Mexican yam, also known as wild yam, is an herbal remedy often used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Mexican yam is different from supermarket yams and most species are too bitter to eat. Mexican yam contains a chemical that laboratories use to make the hormone DHEA, so some Mexican yam supplements are sold as a form of natural DHEA. But these supplements do not actually contain DHEA, their effectiveness is unproven and there are some risks. Talk to your doctor before taking Mexican yam DHEA.
DHEA
Mexican yam does contain a chemical called diosgenin that laboratories use to make a number of hormones including estrogen, progesterone and DHEA. However, your body cannot convert diosgenin into DHEA, according to MedlinePlus. That is a chemical reaction that can only be done in a lab. Taking Mexican yam will not increase your blood levels of DHEA. If you want to take DHEA, you will need to take a supplement that specifically contains DHEA. DHEA supplements cause different side effects and pose different risks from Mexican yam supplements. Among other things, DHEA can cause the growth of facial hair and other male characteristics in women; Mexican yam does not.
Side Effects
High doses of Mexican yam can cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Though uncommon, Mexican yam can also cause an allergic reaction in some people, which could cause a rash, asthma or other symptoms. Also, some Mexican yam products contain progesterone, which may not appear on the label, according to the American Cancer Society. Progesterone can cause its own side effects, including headache, breast pain, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, breathing problems, vision difficulties, seizures, irritability and swelling of the lips, mouth or throat.
Warnings
Mexican yam may mimic estrogen in the body and could worsen health conditions that are aggravated by estrogen, according to MedlinePlus. These include endometriosis, fibroids, the blood clotting disorder protein S deficiency, and cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus. If you have any of these conditions, do not take Mexican yam DHEA without talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid this supplement if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as there is not enough evidence to know whether it is safe or not.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Mexican yam DHEA if you are already taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. There is a possibility that a component of Mexican yam DHEA could interact with the hormone estradiol, which is an ingredient in some of these medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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