https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 11:54:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853747 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 08:44:49 +0000 Shantuck 2853747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you considered eliminating dairy from your diet? When I was having difficulty trying to conceive a few years ago, I saw an acupuncturist who put me on a special diet, which included no dairy. The concern with dairy was that there are so many hormones in cow dairy that it can mess up your hormones. I was allowed to have sheeps milk and goats milk (I love cheese so that meant replacing cows milk cheese for feta and goat cheese). Just a thought of something to try.</p> <p>Also, FWIW, I had the issue with my period starting the day before my pap was scheduled a couple weeks ago and ended up having to reschedule. They only wanted to see me if the bleeding was really light. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853741 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:42:46 +0000 cyoung 2853741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: I have a huge feeling it is my weight. I'm working on trying to lose it. Itll be a hard journey. My body does not lose weight easily except for when I was severely depressed back in the day before getting on medication for my bipolar disorder. Any other time I had to be extreme to lose weight. I leave soon for my appointment but I have call and let them know I'm bleeding cause they probably wont do a pap smear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853740 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:29:59 +0000 Kaohinani 2853740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: I have had an inordinate number of high days with CBEAD some cycles and others I have gone from low to PEAK. This cycle, I had no PEAK; however, my Smilereader LH strips showed a lovely progression and on the evening of CD, I was at my surge. I question the validity of LH strips at times. Also, EWCM can be seen throughout some women's cycles due to cyclic hormonal fluctuations (estrogen and progesterone upswings), as well as, constant attempts to ovulate, misreads on EWCM vs lotiony/creamy cm (I'm not stating you are misreading your CM, I'm staing it is always within the realm of possibility), infection, and pregnancy. Since you just had a suspected CP, it may be adding to your copious amounts of CM. Weight can also effect fertility profoundly. Studies have shown that excess weight (with a gain of a minimum of 10 lbs a year) can potentially reduce one's egg quality and can produce hostile CM. If you do not have PCOS, yet you are taking Clomid, chances of sperm-hostile CM are greater. As I stated above, I would discuss any issues with your PCM or OBGYN.<br /> I think you have a wonderful plan. Change in diet is phenomenal and, perhaps, you need to take a month off from medication and herbs (* I've used both and know the crazy havoc they can run.) Glad to see you on the POAS board. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853733 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 06:27:00 +0000 cyoung 2853733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: @LAZB: we have been tracking for now 5 months but we have been BDing unprotected since I got my IUD out in February. I have regular cycles to a degree. My O day moves and sometimes I struggle too. I had my first two kid naturally no issue period. I actually got pregnant first try and with my son while on birth control. I was also a lot thinner. I've noticed the heavier I got the more ewcm I've made and the more I O later. I'm also afraid that the IUD messed with my hormones. I had only for 6 months but I bled the whole 6 months and became anemic. </p> <p>I talk to a friend of mine and she kinda had the same thought that this cycle just to chill and see what happens and give my body a break. She thinks vitex could screw my cycles up or cause more harm. </p> <p>Idk I may not be estrogen dominant but unmedicated I make eggwhite for over a week and it just frustrates me cause I have no clue when I'm about to O. I know when I used a clearblue ovulation digitalOPK the advanced one. I got like 10 high days before my positive opk and I heard it measures estrogen. That just seems like a lot of high days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853730 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 05:35:08 +0000 Kaohinani 2853730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: First of all, good luck at your appointment this morning. I hope everything goes well and you receive all the answers you need to move forward.<br /> I have a few questions because I wish to give you the most honest and helpful response I can. First, (since we were on the last POAS board together I remember you have two young children ... I believe one is 1 and the other is 2?), my question is did you conceive them naturally or with medication? Next, have you had regular cycles since your last LO was born? Also, do you have a history of fibroids, cysts, or PCOS? (* This would all be cause for the intervention of Clomid or Vitex but not necessarily a reason for Estrogen dominance, perse, as those are usually caused by autoimmune disease, thyroid issues, gene mutations such as COMT and MTHFR which also impair your ability to methylate and detoxify your hormones, and some studies state chronic stress. 🤔) My final question is, how long have you been actively trying? I believe you had stated 3 cycles before but I may be mistaken. In that case, you may wish to take a cycle off to allow your body recover from your CP and your lining build back up. Then you may decide whether to use Clomid or Vitex. Discuss this with your OBGYN. After nearly 3 years trying for a #3 ... I've "been there and done that" with all of discussions with the OBGYN. 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853729 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 04:20:02 +0000 LAZB 2853729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: how many months have you tried? I thought it was only 2 or 3? I know it’s hard to be patient, but a chemical pregnancy is considered a “fluke” and shouldn’t make you jump to any conclusions.