Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

PhytoEstrin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by USANA

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

PhytoEstrin is a dietary supplement by USANA with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for premenstrual syndrome (pms), irregular or absent menstrual periods, cyclical breast pain (mastalgia).Based on those ingredients, 1,352 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Licorice extract, Black Cohosh extract, Dong Quai Root Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of PhytoEstrin by USANA

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

PhytoEstrin contains five active ingredients: chasteberry powder, black cohosh extract, dong quai root extract, licorice extract, and soy isoflavones. Chasteberry is used traditionally for menstrual and hormonal support; black cohosh is often taken for menopausal hot flashes; dong quai is a traditional blood-nourishing herb; licorice root is used for skin and digestive support; and soy isoflavones are plant compounds that mimic estrogen.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including dextrose, soy lecithin, and silicon dioxide as fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support for menopausal and menstrual symptoms.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Amenorrhea, Mastalgia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Black Cohosh is rated "Possibly Effective" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitex Agnus-castus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Mastalgia, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Also on file: Black Cohosh is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Breast cancer-related hot flashes, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Dysmenorrhea.

Chasteberry is possibly effective for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and breast tenderness (mastalgia), though evidence for fractures is possibly ineffective, and data for aging skin, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and anxiety are insufficient. Black cohosh is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms but has insufficient evidence for acne, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and breast cancer hot flashes.

Dong quai, soy isoflavones, and licorice have insufficient evidence for the conditions listed in our data — iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, migraine, and eczema — so we cannot say whether this product is effective for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitex Agnus-castus Black Cohosh Dong Quai Licorice

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chasteberry and black cohosh are generally well tolerated short-term, though both can affect hormones and warrant medical guidance. Common side effects from chasteberry include diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular menstruation, nausea, stomach pain, and skin irritation.

Black cohosh commonly causes breast tenderness, dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset, irritability, rash, and tiredness; rare serious effects include liver damage and endometrial changes. Dong quai is generally well tolerated and causes mainly burping and flatulence but can increase bleeding and cause sun sensitivity.

Licorice is well tolerated in small amounts but at higher doses or long-term can raise blood pressure and cause electrolyte problems; common side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting. None of these ingredients are recommended during pregnancy — chasteberry and black cohosh due to possible hormonal effects, dong quai because it may stimulate the uterus, and licorice because glycyrrhizin has been linked to harm.

All three are best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitex Agnus-castus Black Cohosh Dong Quai Licorice

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Cohosh, Licorice, Dong Quai, Vitex Agnus-castus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,353 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking PhytoEstrin, double-check if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (anticoagulants), as dong quai and licorice may increase bleeding risk, and this is a Major concern. Also verify any use of antipsychotic drugs, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement estrogens, serotonergic antidepressants, digoxin, statins like atorvastatin, chemotherapy drugs, liver-metabolizing medications, or dopamine agonists — all carry Moderate interaction risks.

No interactions are documented for soy isoflavones because we have no data to check it.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

PhytoEstrin is aimed at people seeking hormonal support for PMS and menopausal symptoms, particularly those interested in plant-based options. However, because it contains multiple herbs that interact with common medications — especially blood thinners, antipsychotics, antidepressants, statins, and cancer drugs — you need to check your medications carefully before starting.

Avoid this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether PhytoEstrin fits your situation and medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about PhytoEstrin, straight from the product label.

Brand USANA
Net contents 84 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 211642
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for PhytoEstrin by USANA, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
84
IngredientAmount% DV
Chasteberry powder50 mg--
Black Cohosh extract50 mg--
Dong Quai Root Extract15 mg--
Licorice extract30 mg--
Soy Isoflavones14 mg--

Other ingredients: Dextrose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Dextrin, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Citrate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

Potency Guaranteed

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adult women take three (3) tablets daily, spaced evenly throughout the day.

Precautions

Contains: Soy.

Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your physician if you are pregnant, nursing, taking a prescription drug, or have a medical condition.

There is a safety seal under the cap. Do not use if the seal is broken or missing.

Formulation

Laboratory tested, quality guaranteed. Meets USP specification for uniformity, potency, and disintegration, where applicable.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees C

See for yourself

PhytoEstrin by USANA label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in PhytoEstrin by USANA

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container84 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Chasteberry powder

Interacts with
121 drugs
50 mg per serving

Vitex (chasteberry) is an herbal remedy most often used for PMS and menstrual cycle problems, and the strongest evidence is for easing some PMS sympto...

Chasteberry powder monograph & interactions

Black Cohosh extract

Interacts with
652 drugs
50 mg per serving

Black cohosh is a North American plant most often used to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the research is mixed and far from settled. It...

Black Cohosh extract monograph & interactions

Dong Quai Root Extract

Interacts with
163 drugs
15 mg per serving

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scienti...

Dong Quai Root Extract monograph & interactions

Licorice extract

Interacts with
1,040 drugs
30 mg per serving

Licorice root is a traditional remedy used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints, but solid human evidence is limited for most uses. Regu...

