Hormone Support
Wild Yam
Also known as: Dioscorea villosa, Mexican yam, Colic root, Wild Yam Extract
Wild yam root extract is traditionally used in herbal medicine for hormonal balance and menopausal symptom support, though clinical evidence remains limited. The extract contains diosgenin and other steroidal saponins, but lacks robust RCT evidence confirming efficacy in humans.
Primary uses
- Menopause (traditional)
- Menstrual health
- Historical progesterone precursor
- Hormonal balance support
- Menopausal symptom relief
- Traditional women's health
- Digestive support
How it works
- Contains diosgenin
- Body CANNOT convert diosgenin to progesterone (contrary to marketing)
- Some antispasmodic effects
- Historical pharmaceutical starting material
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000mg if used
- Timing
- Divided doses
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Limited rationale for long-term
- Special populations
- Those understanding its limitations
Forms
- Capsules
- Cream
- Powder extract· 70/100
- Tablets· 70/100
- Dried root· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (unclear if applies)
Evidence notes
Limited human clinical trial data. Most evidence is traditional use, in vitro studies, or animal models. Diosgenin research is preliminary; human bioavailability and efficacy for hormone support lacks rigorous RCT validation.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Hormone Support
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerMedical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.