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When taken by mouth: Equol is LIKELY SAFE when used for up to one year. Equol can cause some mild side effects such as constipation, bloating, and dizziness. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rash in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information about the safety of taking equol if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast Cancer: The effects of equol in people with breast cancer are unclear. Some research finds that equol might "feed" certain breast cancers because it can act like estrogen. Other studies have found that equol seems to protect against breast cancer. Because there isn't enough reliable information about the effects of equol in women with breast cancer, a history of breast cancer, or a family history of breast cancer, it is best to avoid using equol until more is known.
Interactions
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with EQUOL
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. In the body, estrogen can either be free or it can be attached to certain proteins. The free estrogen is the type that works in the body. Equol might increase the amount of free estrogen. Taking equol along with birth control pills might increase the risk of side effects from the birth control pills. These side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, painful periods, and weight gain. Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.Estrogens interacts with EQUOL
In the body, estrogen can either be free or it can be attached to certain proteins. The free estrogen is the type that works in the body. Equol might increase the amount of free estrogen in the body. Taking equol along with estrogen might increase the risk of side effects from estrogen replacement therapy. These side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, and weight gain. Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.Testosterone interacts with EQUOL
In the body, testosterone can either be free or it can be attached to certain proteins. The free testosterone is the type that works in the body. Equol might increase the amount of free testosterone in the body. Taking equol along with testosterone might increase the risk of side effects from testosterone replacement therapy. These side effects include acne, headaches, weight gain, and growth of breasts in men. *