Licorice extract monograph & interactions

Soy Isoflavones

14 mg per serving Form: Glycine max

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dextrose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Dextrin, Soy Lecithin, Sodium Citrate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

PhytoEstrin by USANA Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against PhytoEstrin?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,352Drugs
2 Major 1,329 Moderate 21 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in PhytoEstrin with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Licorice extract18 drug types · 1,040 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.
In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes. Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes. However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.
Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Loop Diuretics

Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.
In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.
Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.
Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin. This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Black Cohosh extract7 drug types · 652 drugs

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Taking black cohosh with atorvastatin might increase the risk for elevated liver function tests.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) developed significantly elevated liver function enzymes after starting black cohosh 100 mg four times daily. Liver enzymes returned to normal when black cohosh was discontinued. It is unclear whether the elevated liver enzymes were due to black cohosh itself or an interaction between atorvastatin and black cohosh.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, black cohosh may reduce the clinical effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that black cohosh might decrease the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Some clinical research suggests that black cohosh might modestly inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, contradictory clinical research shows a specific black cohosh product (Remifemin, Enzymatic Therapy) 40 mg twice daily does not significantly inhibit metabolism of a CYP2D6 substrate in healthy study volunteers. Until more is known, use black cohosh cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Theoretically, black cohosh may alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that black cohosh has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
There is concern that black cohosh might be linked to cases of liver failure and autoimmune hepatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Black cohosh might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Black cohosh acts as an agonist at several serotonin receptor subtypes and might interact with other serotonergic medications. In one case, a 55-year-old female who had been on stable treatment with sertraline 50 mg and duloxetine 60 mg daily developed serotonin syndrome after taking black cohosh extract 40 mg daily for 3 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Black cohosh may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP2B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP2B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that black cohosh modestly inhibits OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Dong Quai Root Extract3 drug types · 163 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case, after 4 weeks of taking dong quai 565 mg once or twice daily, the international normalized ratio (INR) increased to 4.9. The INR normalized 4 weeks after discontinuation of dong quai.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Animal studies suggest that dong quai has antithrombin activity and inhibits platelet aggregation due to its coumarin components. Additionally, some case reports in humans suggest that dong quai can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking 1 gram of dong quai root daily for 3 weeks does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation or cause bleeding. Until more is known, use dong quai with caution in patients taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, dong quai may reduce the effects of estrogens.
Dong quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of dong quai might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Chasteberry powder5 drug types · 121 drugs

Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of antipsychotic drugs.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as antipsychotic drugs due to its dopamine agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with oral contraceptives.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives due to possible hormone modulating activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dopamine Agonists

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with dopamine agonists.
Vitex agnus-castus might potentiate the actions of dopaminergic agonists due to possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of estrogens.
Vitex agnus-castus has hormone modulating activity that can interfere with the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Theoretically, dopaminergic effects of vitex agnus-castus could interfere with metoclopramide.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide due to its possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for PhytoEstrin, from the product label.

USANA

See all USANA products
Name
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
Street Address
3838 W. Parkway Blvd.
City
Salt Lake City
State
Utah
ZipCode
84120
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

PhytoEstrin by USANA: Common Questions

Does PhytoEstrin by USANA interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, PhytoEstrin has a known interaction with 1,352 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
PhytoEstrin contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take PhytoEstrin if I'm trying to prevent pregnancy or taking birth control?
No. Chasteberry in PhytoEstrin may interfere with oral contraceptive effectiveness. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're relying on hormonal birth control.
Is PhytoEstrin safe if I'm pregnant or nursing?
No. None of the ingredients in PhytoEstrin are recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The safety data advises against all of them in these situations. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before considering any supplement while pregnant or nursing.
Will PhytoEstrin help with hot flashes from menopause?
Black cohosh, one of the active ingredients, is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, so it may help some people. However, effectiveness varies, and you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's right for you.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
The most common side effects reported are headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, irregular menstruation, and stomach upset from chasteberry and black cohosh; burping and flatulence from dong quai; and headache and nausea from licorice. Most people tolerate it well, but if side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take PhytoEstrin with my blood pressure medication?
That depends on which blood pressure drug you take. Licorice can raise blood pressure and may interact with certain medications, and chasteberry may affect dopamine-related drugs. Check your specific medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What is soy isoflavones and does it interact with medications?
Soy isoflavones are plant compounds in soy that mimic estrogen in the body. We don't have interaction data on file for soy isoflavones, so we cannot say whether it interacts with your medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific drugs.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

PhytoEstrin label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

PhytoEstrin's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 202 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitex Agnus-castus 23 references
  1. Wuttke W. Dopaminergic action of extracts of Agnus Castus. Forschende Komplementarmedizen 1996;3:329-30.
  2. Jarry H, Leonhardt S., Gorkow C, Wuttke W. In vitro prolactin but not LH and FSH release is inhibited by compounds in extracts of Agnus Castus: direct evidence for a dopaminergic principle by the dopamine receptor assay. Exp Clin Endocrinol 1994;102:448- PubMed
  3. Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study. BMJ 2001;322:134-7. PubMed
  4. Lauritzen CH, Reuter HD, Repges R, et al. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus castus: Controlled-double blind versus pyridoxine. Phytomedicine 1997;4:183-9.
  5. Berger D, Schaffner W, Schrader E, et al. Efficacy of Vitex agnus castus L. extract Ze 440 in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Arch Gynecol Obstet 2000;264:150-3.
  6. Loch EG, Selle H, Boblitz N. Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with a phytopharmaceutical formulation containing Vitex agnus castus. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 2000;9:315-20. PubMed
  7. Meier B, Berger D, Hoberg E, et al. Pharmacological activities of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro. Phytomedicine 2000;7:373-81. PubMed
  8. Liu J, Burdette JE, Xu H, et al. Evaluation of estrogenic activity of plant extracts for the potential treatment of menopausal symptoms. J Agric Food Chem 2001;49:2472-9.. PubMed
  9. Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, et al. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications. Phytomedicine 2003;10:348-57. PubMed
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Black Cohosh 68 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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