Fenugreek; Trigonella

Phytohormones of interest

The most predominant sapogenin phytoprogestins in fenugreek are: diosgenin, yamogenin and tigogenin. Betasitosterol is the most abundant sterol (phytoprogestin) in fenugreek.

Trigonella contains the flavonoid phytoestrogens: apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol and their derivatives.

Published studies

Fenugreek has the potential to raise bodily estrogen and androgens. Higher prolactin levels were found in goats that ate fenugreek.

Anecdotal evidence

Fenugreek causes minor breast wideness, which suggests a progestogenic property. This is likely due to progestins including: diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin and betasitosterol. Using a high amount of fenugreek has caused acne to occur, however, this can be balanced. If acne isn't reduced within a few hours, additional body hair can occur.

During proliferative phase, fenugreek has lacked efficacy. However, fenugreek works best during secretory phase. Of the hormonal effects of fenugreek use, these were most likely during luteal phase.

Trigonella for breast enhancement

Fenugreek can be used during secretory phase which includes luteal and premenstrual phases. The best time to use fenugreek is in the presence of acne during secretory phase. Avoid large amounts of fenugreek when there's swelling.

Fenugreek can be used with minimal amounts of sesame and sunflower for consistency during luteal phase. Pumpkin seed and barley can replace sunflower.

Trigonella or herbs with similar properties are in herb programs based on menstrual phases. There must be balance throughout phases, and combinations of herbs help the body acheive balance for health, breast growth and hip growth. It's important that menses is light and short. Also, preventing an excess of negative symptoms for menses helps set the balance for proliferative phase. Luteal phase uses a different combination of herbs than proliferative phase for symptoms. For a simplified herb schedule, where there's commonality of herb recommendations for symptoms such as swelling and signs of excess estrogen, use nonmenses. BCP01 is a composite page of pieces of different programs on birth control or IUD use.

Herb timing and combinations' success for breast enhancement relies on menstrual phases. Descriptions and pictures of results from herb combination use can be seen in programs. For more guidance, see guide, or hirsutism-topic.

Similar herbs

Shatavari (Asparagus), suma (Hebanthe), maca (Lepidium), Passionflower (Passiflora), kudzu (Pueraria) and fenugreek (Trigonella) contain both phyto-progestins and phyto-estrogens. Their properties likely vary, so they may require a different proportion or a different variation of companion herbs.

Fenugreek (Trigonella) has estrogenic compounds with effects on ERα, which Pueraria may also have. Other herbs which contain both phytoprogestins and phytoestrogens like Shatavari (asparagus) may lack this specific effect, as their estrogenic effect is limited to ERβ. These other herbs can supplement fenugreek or Pueraria.

Precautions

See precautions for more details of care to be taken with herb use. Proper nutrition is a consideration for health. Also, check for the latest blog updates about herb and hormone safety.

It is very important that menses be light and not prolonged.

If you have hirsutism, PCOS, hot-flashes, other signs of hormone imbalances, see estrogen-imbalance, and hirsutism program journals at hirusitism-topic before trying herbs.

Herb concentrates can be tens of times more potent by weight than herbs in solid form. This can easily lead to hormone imbalances. For this reason, concentrate extracts are not recommended for extended or excessive internal use, especially during fertility years. Concentrates shouldn't be used to overcome plateaus. Another issue with herbal extracts, is that they may not have the full range of properties of the herb. Essential oils are not recommended for breast enhancement. If opting to use herbal extracts, use food grade extracts, with no more than 1 drop at a time diluted in water.