorter luteal phase. When I realized this when we were trying to conceive our first, I tried both Vitex and one of the B vitamins (pretty sure it's B6 -- it's mentioned in the Taking Charge book). I think the B6 in particular had a noticeable impact in lengthening my cycle -- I was having some 24 day cycles and when taking the B6, I went back up to my typical 27 days. We conceived our first shortly after that. If you think your OB is blowing off your concerns, I'd seek a second opinion.
Im currently 39 and were currently trying for our 2nd as well, I was 37 with our 1st which was conceived 3 mos after taking a supplument called Femaprin, I just began taking it again, but will take Vitex if its nonprescribed after our 3rd month of trying
i've heard some really great things about vitex. however, don't expect your MD to encourage you to use it or even be aware of its benefits. generally they are not schooled on the benefits of herbal treatments, and if they are, they are limited by liability issues in terms of how much information they can provide. i would recommend seeing a naturapath or a Chinese doctor, many of whom have amazing records on fertility treatments. one is named Dr. Chiang in Berkeley/Albany/El Cerrito. good luck!
