Menopause, menopause part 8

 The herb is especially recommended in the first phase menopause is Chasteberry - Vitex agnus-castus L., leaves and fruits are used in herbal medicine. Contains: iridoid glycosides, alkaloids, essential oil, sesquiterpenes, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-3-O-glycoside, caffeic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, diterpenes.

Chasteberry extract has multidirectional effects: diuretic, diaphoretic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, regulating the endocrine system, antilactogenic, antiandrogenic and estrogenic (depends on many factors), disinfectant, sedative, antidepressant, choleretic.

It increases the concentration of dopamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA -> the end product of tryptophan metabolism, it is a metabolite resulting from the deamination of serotonin), and reduces the concentration of serotonin.

Increases estrogen production. It stimulates and enhances the activity of the corpus luteum. It inhibits the secretion of follicle stimulin FSH, but increases the concentration of pituitary lutropin LH. Restores the proper hormonal balance: progesterone-estrogens. It removes the unpleasant symptoms of menopause related to hormonal disorders on the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis and progesterone deficiency. And therefore it also lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood.  

The pathway for the synthesis of steroid hormones from the substrate cholesterol downstream. If their production returns to balance, cholesterol is used for this production and its concentration in the blood decreases.

  

If aromatase is activated in a woman's body and androstenedione and testosterone are converted into estrogens (estrone, estradiol), this is an estrogenic effect and a reduction in the symptoms of rosacea or acne vulgaris. If a woman's body releases androgens directly into the blood without their transformation, there is an androgenic effect and worsening of acne symptoms and intensification of symptoms, e.g. telangiectasia (i.e. you need to check your body). 

When to apply? premenstrual syndrome. painful, irregular, menstruation; infertility caused by corpus luteum failure and progesterone deficiency; galactorrhea; hyperprolactinemia; miscarriages related to endometriosis; breast fibrosis; hormonal disorders on the axis - hypothalamus-pituitary-ovaries. Symptoms related to menopause, but in the first phase of menopause. Acne vulgaris and rosacea that worsen during menstruation (no other types of acne).

When not to use? Breast cancer, prolactin deficiency, allergy to the preparation, anemia, lactation, pregnancy. Concomitant use of preparations containing progesterone or gestagens may enhance the effect of chasteberry. Due to the dopaminergic effect it may occur weakening the effect of dopamine receptor antagonists. 

 Chasteberry dry extract is recommended - Extractum siccum Agni casti: 250-280-300 mg twice a day, in the morning and at noon. It must be adapted to a given body, so a higher dose may be necessary.