St John's Wort and photosensitivity

[Emilyfarnsbarns]

I started taking St John's Wort around two years ago for Perimenopausal symptoms and restless leg syndrome. I have found that they have really helped, not so anxious, no panic attacks, feel brighter and my RLS is only a few days a month now.

This summer I've noticed I am very, very sensitive to the sun. If I don't put protection on regularly I will start to burn in 20-30 minutes. It's an odd sunburn though, it will go within 24-48 hrs and I'll turn brown. I have lots of moles and spent a lot of my twenties on sun beds, so I am very cautious of my skin and worry about skin cancer. I decided to drop my dosage of SJW and gradually come off it, as I can't risk raising my chances of skin cancer.

I've dropped to a tablet every other day for the past three weeks. These past couple of days I've had a head 'throbs' and been more and more anxious and panicky. My RLS has been getting worse since a few days after dropping my dose.

So, my questions are.... am I doing the right thing to put the health of my skin first, or am I worrying too much about the photosensitivity? Has anyone else experienced side-effects when coming off SJW and how long did it last? Any other help would be gratefully received!
Thank you x

Is photosensitivity a known side effect of SJW? I don't have time to google but assume you have!

Are you sunbathing or is this just normal day to day being out in the sun when you wear sleeveless tops etc? if you have lots of moles and a history of sunbeds, you ought to think hard about actively sunbathing at all. Can't you cover up with short/long sleeves or something?

There is a difference between photosensitivity which is more of a reaction to sunlight rather than sunburn.

TBH I'm fair skinned and without any SPF I'd start to burn in hot sun after 30 minutes.

Do you live in a hot climate?

I didn't know SJW was a 'cure' for restless legs- thought other things like magnesium was recommended.

Also, depending on where you are in peri meno, it might be time to think about HRT rather than SJW.

Thanks Polly,
Yes, it is a known side effect. No, I don't sunbathe, this is just from being out and about. I didn't used to burn so easily, which is why I'm concerned.

Yes, SJW is known to help RLS. I've tried magnesium but didn't notice much difference.

I have tried to put off the option of HRT. Just so frustrated that everything seems to have side effects!

Has anyone else had experience of coming off of SJW and/or the photosensitivity side-effects?
TIA