Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/4/2010

Question
Hi I have been researching natural breast enhancing herbs for a friend who wants to improve enlarge her breasts naturally. The herbs who seem to work are fennel, fenugreek, saw palmetto, wild jam. Howver on the net you find contrasting info on if they work or not? Can you please give me your opinion if these are worth a try? And if they are best done together with exercise, and breast enhancement cream form extract of these plants?

Regards

Answer
Hello Alfred,
There's no evidence either way to support or disprove the use of these herbs for breast enhancement.  I have seen patients who have tried these and it didn't seem to work for them, and there's little reason why I think they would work, but I couldn't say for sure.  The one that theoretically would have the strongest effect would be the wild yam, because it has progesterone-like effects, and one of the effects of progesterone is breast size.  But as is the case with using any herb that may have hormone-like actions, I wouldn't recommend it without making sure it was safe for that person and would not interfere with other hormonal systems (which is a big unknown usually).  Exercise especially weight training for the chest muscles like the pectorals helps enhance appearance and may be a good idea regardless, but does not necessarily increase the size of the breasts.  
Sincerely,
Dr Conner