[maggie06]

Hi Bettie,
I'm definitely considering getting my hormones tested. I don't want to go through my primary care provider though, so I need to find somewhere that is not too expensive.

I took the maca and shatavari during follicular phase. I'm pretty sure I ovulated then my boobs seemed to disappear.  I am so devastated right now. My boobs have gone from DD to a small C. Everyday it seems like they are getting smaller and smaller.  I have not ever seen my breasts this small. They should be spilling out of my DD bras at this time... I now have a pear shape and not my hour glass figure... I am wondering if it might have something to do with a corticosteroid ointment I used for eczema and also an oral steroid ointment for a canker sore. It shouldn't have had systemic affects, but there is always a risk... That is the only thing different that I can think of other than the herbs. I am considering starting birth control if this doesn't improve in the next few days even though my period is due in 6 days.. I think I'm going to stay away from herbs indefinitely....I took PM about 6 months ago and ended up with some lovely saggy deflated breasts and no period for about 60 days.. My breasts seem a little worse this time though..

 


I'm sorry to hear this. I can't believe these herbs would have such an effect. If I understood correctly, you're still taking maca and shatvari so I think you should stop as it's causing all these physical changes. This is why I'm always skeptical about herbs and think that's it's best not to mess around with hormones. Then again, we also hear of success stories...it really depends on the person I guess. 

I wonder if you took too much? I read that you should take small amounts of maca in the beginning so that your body gets used to it. Anyway, don't worry. I'm sure once you stop completely things will go back to normal!

Thanks so much for the support. I stopped the herbs around ovulation and I am not taking anything except msm powder and a multivitamin. This forum was the only thing that kept me sane during the PM ordeal. Its amazing the affects that herbs have.. Some people are so lucky to have positive results. The success stories always sucked me into dabbling with herbs, but like you said it depends on the person. 

I have a few theories as to what is going on, but who really knows. Years ago when I took the BCP, my breasts would increase the first couple of months then after about 3 months or so, it seemed like they would deflate similar to the herbs. It makes me think that it has something to do with exogenous hormones and negative feedback. Maybe my body stops producing hormones when I use herbs or synthetic hormones...Also could be estrogen dominance. I've been reading about it and it seems that when estrogen is increased progesterone decreases. It would be nice to find something that would give me a boost during follicular phase, without loosing the luteal swelling, but doesn't look like that will happen.