Facts on Breast Enhancement Pills
The use of breast enhancement pills is on the rise as more women seek alternatives to surgery. Although some women report breast growth when using these products, very little evidence supports claims about the effectiveness and safety of these supplements. In addition, enhancement pills that raise estrogen levels may increase a woman's risk of hormone-related cancers of the breast and uterus.
Function
It is claimed that breast enhancement pills work by altering levels of certain hormones in the body, such as estrogen and progesterone. Some herbs contained in these supplements have been shown to have estrogen-like effects when taken in large quantities over time. However, the hormonal effects of these pills is likely only the result of temporary swelling caused by fluid retention, similar to the temporary change in breast size sometimes associated with taking birth control pills.
Types
Most breast enhancement pills differ only slightly from each other, with most containing one or more of the following ingredients: blessed thistle; dong quai, an herb believed to help menopausal symptoms; fennel seed; fenugreek; hops, a potent phytoestrogen; saw palmetto and wild yam. Pueraria mirifica, a plant that contains miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, is also being added to many breast enhancement pills because of its estrogen-like effects in the body. Soy, which does have many health benefits, is another common ingredient in breast enhancement products.
Benefits
Some of the ingredients found in many breast enhancement pills can be beneficial to some women. Some herbs, such as blessed thistle, have been approved by Germany's Commission E for uses unrelated to breast enlargement. Other herbs and supplements, including soy and saw palmetto, have been proven to provide numerous benefits to both men and women, but the reasons behind their inclusion in breast enhancement pills remains unclear. Regardless of the lack of evidence, some women experience benefits simply from taking breast enhancement products. For many, the benefits are primarily psychological, but are worth the safety concerns.
Warning
There is very little evidence to support claims that breast enhancement pills actually result in larger breasts. Moreover, very few studies have been done on the safety of breast enhancement pills, but there is evidence to support a number of risks associated with taking supplements that increase estrogen levels. High levels of estrogen, especially when used without the addition of progesterone, have been linked to increased rates of breast and uterine cancers. Speak with your doctor before beginning treatment with any breast enhancement pills.
Significance
Breast enhancement is a huge industry, and women who desire a nonsurgical method of enlarging their breasts typically opt for pills. New products and supplements appear on the market almost daily, with little or no evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of their use. Most breast enlargement pills contain phytoestrogens, primarily from soy, and many experts believe use of these supplements may increase the risk of breast and other hormone-dependent cancers.
Researchers at Cornell University caution women against taking breast enhancement pills or any other supplements that may produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Although the number of hormone replacement therapy recipients has decreased over the last decade, the number of those taking breast growth supplements has increased. As the use of breast enlargement pills and creams becomes more common, many doctors expect to see a rise in hormone-related cancers.
Tags: breast enhancement pills, breast enhancement, have been, breast enhancement, enhancement pills, enhancement pills
