Updated April 2025
Dear Friends,
I live with hyperprolactinemia. Over the years, I’ve explored various ways to support my body after treatment with Cabergoline.
While Cabergoline worked very well to lower my prolactin levels, it didn’t suit me long-term. I experienced persistent nausea, a sense of disconnection from myself, and even nightmares. Some people choose to take Cabergoline indefinitely, but I knew I wanted to explore gentler, holistic alternatives.
At first, I tried Vitamin B6. It was effective at lowering prolactin, but consistent higher doses caused skin breakouts, something I hadn’t expected and didn’t want to deal with in my 40s.
That’s when I discovered Vitex (Chasteberry).
Vitex: A Supportive Chapter in My Journey
Vitex has a longstanding reputation for lowering prolactin, balancing hormones like progesterone and estradiol as well as promoting overall health. It’s packed with essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron, crucial nutrients that are often said to be deficient in women during their 40s. Also, it has antioxidants which can support skin health.
Historically, Vitex has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, especially to support women’s reproductive health and hormonal cycles. It is sometimes called Monk’s Pepper, as it was once believed to help monks maintain celibacy by supporting hormone balance. Today, it remains a popular natural remedy for PMS, cycle regulation, and hormonal shifts during the perimenopausal years.
What I appreciated most was Vitex’s gentle consistency. During the years I used it regularly, I noticed:
- Improved cycle regularity
- Clearer skin
- Reduced PMS symptoms
- A calmer mood
- Fewer hot flashes and breast tenderness
My prolactin levels stayed within the normal range, and I began to feel more like myself. Even my family noticed the change, often teasing me with, Did you take your Vitex today?
At the time, it felt like I had finally found my balance.
When the Body Asks for Change
I used Vitex consistently for about four years. But over time, my intuition and my body let me know that it was time for a new approach.
I transitioned away from daily Vitex use and began supporting my prolactin levels with P5P (the active form of Vitamin B6).
Unlike standard B6, which had caused skin breakouts for me in the past, P5P is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. It also supports neurotransmitter production, which may explain why I noticed feeling calmer, sleeping better, and experiencing a deeper sense of hormonal balance after making the switch.
P5P plays a gentle but important role in regulating prolactin and supporting mood and nervous system health. For me, it became the steady, effective support my body was quietly asking for.
Today, while I still use Vitex occasionally, mainly during PMS cycles when I feel it’s needed, P5P has has become a reliable and better fit for me.
What Has Helped Me Keep Prolactin Balanced
Alongside Vitex and now P5P, I’ve found a few additional practices that help support hormone health and prolactin balance:
- Managing cortisol and stress with grounding rituals and rest
- Limiting caffeine
- Limiting high phytoestrogen foods like soy, flaxseed, fennel seeds and licorice root which can increase prolactin
- Prioritizing sleep quality
- Gentle movement and stretching, overtraining can raise prolactin in some women
- Listening to my body’s signals and adjusting supplements accordingly
- Choosing comfortable bras that are not overly constricting as tight clothing around the chest can affect prolactin levels
Every journey with hormones is unique. What worked for me might not be the perfect solution for someone else, but I believe in sharing experiences so others feel less alone.
A Note for Those Exploring Vitex
If you’re considering Vitex, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying conditions or are taking medications. Some people may experience changes in menstrual flow or other effects.
During the time I used Vitex consistently, it was a helpful, supportive and I’m grateful for the steadiness it offered.
Disclaimer: The content shared here reflects my personal experiences and is not medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement or treatment routine.
If you’re exploring hormone health, you might like: How I Lowered High Cortisol: In Simple and Practical Steps