🔴AvoidCurated
Vitex / Chasteberry
Vitex (chasteberry) should be avoided while breastfeeding. It directly affects prolactin levels — the hormone responsible for milk production — and could suppress lactation. While it's sometimes used to treat PMS or fertility issues, its hormonal effects make it inappropriate during breastfeeding.
📉Vitex lowers prolactin levels and may significantly reduce milk supply.
Vitex acts on dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland, which modulates prolactin secretion. At typical supplement doses, it tends to lower prolactin levels. Since prolactin is the primary hormone driving breast milk production, taking vitex during breastfeeding could reduce milk supply. Some herbalists historically recommended it to increase supply, but the pharmacological evidence suggests the opposite effect at standard doses. LactMed recommends avoiding it during lactation.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
Was this helpful?