The 28-day human reproductive cycle, initiated and maintained by hormones, is controlled by the pituitary, a pea sized endocrine gland situated centrally beneath the brain (behind the nose). Probably the most significant gland in the body, the pituitary is often called “the conductor of the endocrine orchestra” because of its essential function and control over many of the other glands and body systems.

The reproductive system is where we see the power exerted by the pituitary gland most clearly. The menstrual cycle is all about the product of the ovum (egg) and the preparation of the uterus to support and nurture the ovum once it has been fertilized by a single sperm.

The menstrual period constitutes the first five days of the cycle, this is when the endometrial tissues lining the uterus are shed and menstrual bleeding occurs. Endometrial regrowth begins again on about the 5th day of the cycle and is precipitated by hormones from the ovarian follicles (the tissues that surround an immature ovum in the ovary). The ovarian cycle is regulated by hormones from the anterior pituitary gland, specifically follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). During the last few days of the previous cycle and the first several days of the next, these hormones stimulate follicle development, and as it develops, it begins to product oestrogen on about the 7th day. Oestrogen enters the general circulation and influences endometrial growth. On about the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, the combination of the high FSH, LH and oestrogen levels induce ovulation – the bursting of a mature follicle from the ovary and then release of an ovum. After ovulation, the follicle undergoes significant changes, influenced by LH, to become of the corpus luteum. On about the 21st day, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone as well as oestrogen, the combination of which have remarkable influence on endometrial development. The endometrial tissues lining the wall of the uterus become thick, with an abundance of blood carrying arteries and other tissues to build an environment conducive to nutritional support of an implanted fertilized ovum. If fertilization occurs (on about the 16th day), the corpus luteum becomes the principal source of hormones supporting development of the embryo and will continue as such for the next 90 days or so or until the placenta is capable of producing its own hormones.

If fertilization does not occur, on about the 26th day, the corpus luteum begins to reduce back to its immature state, and oestrogen and progesterone levels drop. Lacking hormonal stimulation, the endometrium begins to collapse and eventually on about day 28 breakaway from the uterus to be shed as menstrual blood via the vagina. After 3-5 days of menstruation, a layer of only about 1mm of endometrium is left for regeneration. The pituitary will make sure the ovaries take care of that…. And so the cycle continues, or at least is should…

Femaprin

So many women face the discomfort and distraction of hormonal imbalances. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include infertility, menstrual irregularities, menopausal discomfort, PMT, dysmenorrhoea (period pain), plus cyclical acne, fluid retention, breast tenderness, irritability, depression and headaches. This is not the way nature intended a woman’s hormonal cycle to be, but nature does have a solution for it. FEMAPRIN™ Vitex agnus castus extract.

Balance is important for a woman, and Nature’s Way has created a supplement that can help maintain a woman’s natural balance. All natural FEMAPRIN™ is the best selling standardized Vitex agnus castus extract, fortified with whole fruit Vitex and vitamin B6. FEMAPRIN™ can help restore natural hormonal balance in order to prevent the all too common menstrual cycle discomforts faced by so many women.

FEMAPRIN™ Vitex agnus castus works by directly nourishing and enhancing the function of the pituitary gland, the master gland for sex hormone balance and the menstrual cycle (see below for an explanation of the female reproductive cycle). Vitex increases the production of certain hormones whilst mildly inhibiting others in order to create balance and harmony throughout the menstrual cycle between the main sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It is important to note the FEMAPRIN™ does not contain hormones or hormone-like substances.

There have been over 200 publications dealing with the subject of Vitex agnus castus. Best results are obtained with continuous use over several months without interruption, taken first thing in the morning as part of a daily dietary program. FEMAPRIN™ or any other Vitex agnus castus product should not be taken when on the contraceptive pill or HRT and is not recommended during pregnancy (though no adverse results have been shown with use during the first trimester, especially when being used to enhance fertility). For anovulatory cycles or infertility, treatment duration should be at least six to seven months.