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19 November 2004
Warning On Breast Enhancement Pills 
Pills to enlarge women's breasts are being widely touted on the Internet, but do these pills actually work? Probably not, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Not only are breast enhancement pills unproven, they could be dangerous, according to a study appearing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the ASPS. "There are upward of 30 different herbal products advertised widely on television, in magazines and on the Internet alleging to enhance the size of women's breasts; however, there have been no scientifically sound clinical trials proving they work," said Thomas Lawrence, ASPS spokesperson. Breast enhancement pills have become popular due to their "guaranteed" safety and low cost compared to breast augmentation; however, the pills are sold as herbal supplements and are not subject to the F.D.A's scrutiny for safety and effectiveness. Although manufacturers claim to have studies that prove their products work, the majority of the data is derived from historical anecdotes and isolated, limited studies, say the study authors. While these pills promise an easy and inexpensive way to have larger breasts, many women may be placing their health in danger, the study warns. "It's what we don't know about these pills that scares many physicians," said Dr. Lawrence. "The primary active ingredients found in these supplements can be dangerous when mixed with other medications. Because many women who want bigger breasts self-prescribe these pills, they may be placing themselves in harms way without even knowing it." According to the study, many breast enhancement pills contain one or more ingredients that can directly interfere with prescribed medications. For example, chaste-tree berry, which has been used to treat female reproductive problems since ancient times in Greece, contains active ingredients that may interfere with birth control pills. Black cohosh may increase the toxicity of anticancer drugs. Fenugreek contains elements that can interfere with medications designed to stop blood clotting and regulate diabetes. In addition, the primary ingredients of don quai, which have been used in China for more than 2,000 years to treat and relieve menstrual symptoms, are known carcinogens. Other popular ingredients in breast enhancement pills include saw palmetto, damiana, blessed thistle, dandelion, wild yam, kava and fennel. "Despite the lack of data, many women are enticed by these products because they appear to be an easy way to get larger breasts; however, the only way women can increase their breast size substantially is through breast augmentation. There is always the chance that herbal methods may have some sort of positive effect, but anyone living with a health condition or taking medications should be careful of the potential negative side effects," said Dr. Lawrence.
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