Has anyone tried Tribulus Terrestris for FEMALE fertility? Thoughts?

[coconuttymummy]

I’ve been avidly researching natural fertility boosters for women (in particular ovulatory support) when I stumbled across Tribulus Terrestris.
I’ve heard of it being used for men - to increase libido and improve sperm - but not for us ladies.

I was actually searching for a natural alternative to Clomid. I know there likely isn’t anything close, naturally, but I wondered if any herbals could have a similar affect via a different mechanism, albeit likely weaker.

So, if what I have been reading is true, it turns out that Tribulus, when taken CD 5-14, can have a significant (positive) effect on ovulation.

I was considering giving it a try next cycle, if I don’t get my BFP this month, but I’m wary of its testosterone boosting mechanism, obviously being a woman! (Despite this being directly linked to its benefits, apparently - something to do with Gonadotropin?).

I currently take Vitex, Ubiquinol/Co-Q10, Myo-Inositol, a host of vitamins all cycle and Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf Tea & Red Clover Tea just up to around ovulation time.

So I’m not shy of throwing a few herbs and supplements into my TTC attempts, but I’m feeling a little more cautious with the Tribulus for some reason.

Can anyone throw any thoughts in to the bag? Have you heard of it? Do you use it? Would you use it? Opinions please! X

“1. Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) is an antioxidant rich nourishing tonic* for the entire female reproductive system with an affinity for the ovaries and their proper function. Tribulus has been found to promote ovulation when used prior to ovulation. Studies have found that Tribulus produces marked increases in FSH and estradiol levels in women, which may result in an increase in the number of maturing follicles in the ovaries.”

natural-fertility-info.com/herbs-help-regulate-ovulation.html

“TRIBULUS FOR FEMALE FERTILITY:
Using Tribulus for Female Fertility and Ovulation Stimulation
In her text Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, physician, midwife, and herbalist Dr. Aviva Romm shares of one study performed on 36 women who were not ovulating, showed that 67% realized normal ovulation after only 2-3 months of consistent use. The women were given 300-400mg a day, from day 5-14 of their menstrual cycle. 6% became pregnant right away.

A rat study using Tribulus, out of Islamic Azad University in Iran published online in Aug. 2011, showed that Tribulus reduced the number of cysts in the ovaries, in female rats with PCOS. High doses of the extract were administered orally. The treatment showed the ovarian cysts to have significantly decreased, and normal ovarian function was restored. While this was not a human study, it gives scientists more research and knowledge when considering this herb for treatment of PCOS in humans. Many herbalists find that Tribulus is an effective, overall female fertility tonic and ovarian stimulant, making it an excellent choice for women with PCOS. This is especially true for women who are not ovulating due to PCOS.

This herb has been found to be wonderful in aiding women with menstrual irregularities, and improving timing of the entire menstrual cycle. Tribulus is a nourishing tonic for the female reproductive system as a whole, especially concerning the ovaries.

Tribulus combines well with other herbs. See below for herbal combinations…
The following herbs have been shown safe and effective when combined with Tribulus.

Lack of libido: Damiana, Maca
Male Sexual Dysfunction: Korean Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Maca or Ashwagandha
Female Tonic for Reproductive Health: Shatavari, Maca
Click here to shop for Fertilica ™ Tribulus

Traditional Suggested Dosage of Tribulus terrestris:
Capsules: 500mg a day to start, working up to 1500mg a day as needed.
Liquid Extract (Tincture): 3-5 mL, 2 times a day.

For Men: Tribulus has been shown best to use all month long, for 3-6 months consistently. This is because it takes 46-72 days for an immature sperm to mature before ejaculation.
For Women: In general, Tribulus is fine to take all month long. For women with irregular ovulation timing or anovulatory cycles, Tribulus has been shown best to use from day 5-14 of the menstrual cycle, not past ovulation. Tribulus should not be used during pregnancy.”

natural-fertility-info.com/tribulus-fertility.html

My friend recently had a consultation with an IVF nurse. She suggested InfoCol as a fertility wonder drug. Might be worth looking into? X

@mooey89 Haha! That’s a new one on me! Xxx

Apparently a lot of ladies are taking Soy Isoflavones CD1-5 and Tribulus Terrestris CD6-CD14 or 15. x

Oops, not infocol (obviously) but this

inofolic.org.uk/product/inofolic-60-sachets-2-boxes/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2s_dpved5AIVE-R3Ch3gLgohEAQYASABEgLZT_D_BwE

@mooey89 Haha! I thought something was off, there!

From what I can see after a quick look at Inofolic, the main active ingredients are Myo-Inositol, Folic Acid and Melatonin.

Interesting... I already take Myo Inositol and Folic Acid, but i'm interested by the addition of Melatonin. xxx

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to share my experience using Tribulus for anyone who may be looking. I have been TTC since Nov 19, with no success. I had a stressful fall of 2019, followed by a surgery, so I think that that could have started an imbalance of sorts. I was never tested, but came to the conclusion in the spring of 2020 that something was up. I was having short periods with clots, not lasting more than three days. I started taking Maca, which cleared the clots and normalized my bleeding to a longer 4-5 days, but still no pregnancy. This month (beginning 20 may 20) I began supplementing with Tribulus. There is quite a bit of research on animals, with respect to ovarian and uterine parameters, showing a positive effect on both fronts. I thought that my endometrial lining may have been a little too scant, with low estrogen, so that's what led me to tribulus. Tribulus increases the pituitary output of FSH (in women), leading to an increase in estrogens. I usually ovulate on CD 17, so I took it from around CD 9 through 16. I could feel the blood pumping to my uterus/ovaries, and was super bloaty most of the time. Bad news: I had no idea when I was fertile - turns out the tribulus had a similar effect as Clomid (from what Ive read), where my CM was pretty scant. We BDd on CD 17 and 18, and I ovulated on day 19 (temp confirmation). The temp rise was much less than I normally see (only about .2-.3 average as opposed to a usual .5), so I wasnt entierly sure that I actually ovulated. I then started bleeding at 6dpo, which was a light, red bleed that lasted 2 days, with dizziness/exhaustion, which was very different from usual PMS symptoms. I took a pregnancy test this morning (8dpo) and have a very faint positive, but definately a positive. I had blood taken this morning for an HCG screen to confirm (I wanted to know what was happening with my hormones if I wasnt pregnant). Hope that helps all who are looking!

Hi @Lena528 congrats! What dose tribulus did you take?