Is Horny Goat Weed Safe While Breastfeeding?
It is not clear if
horny goat weed (
Epimedium) is safe for use while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking it if you are breastfeeding.
No research has been done to see if horny goat weed is safe for breastfeeding women or their infants. It is not known how horny goat weed might affect a breastfeeding woman or her child. Importantly, horny goat weed is thought to have hormonal properties. Since interfering with certain hormones can affect the breast milk supply (or might cause problems in a breastfed infant), it is probably best for pregnant women to avoid this particular herbal supplement.
It should never be assumed that natural products are automatically safe for breastfeeding women. This is a mistake many breastfeeding women make. Breastfeeding often limits the prescription and non-prescription drugs that are available for a woman to take. As a result, women often seek safe alternatives, sometimes assuming that herbal supplements are always safe. This is simply not the case. Herbal supplements can be marketed in the United States without any evidence that they are safe (or even effective) for anyone, including breastfeeding women.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and horny goat weed. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision that is right for you.
