[NaturalLady31]

Hey Lotus! Thank you for this thread. Quick question. I was going to use Fenugreek with 50% saponins in my luteal 
phase for Prolactin but since it lowers progesterone wouldn't that be counterproductive since P is naturally supposed to be higher during the luteal? 

And should someone take a herb for Prolactin all cycle long? 

Thank you!

Hi Arwen,

Great question...MissB asked a similar question, i think the info still stands. 

Per the study:

The investigational product contained 300 mg of libifem, a standardised extract of T.foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed extract [dry concentrate 33:1] equivalent to 9.9 g dry herb, standardised to a minimum 50% saponin glycosides.

foenum-graecum seed extract was also associated with a significant increase in E2 levels.(Simon, 2011) 

Study participants underwent follicular blood tests on day 7-9, (though not all did).....thus the data on increased estradiol. It makes sense (to me) taking FG in follicular.....vitex in luteal would work too. And in my opinion Vitex is a generic version of Prozac.....which will increase PRL (and it does).  

Fenugreek lowers progesterone and raises estradiol followed by prolactin.

Hey there missB,

The science from the study indicates estradiol (in the second month) was raised by 50%(my calculations) @ 600 mg a day for two menstrual cycles. Btw, FG needs to be at least 50% steroidal saponins. (NOTE-that's not a misprint, only 600 mg was used).


It raises prolactin yes, though not as significant as estradiol. From the study, FG lowers cholesterol, SHBG, progesterone and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). It also raises LH (lutenizing hormone @ 41%)......thus the need for additional 5 AR inhibitor.

To me, FG needs to be in first half and Vitex in the second half. I'll have to adjust the supplement info about FG lowering progesterone. Alternately, I'd take FG with a conversion supplement (pro-aromatase) considering what it does to FSH, which synthesizes aromatase. I'm excited about a new aromatase approach using EPO and peanut oil, though I'm looking for an alternative for those with peanut allergies. What the 2 combination does is its binding albilty in EGF (epidermal growth factor), I'll post more info on the X thread. 

Topical FG is OK (though much DHT is in skin). Use a good skin penetrator that inhibits 5 Alpaha Reductase (inhibits DHT) too.....EPO (evening prime rose oil) could work. The study size was 80 premenopausal women.  

Got it, Well I was going to be taking FG in my luteal to increase prolactin and also provide my body with raised levels of Estrogen instead of taking PM all cycle long. What prolactin and estrogenic herb would you recommend to take after ovulation? And would FG be ok if I was using PC since PC is strong and maybe FG wouldn't effect it that much?

Ok, I see the direction your describing for luteal (if for the reason of maintaining [e.g. simultaneous) levels of estrogen / progesterone) I understand. When E & progesterone are combined there's a significant increase in synthesis. Yes, PC would be stronger over FG, plus progesterone (cream) will reset breast receptors and inhibit DHT. 

Stick with FG (in luteal) if you have PM in phase one, try to complete a blood test (minimum E2 + progesterone)....in my opinion a blood test is the only standard by which to measure hormones. PC + FG could be a good combo.

Apologies for the late response, I've been poisoned (food, lol) from a salad I ate recently (McD's)....ugh!....my responses might take a bit longer. 

Oh no, Lotus! Hope you feel MUCH better soon!  I'd probably never eat another salad again, lol.. not from there anyway.
I hope I'm not straying too far off topic here, but you mentioned in this thread about using topicals for inhibiting DHT. I think you were talking about evening primrose oil, but is that the only thing that would be effective for this purpose? I like the idea of using something topical for DHT! 
Again, rest up and feel better!

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