Herbal Pills and Menstrual Cycles

[SaraC]

Hi! So I suffer from severe PMS and my mom decided that I first try some herbal medicine before I go on birth control to lighten my periods and lessens my severe mood swings. I started taking one pill of 5 HTP before bed Monday night when my period began. Today would be the fourth day of my cycle and there is not even spotting. The past 3 days my period has been lighter. The first day was heavy as usual and the next two days were lighter than normal. Today it seemed to have ended which is weird because I usually have my period for at least 6 days and heavy. Is it possible that the 5 HTP pill has affected my flow? Thanks !:)

[Heather]

That is not very likely, no, particularly given the timing (what level of flow you have is mostly determined before periods begin) and the fact that 5-HTP and serotonin can help with mood issues with periods, but are not likely to have any impact on your cycles otherwise. What is more likely is that you are just experiencing a variation when it comes to your flow, which certainly tends to happen from time to time.

[SaraC]

Ok thanks!