Do breast enhancement supplements work?

Answer From Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

Breast enhancement supplements aren't likely to work, and some may have side effects.

Many supplements are marketed as natural way to make breasts bigger. Breast enhancement supplements typically contain a variety of herbs, such as saw palmetto and wild yam. The companies that make these supplements often cite the potential breast health benefits of substances that come from plants called phytoestrogens. But there's no evidence that phytoestrogens make a difference in breast growth.

An enlargement in breast size can be a side effect of some prescription drugs. Examples include hormone therapy that contains estrogen, birth control pills and a type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. But you won't find the ingredients in these medicines in breast enhancement supplements.

Also, it's important to be careful when you take supplements because they can interact with other medicine you're taking and potentially cause serious health problems. That's particularly true if you take a blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

If you're interested in making your breasts larger, talk to your healthcare professional about more-effective options, such as breast implants.

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July 09, 2024 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Breast cancer prevention
  2. Breast implants: Saline vs. silicone
  3. Breast implants and cancer
  4. Evaluating breast lumps
  5. COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
  6. Dense breast tissue
  7. Does soy really affect breast cancer risk?
  8. Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture?