Mayo Clinic Care Network Content

Natural breast enhancement: Do supplements work?

Breast enhancement supplements aren't likely to work and might have side effects.

Many supplements are marketed as natural means of breast enlargement. Breast enhancement supplements typically contain a variety of herbs, such as saw palmetto and wild yam. Supplement manufacturers often discuss the potential benefits of plant-derived substances known as phytoestrogens on breast health. However, it's not clear that phytoestrogens enhance breast growth.

Serious drug interactions are possible with many supplements, especially if you take a blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Breast enlargement might be a side effect of certain prescription drugs — such as hormone therapy (estrogen), birth control pills and certain antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, the components of these medications aren't found in over-the-counter breast enhancement supplements.

If you're interested in breast enhancement, talk to your doctor about more-effective options — such as breast implants.

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