Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

PMS Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Her Own

PMS label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking PMS against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

PMS is a dietary supplement by Her Own 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, 1,490 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha Extract, 5-HTP, Evening Primrose, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against PMS by Her Own

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with PMS by Her Own — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of PMS by Her Own

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (300 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Her Own PMS contains five active ingredients. The product includes 5-HTP, which is a building block for serotonin—a brain chemical linked to mood.

Ashwagandha extract, chaste tree berry extract, Angelica sinensis (dong quai) powder, and evening primrose powder round out the formula. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients: hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica—these are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.

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: PMS mood, cramps, hormonal balance, bloating.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Fatigue, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: 5-htp is rated "Possibly Effective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia.
  • Also on file: Vitex Agnus-castus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Mastalgia, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The evidence for this product is limited and mixed. 5-HTP is rated possibly effective for depression.

Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder, which may be relevant for PMS-related mood symptoms. Evening primrose and dong quai don't have established effectiveness ratings in the data we hold for the typical concerns they're marketed to address.

If you're considering this product for a specific symptom, talk with your pharmacist about what the evidence actually supports for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitex Agnus-castus Ashwagandha Dong Quai 5-htp Evening Primrose

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

5-HTP is generally well tolerated short-term, but it can cause side effects including nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, and abdominal pain—severity is dose-dependent. Rare serious effects include aggression, hallucinations, and mania.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term, though diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can occur; rare serious concerns include liver damage and a bleeding disorder affecting brain blood vessels. Evening primrose is generally well tolerated but may cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Dong quai is generally well tolerated but can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and theoretically increase bleeding. The safety data for 5-HTP advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ashwagandha is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided; safety data isn't sufficient for breastfeeding. Evening primrose is rated possibly safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding, though the evidence is unclear.

Dong quai is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and data on breastfeeding safety is on file but limited—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on either.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitex Agnus-castus Ashwagandha Dong Quai 5-htp Evening Primrose

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — 5-htp, Dong Quai, Ashwagandha, Vitex Agnus-castus, Evening Primrose.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,491 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 Her Own PMS, check with us if you take warfarin or any blood thinner or blood-thinner-like drug—dong quai carries a Major interaction risk with warfarin. At Moderate severity, you'll also want to screen any antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs you're on (5-HTP), sedating medications, blood-pressure drugs, diabetes medications, thyroid hormone, immune-suppressing drugs, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, lithium, or drugs that stress the liver (ashwagandha, evening primrose, or dong quai).

Use the medication checker on this page to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is intended for PMS symptom support, primarily through mood-related ingredients like 5-HTP and ashwagandha. If you take any blood thinners, antidepressants, sedating medications, blood-pressure drugs, diabetes medications, or thyroid hormone, you need to check this product against your specific medications first—interactions are documented.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2023.

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 PMS, straight from the product label.

Brand Her Own
Barcode (UPC) 035046129255
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 299426
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Girls: (All), Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY, Gluten Free
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 PMS by Her Own, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
035046129255
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend300 mg--
5-HTP50 mg--
Chaste Tree berry extract0 NP--
Ashwagandha Extract0 NP--
Evening Primrose, Powder250 mg--
Angelica sinensis, Powder0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
General Statements

PMS, meet your match

We create essential health supplements formulated for the modern woman's everyday needs. Her Own is women's wellness, evolved.

Facebook Instagram @herownutrition Please recycle

Formulation

PMS supports: + Mood + Cramps + Hormonal balance + Bloating

Vegan

Non GMO Gluten free Soy free No synthetic colors or preservatives

Made in USA from globally sourced ingredients

Mood & relief helps regulate mood swings, cramps and promotes hormonal balance

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

Chaste Tree Berry eases and relieves menstrual pain 5-HTP supports a positive effect on mood Ashwagandha promotes calmness & well being

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Directions: Take 1 capsule daily.

Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat, light and moisture.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

PMS by Her Own label

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

PMS label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in PMS by Her Own

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Proprietary Blend

300 mg per serving

5-HTP

Interacts with
398 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

5-HTP is a compound your body uses to make serotonin, and people take it as a supplement hoping to improve mood, sleep, and headaches. Some early rese...

5-HTP monograph & interactions

Evening Primrose, Powder

Interacts with
233 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Oenothera biennis, Powder

Evening primrose oil is a seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, that is popularly used for skin conditions, PMS, and bre...

Evening Primrose, Powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

PMS by Her Own Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against PMS?

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
1,490Drugs
2 Major 1,201 Moderate 287 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha Extract 1,372
5-HTP 398
Evening Primrose, Powder 233
Angelica sinensis, Powder 163
Chaste Tree berry extract 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in PMS interact with 1,490 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in PMS interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha Extract 5-HTP Evening Primrose, Powder Angelica sinensis, Powder Chaste Tree berry extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in PMS 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.

Ashwagandha Extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

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

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Ashwagandha Extract full monograph & interactions

5-HTP3 drug types · 398 drugs

Carbidopa (Lodosyn)

Combining 5-HTP and carbidopa can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects.
Carbidopa is sometimes used with 5-HTP to minimize peripheral 5-HTP metabolism and boost the amount that reaches the brain. However, this combination might also increase the risk of some side effects including hypomania, restlessness, rapid speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressiveness. Combining carbidopa and 5-HTP might also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to elevated serotonin levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
In clinical trials, 5-HTP has been associated with drowsiness and somnolence.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and cause serotonergic effects. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. However, serotonin syndrome with 5-HTP has not yet been reported in humans. Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome and other serotonergic side effects if using 5-HTP with serotonergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
5-HTP full monograph & interactions

Evening Primrose, Powder5 drug types · 233 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, evening primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). There is preliminary clinical evidence that GLA can reduce platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium with evening primrose oil might decrease lithium levels and effects.
In a case report, a patient on a stable dose of lithium for 10 years experienced a reduction in lithium levels after taking evening primrose oil 500 mg daily. Baseline levels were 0.69 mmol/L, which decreased to 0.37 mmol/L after 2 months and 0.23 mmol/L after 3 months of use. Lithium levels increased within 6 weeks of discontinuing evening primrose oil, to 0.73 mmol/L; no clinical effects were noted.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)

Theoretically, evening primrose oil might increase the levels and effects of lopinavir.
In a case report, an HIV patient who took evening primrose oil (Efamol) along with lopinavir/ritonavir experienced an increase in serum levels of lopinavir to 15.2 mg/L. Six weeks after discontinuing evening primrose oil, levels of lopinavir returned to the normal range of 5-10 mg/L. When re-challenged with evening primrose oil for a week, the patient's lopinavir levels increased from 6.69 to 8.11 mg/L. It is suspected that evening primrose oil increases levels of lopinavir by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes lopinavir. However, this effect has not been reported in other research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, taking evening primrose oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of convulsions.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is some concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with GLA, although none experienced an actual seizure. In another report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose oil 4 grams daily was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures. It is unclear whether evening primrose oil had any additive epileptogenic effects with the phenothiazines; there is no evidence that taking evening primrose oil alone causes seizures.

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

Theoretically, evening primrose may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that linoleic acid, a constituent of evening primrose oil, inhibits CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Evening Primrose, Powder full monograph & interactions

Angelica sinensis, Powder3 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
Angelica sinensis, Powder full monograph & interactions

Chaste Tree berry extract5 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
Chaste Tree berry extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Her Own

See all Her Own products
Name
Windmill Health Products
Street Address
10 Henderson Drive
City
West Caldwell
State
NJ
ZipCode
07006
Web Address
herown.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

PMS by Her Own: Common Questions

Does PMS by Her Own interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, PMS has a known interaction with 1,490 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?
PMS 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.
Will this help with PMS mood swings and anxiety?
Ashwagandha in the formula is rated possibly effective for anxiety and stress, which may help with some PMS symptoms. 5-HTP is possibly effective for depression. That said, the evidence for the product as a whole for PMS isn't established in our data—talk with your pharmacist about whether it fits your specific symptoms.
What are the most common side effects?
5-HTP can cause nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, and abdominal pain, especially at higher doses. Ashwagandha and evening primrose may cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset, though these aren't common at typical doses. Side effects may ease with continued use.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
5-HTP and ashwagandha should be avoided in pregnancy—the safety data advises against it. Ashwagandha should also be avoided while breastfeeding. Evening primrose and dong quai have limited data but different ratings; talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on either, as this is an individual decision based on your health.
What is chaste tree berry supposed to do in this product?
We don't hold interaction data for chaste tree berry, so I can't tell you from our facts what role it plays here. Your pharmacist or the product label can explain its intended purpose.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes—it contains hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica as inactive ingredients. These are standard capsule binders and flow agents.
Can this interact with my birth control?
Dong quai has estrogenic effects and theoretically may reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based birth control. If you use hormonal contraception, mention this product to your pharmacist or doctor.

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.

PMS label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind PMS’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitex Agnus-castus

Interacts with 121 drugs

Vitex (chasteberry) is an herbal remedy most often used for PMS and menstrual cycle problems, and the strongest evidence is for easing some PMS symptoms. It is generally well tolerated by ma...

Read the full Vitex Agnus-castus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Dong Quai

Interacts with 163 drugs

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scientific evidence that it works for these use...

Read the full Dong Quai monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

5-htp

Interacts with 398 drugs

5-HTP is a compound your body uses to make serotonin, and people take it as a supplement hoping to improve mood, sleep, and headaches. Some early research is promising, but the overall evide...

Read the full 5-htp monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Evening Primrose

Interacts with 233 drugs

Evening primrose oil is a seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, that is popularly used for skin conditions, PMS, and breast pain. The evidence behind most of th...

Read the full Evening Primrose monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

PMS'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 139 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.

5-htp 32 references
  1. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Clinically-Effective Serotonin Precursor. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:271-80.
  2. Michelson D, Page SW, Casey R, et al. An eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to L-5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol 1994;21:2261-5.
  3. Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cancino A, et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:863-7. PubMed
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Impurities confirmed in dietary supplement 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. FDA Talk Paper, August 31, 1998; T98-48.
  5. Sternberg EM, Van Woert MH, Young SN, et al. Development of a scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. N Engl J Med 1980;303:782-7. PubMed
  6. Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81.
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  19. Fung FY, Wong WH, Ang SK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study on the anti-haemostatic effects of Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng. Phytomedicine. 2017;32:88-96. PubMed

See these in context on the Dong Quai monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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