Dong Quai & Hormones

Dong quai roots have been used for more than a thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes referred to as female ginseng because of its balancing effect on the female hormonal system, dong quai is used in the treatment of women's reproductive problems, menstrual disorders, PMS, cramps, hot flashes and menopausal symptoms. Buy it as capsules, tablets, and tinctures in herbal shops or health food stores.

Estrogen

Dong quai root affects estrogen and other hormones in animals, but it is not known if these same effects happen in humans, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since dong quai may act like estrogen, if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, don't use dong quai. Always consult your health care provider before taking dong quai.

Menopausal Herb

Dong quai is one of the key menopausal herbs recommended by Christiane Northrup in her book "The Wisdom of Menopause." She says that dong quai has excellent phytoestrogen activity and is widely used in China by women during their reproductive and perimenopausal years. She warns not to use dong quai if there's a chance you're pregnant. It can be taken alone or in combination with other herbal supplements, such as chasteberry, black cohosh and licorice root. Always consult your health care provider before taking dong quai.

Warnings

Dong quai should be avoided if you have chronic diarrhea or abdominal bloating. High doses of dong quai may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and cause skin inflammation and rashes, so stay out of the sun or use sunscreen while taking dong quai. Before taking herbal supplements, such as dong quai, consult your health care provider first.

Interactions

Dong quai may interact with anti-coagulant medications by increasing the effects of these drugs and raising the risk of bleeding. Don't use dong quai if you are taking blood thinners. Dong quai may have estrogen-like effects and there is little research on using dong quai with prescription hormone medications, such as estrogens, progesterones and oral contraceptives. Do not take it with hormone medications except under your doctor's supervision.