Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Women?
Yes - it’s safe for most women and has significant levels of research behind it. But it’s time to consider the risks of sitting in front of blue light (most indoor lighting) on your hormones, circadian rhythm and overall wellbeing.
The research on light medicine is being updated every day due to the huge volume of studies being published. We are entering a time where light can and is being prescribed like any other medication - it’s being called ‘photoceuticals’ or light medicine.
Here’s what we know so far, keeping in mind manufacturers don’t want lawsuits so their recommendations are quite conservative but as you’ll see even the experts in this area aren’t always in agreement. It’s important to note that there is no agreement in the science on how much red light therapy is necessary for the best results. Age, condition being treated, severity of the condition, etc., all come into play when determining how much light therapy you should do. If you’re considering red light therapy for fertility and aren’t sure where to begin - start here.
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is generally safe for most people. However, there are some situations where you should be careful or avoid using this therapy:
Photosensitivity: If you have conditions like lupus or porphyria that make your skin sensitive to light, it's best to skip red light therapy to avoid any skin reactions.
Pregnancy: If you're expecting, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying red light therapy. Most experts recommend not putting the light on your bump but of the research on expectant mothers - no adverse effects to mom or baby have been reported. It’s also a great tool for pain management and postpartum recovery.
Fertility: If you’re having fertility treatments it makes sense to stop using the light on the abdomen after your transfer or IUI. For partners using PBM to improve sperm motility (almost instantly!) keep the light moving and never place the light directly on to the testicles. Contact me for more details on the various protocols.
Epilepsy: If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, be careful with red light therapy, as certain devices might trigger seizures due to pulsing lights.
Cancer: Consult your healthcare professional before trying red light therapy. Remember this is not UV (cancer causing light). Recent studies demonstrate light therapy being used with cancer patients in the NHS in the UK for oral mucositis - a severely painful condition of the mouth.
Certain Eye Conditions: While red light therapy is usually safe for eyes and may even improve age-related vision issues, those with existing eye issues or taking light-sensitive medications should talk to their healthcare provider first. Most manufacturers will include safety goggles - I don’t use mine anymore but I also don’t stare directly into the device.
Medications: If you're on medications like certain antibiotics, diuretics, or retinoids that increase sensitivity to light talk to your provider.
Burns: PBM is nonthermal (unlike red heating lamps), but some products emit heat due to the energy being used - the larger panels usually have fans, so they stay cool. If you are using a tool directly on the skin be careful.
Darker Skin: If you are dark-skinned some research suggests you may have a higher chance of hyperpigmentation using RLT - other studies disagree and recommend it! I’d suggest taking photos regularly of the area you’re treating and keep a diary of light usage and go low and slow with the length of time and dosage.
Is Too Much RLT Dangerous?
More frequent or longer usage doesn’t necessarily mean better results. More is not always better so at the worst you’ll have no improvements. The research describes a Two-Dimensional Dosing Theory:
The dose relates to the biological effect of red light therapy.
Too little dose gets no response.
Too much dose gets an inhibitory response.
In the middle, a stimulatory response.
If you're treating something on the surface of your skin, shorter treatment times are usually the go-to. But if you're aiming for deeper tissues/organs, such as the ovaries, you may need to use it for a bit longer. This ensures enough energy reaches those deeper layers for effective treatment. You’ll see that within fertility discussions online some women use it for 5-10 minutes on one area and alternate with other areas - lower abdomen, sacrum and both sides of the front of the neck either side of the thyroid (this generally follows the Danish and Japanese fertility protocols).
See below for additional information on RLT and fertility.
