A Natural Approach to Breast Enhancement

Is there an easy way to larger breasts? Will popping a "natural" pill enhance your breast size and firmness, or is it all marketing hype? Is the breast enhancement pill a safe alternative to breast augmentation surgery? Many companies claim to have natural herbal supplements that can provide breast enhancement properties. The effectiveness of these products and their safety, however, are still in question.

 

Breast augmentation pills are heavily marketed as the natural way to more beautiful breasts. There is currently no scientific evidence that they are effective, and physicians are becoming increasingly wary of their potential side effects.

It's important to note that because breast enhancement pills are marketed as "supplements," they do not need to be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration to be sold to the public. They have no requirements to pass the types of the rigorous studies that prescription and over the counter medications must pass. This calls into question the safety of these products, and brings up concerns about the side effects for the women who choose to take them.

Not only are breast augmentation pills not scientifically proven to be effective, but women who are taking these pills may be unknowingly affecting their health. Some physicians are concerned about the risk of taking herbal breast augmentation pills not only because of their possible side effects, but also because of the way they may interact with other prescribed medications a woman may be taking. For example, some breast enhancement pills contain chaste-tree berry, a substance known to interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Women who are considering the use of herbal breast enhancement pills should be aware of some warnings about common herbal ingredients found in breast enhancement pills. Some common herbal supplements that are often found in breast enhancement pills include:

Some of these substances may cause serious health risks for some women. For example, Black Cohosh may increase the toxicity of anti-cancer drugs. Dong Quai contains known carcinogens, and Fenugreek may interfere with blood clotting and diabetes medication. Since these herbs are not studied by the FDA, they may cause additional harmful side effects that are not yet known.

As with any medication, be sure to consult your doctor before deciding to self-medicate with an herbal supplement. This consultation may help to protect you from harmful side effects, as well as any drug interactions with any prescription medications you may be already taking.

Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2004, November 17). Women Taking breast enhancement pills swallow empty promises; Dangerous side effects, ASPS study says. ASPS Press Release.

Chalfoun, C., McDaniel, M., Motarjem, P. & Evans, G.R. (2004, October). Breast-enhancing pills: Myth and reality. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 114(5), 1330-3.