
- With Mayo Clinic internist
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
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Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, certified by the American Board of Family Practice, has been practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic since 1995 with special interests in breast diseases and women's health.
Dr. Pruthi is a consultant in the Department of Medicine, the Division of General Internal Medicine and the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. She is an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native is enthusiastic about promoting education and patient-related research and has been active in both areas since joining Mayo Clinic. Dr. Pruthi is the primary investigator at Mayo Clinic of a clinical trial evaluating new agents for the prevention of breast cancer and has research interests in the identification of biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer.
Her other research and clinical interests include managing the health of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer, breast pain and hot flashes, and developing patient education decision-making tools for breast-related concerns.
She is past director of the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and has been a member of the Women's Health Executive Committee. Dr. Pruthi has been newly elected as a secretary of the executive committee for the American Society of Breast Disease. She has assisted with a variety of website content.
"Having an opportunity to share information and empower my patients in the way that will help them to understand and be able to make educated decisions about their own health is very important to me," Dr. Pruthi says.
"The Internet is a tremendous resource and information site for people, and I want them to get up-to-date and accurate information to be able to make informed choices for themselves, their family members and friends."
Women's health (5)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
- Shaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?
- see all in Women's health
Breast health (4)
- Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture?
- Natural breast enhancement: Does it work?
- Breast implants and cancer: Any connection?
- see all in Breast health
Women's life stages (2)
- Menstrual cup: Good alternative to tampons?
- Asthma: Why are symptoms worse during my period?
Question
Natural breast enhancement: Does it work?
Do natural breast enhancement supplements work?
Answer
from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
There's no evidence that natural breast enhancement supplements lead to breast enlargement. Although breast enlargement may be a side effect of certain prescription drugs — such as estrogen, birth control pills and antidepressants — no published studies have shown that natural breast enhancement supplements have the same effect.
It's important to note that natural breast enhancement supplements may contain herbs known as phytoestrogens, which could increase the risk of some types of breast cancer. Serious drug interactions are possible as well, especially if you take a blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin).
If you're interested in breast enhancement, consult your doctor about more effective options.
Next questionBreast implants and cancer: Any connection?
- Fugh-Berman A. "Bust enhancing" herbal products. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003;101:1345.
- Chalfoun C, et al. Breast-enhancing pills: Myth and reality. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2004;114:1330.
- Mense SM, et al. Phytoestrogens and breast cancer prevention: Possible mechanisms of action. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2008;116:426.
- Duffy C, et al. Implications of phytoestrogen intake for breast cancer. CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2007;57:260.

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