<br /> I’ve gotten pregnant using both vitex and clomid. I’d say try vitex if you want to for a few months, it doesn’t hurt anything. You can always go back to clomid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853707 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 17:03:22 +0000 cyoung 2853707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lol i dont think you are a creep. :) I'm 25 about to be 26. I am overweight and I've read that can cause estrogen dominance as well. This will be my 3rd baby if I get pregnant. I've always had a ton of eggwhite even when I was thinner though. I had two kids naturally but this 3rd baby is taking some time and heartache. Is vitex a good route for me you think? Or maybe give clomid one more try </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853706 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 16:55:10 +0000 pachamama 2853706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyoung: (I have been following you bc I'm a creep, sorry for your struggles. It's so hard).. from what I remember from the RE labs my estrogen was high. I had sooooo much ewcm. I tried vitex with my first son but this time I was just like, whatever. I also was supposed to do Clomid but I didn't bc I wanted to go the natural route, and it worked! You should have seen my numbers- SO BAD with "diminished ovarian reserve" and RE told me there was a very very slim chance I would get pregnant naturally but I just don't believe in . Do you mind me asking, How old are you? It seems like we on the older scale tend to become more estrogen dominant. But it doesn't mean that much! I was pretty stressed about it but in my case I got pregnant naturally 3 times. I miscarried once and it took me a while to get pregnant (only 2 out of 3 times) but I did. I hope this helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estrogen-dominance#post-2853704 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 16:11:40 +0000 cyoung 2853704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey I was wondering if any of you ladies were knowledgable about what I should do. I'm pretty sure I have an estrogen dominance issue. I make ewcm for over two weeks sometimes. My body will gear up to ovulate but struggles to sometimes. I tend to without clomid O around cd 20-21. Last cycle I was on clomid and I had a chemical or early miscarriage. (Whatever you want to call it) Now I'm nervous to take clomid again. I'm gonna take a break from it this month. I kinda wanted to go a more natural route this cycle. I was wondering if there was any supplements I could take. I've heard a ton about vitex. I've also heard about maca root. Idk if it any of these will help. I'm working on eating healthier and working out to help with estrogen dominance as well. Any tips or helpful knowledge will he greatly appreciated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-with-a-functional-cyst#post-2852181 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:58:14 +0000 LAZB 2852181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kaohinani: ok interesting, thanks! From googling it looked like vitex helps with lh and progesterone, not estrogen, so I thought it’d be ok. I’ve emailed my doc (although don’t expect to hear back soon since she’s on vacation), but I’ll hold off </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-with-a-functional-cyst#post-2852170 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 08:34:37 +0000 Kaohinani 2852170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Vitex with a cyst could, potentially, exacerbate the situation. As I am positive you already know, Vitex is an herb (composed of plant estrogens) which is used maintain hormonal balance, enhance circulation and improve the timing of the menstrual cycle. That stated, phytoestrogens added to an estrogen-produced cyst (one generated from synthetic fertility medicine) can cause the cyst to grow and rupture (painfully) which would set you back ANOTHER month. It may be better to allow the cyst to reabsorb into your body and try naturally this month.<br /> You may conceive naturally ... If not, next month, you will be cyst free and ready for Clomid and BD-ing. I'm stating this with your health in mind. I do KNOW how very much you want a baby ... I'm right there with you on that so I can empathize and sympathize with you, but, with the possibility of a ruptured cyst, your cycle would be for naught and you could miss out on a second month as well. IMO, it just isn't worth it. :heart: No judgement though, you know your body and it is 100% your decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-with-a-functional-cyst#post-2852158 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:14:38 +0000 LAZB 2852158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dc yoga bee: no, I don’t have pcos, the cyst is from extra hormones from the clomid and trigger shot I think. I could go back in, but it doesn’t really matter because I just want to take clomid, and it would be too late at that point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-with-a-functional-cyst#post-2852156 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:02:18 +0000 dc yoga bee 2852156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have PCOS? My RE told me that vitex does more harm than good for PCOS and can really jack up your cycles so that would be my main concern. I had a cyst at the start of my cycle, but they did another ultrasound on cd 12 or 13 and it had dissolved. Is that an option? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-with-a-functional-cyst#post-2852127 Thu, 18 Oct 2018 17:46:36 +0000 LAZB 2852127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m on cd5 and went for a scan today so I can start clomid. They found a 22 (mm?cm?) functional cyst and said to skip the clomid this cycle because it would only fuel the cyst since it is estrogen seeking. The nurse said I can still try naturally this month though (although I have a luteal phase defect and ovulate weakly on my own, so naturally is basically not trying). Anyway, I got pregnant one month using vitex, so I was wondering if I could try that this month since it does not increase estrogen production. My RE and her nurse are out of town, so I can’t talk to anyone right away, and I feel like time is of the essence. Is it worth taking it now? Or would it interfere with my cyst? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-when-did-you-take-it#post-2580855 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 07:56:46 +0000 LAZB 2580855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The first month I took it, I got pregnant. I took it every day, and took a lower dose after ovulation.<br /> The other two times I've gotten pregnant I had to use clomid, so it was a pleasant surprise that it worked so well for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-when-did-you-take-it#post-2580825 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 06:24:48 +0000 pachamama 2580825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took it in the months before getting pregnant. I guess I thought it wasn't supposed to be taken when you are pregnant? I believe I stopped when I got my BFP. Healthy pregnancy and baby boy was the result! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vitex-when-did-you-take-it#post-2580812 Mon, 04 Jul 2016 22:37:53 +0000 Iced Tea 2580812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you start taking vitex/chasteberry ahead of TTC? Or did you start it during? Did you take it daily or only after ovulation? If you got pregnant, how long did you take it before getting pregnant? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2499214 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 08:29:12 +0000 LAZB 2499214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Plainpistachio: I stopped the vitex he day I got a bfp, but continued with my progesterone supplements.<br /> @Crystal: I took it to help with my luteal phase defect. My cycles post partum only had a 3-4 day luteal phase, and even before that I had a defect. It is also supposed to help with pcos and other hormonal imbalances. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2498990 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 23:32:57 +0000 Crystal 2498990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LAZB: why did you take the vitex? What is it supposed to do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2498959 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:30:46 +0000 Plainpistachio 2498959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just got a BFP first time today after Vitex, acupuncture, and progesterone cream to help lengthen my luteal phase. Only just started that all a week ago! So idk if any of it had to do with it. Is it ok to stop the vitex? What about the progesterone cream? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2485416 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 23:05:26 +0000 CRGmama 2485416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yay!! Congrats!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2485349 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:39:29 +0000 Mrs. D 2485349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If I didn't get knocked up this week, I'll check into tis next cycle. Thanks! And congrats. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2482468 Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:39:29 +0000 LAZB 2482468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: thank you! I wish I knew about vitex sooner! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2482464 Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:36:11 +0000 LCTBQE 2482464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LAZB: just clicked on your thread because I was curious about vitex when TTC--wonderful news! congratulations :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2482460 Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:17:21 +0000 LAZB 2482460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took the tincture three times a day through O, and then twice a day for a week, and then once a day until I got my Bfp. I will stop taking it now. I also took one b6 pill a day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2482458 Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:14:19 +0000 LAZB 2482458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: vitex worked for me! I ovulated cd 17 (instead of my usual 22-23) and just got a Bfp at 9 dpo! </p> [attach=4900/16/o3gpzv.450x600.image.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2453535 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:14:06 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2453535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say don't.... Without proper guidance, it can really screw with your cycle. I'd suggest seeing a naturopath. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2453456 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:01:38 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2453456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LAZB: I found it at a health food store- it's called vitex or chasteberry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2453435 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:37:30 +0000 LAZB 2453435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Oatmeal: thanks! I haven't heard of the tea, where do you get it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-tips-for-taking-vitex#post-2453389 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:13:04 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2453389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I drank vitex tea- two large mugs twice per day. I was also on several other natural 'remedies', so I don't know if it was specifically the vitex that helped or if it just contributed. Hopefully someone else has some better experience! </p>