Chasteberry (Vitex) for PMS and Breast Tenderness: What the Evidence Shows

Chasteberry, also called vitex or chaste tree, comes from a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It’s sold as capsules, tinctures and teas for PMS, breast tenderness before periods and menopause symptoms.¹ If your cycles are getting rougher in your 40s, here is what’s known.

What the evidence shows

PMS and breast tenderness. Several studies of low to moderate quality suggest chasteberry might ease PMS symptoms such as breast pain or tenderness. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)¹ says higher-quality evidence is needed before firm conclusions.¹

A 2022 review of 20 studies on herbal treatments for cyclical breast pain found that vitex, along with some other herbs, was linked to less pain. The authors warned that some studies were of low quality.²

Other uses. One low-quality study suggested chasteberry might reduce heavy bleeding related to an IUD. A preliminary study hinted at help for some menopause symptoms. Neither is enough to rely on.¹

Safety

• Generally well tolerated short term, and used safely in studies for up to 3 months.¹
• Side effects are usually mild: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache or itching.¹
• It may not be safe if you’ve had a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast, uterine or ovarian cancer.¹
• It may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, which matters if you could still conceive in perimenopause.¹
• Herbs can interact with medicines, so check with your pharmacist.¹

Like other supplements, chasteberry products don’t need FDA approval before they’re sold.¹

Before you try it

1. Track your symptoms for two cycles first, so you can tell whether anything changes. Our article on PMS irritability explains common patterns.
2. Rule out other causes of breast pain or mood changes with your clinician.
3. Know about PMDD, a severe form with strong mood symptoms. See our guide to PMDD and the antidepressant options that have stronger evidence.
4. Choose a single-ingredient product and set a trial period of about 3 cycles.
5. Stop if you notice side effects or no change.

Try: “My breasts get very sore and my mood drops the week before my period, and it’s worse than it used to be. Would chasteberry be safe for me, or should we look at other options?”

Period, Handled includes a Period Scorecard and a visit script. Use them to rate your symptoms across your cycle and track anything you try. See the book.