Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/25/2008

Question
Hi,

I have been diagnosed with PCOs and elevated levels of prolactin. I want to take flaxseed oil capsules for the PCOs but have researched that flaxseed increases serum prolactin levels. I want to know if I can safely take vitex (to lower prolactin) and flaxseed oil simultaneously. Or will this play havoc with my hormones?
Thanks,
Uma

Answer
Hi Uma,
Thanks for your question.  Hormonal issues are never as predictable as we would like, since there is so much interaction between systems.  That is why it's always good to get a full assessment from a practitioner knowledgeable in herbs & supplements before trying them.  If that is not possible, it's a good idea to keep your physician informed of what you are doing, and proceed slowly with any new treatments.  
Flaxseed is generally considered safe, except in cases where there is a diagnosed hormone-sensitive cancer (like prostate or breast cancer).  The same may be true in conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, but there is less evidence to support this.  This is due to the lignan componant of flaxseed, though, so it does not hold true for just the flaxseed oil without lignans.  
Vitex does has evidence that it may lower prolactin levels.  The research on flax seed altering prolactin levels is less certain--some studies show it does, others show no effect.  Either way, that would be most likely with flax seed, in moderate to large amounts, rather than flax oil without lignans.  
Good luck in your search.  
Dr Conner