Vitex, Clomid and Letrozole: A Review of Research

In this episode of Food, Freedom, and Fertility, Caitlin & Sophia take a different approach and independently choose two different topics in the world of fertility and PCOS along with their associated studies to dissect important topics in the world of women’s health so listeners can gather the data presented and understand the theories within their own frame of reference. The studies chosen by Caitlin and Sophia focus on Vitex, Letrozole, and Clomind. 

Sophia started the conversation discussing a study involving Vitex, otherwise known as Chasteberry. Vitex is a supplement recommended for luteal phase to help with hyper prolactin anemia, which happens when your body’s body's makes too much prolactin. Most women notice this as a common reason for the luteal phase to be shorter than average with a menstrual cycle including heavy periods with intense pain and cramping. The study chosen aimed to prove whether or not Vitex could reduce elevated prolactin resulting in the luteal phase lengthening and progesterone levels normalizing.  As Sophia continues to dissect the study, both weigh in on their known benefits and drawbacks of Vitex through their own experiences and exposure to the herbal supplement. 

Caitlin’s chosen study involved the debate on Letrozole versus Clomid. Clomid is a fertility drug which blocks your brain’s estrogen receptors and makes your body think its estrogen levels are low which results in the making of more follicle stimulating the FH hormone, the hormone responsible for triggering your body to grow follicles to size. Letrozole is a newer drug that also changes how your body makes estrogen but instead of using brain receptors, it triggers the enzyme responsible for turning testosterone into estrogen to stop. This causes your body to produce more estrogen in other ways to compensate for the lower levels in the body. Both are known to induce ovulating, which proves to be helpful for the population living with PCOS.  The Clomid study chosen focused on that group of women within the United States. In the study a somewhat shocking statistic rate is shared from Caitlin to make listeners aware of the drug’s success rate while also detailing the processes and side effects the body can withstand when taking Clomid.  The study related to Letrozole, identifies some advantages over Clomid while sounding similar processes within the body. Both studies show staggering statistics including strong differences of each drug, which Caitlin aims to share openly and critically with listeners who hold stake in the wellness of their fertility process.

When discussing these studies, Caitlin and Sophia aim to quantify the scientific descriptions into relatable context for listen to digest within their own world of fertility.  While focusing on discussion rather than hard persuasion, Caitlin and Sophia hope to give listeners helpful information so steps can be taken alongside a medical care professional in an effort to reach a healthy fertility process.