10-03-2016, 00:05
What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007 at 6:55 AM Natalia (Login starlessdreamer8)
I am considering starting a herb program, I have been massaging. However I am on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, and have an active sex life, so I can not afford to use herbs that will seriously affect my birth control. Any suggestions or a list of herbs that affect BC?
Tessica
(Login Tessica)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 8:09 AM
I've read that saw palmetto can, but I'm not sure if any others do.
_violet_
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 12:31 PM
I've read in many websites that vitex isn't recommended to be taken whilst on the BCP as they may interfere with each other.
Xtina
(Login xtina12)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 1:15 PM
I know black cohosh will def effect the dependability of birth control. but thats the only herb I read of that will for sure, and I've seen this fact stated in various sources.
Natalia
(Login starlessdreamer8)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 6:37 AM
Thanks so much. I really want to start taking herbs, but I'm still a little worried.
Lisa
(no login)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 5:16 PM
The girls are right, all those shouldn't be combined with BCP.
Generally Fennel, Fenugreek and Nettle root can be regarded as safe to take with BCP. The best way to find out is to just type the herb you are interested into google as well as "birth control interactions" or the like.
chiquita83
(Login chiquita83)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 8:11 PM
vitex affects bcp??? i thought i read on another thread that it didnt...
...gotta do more research..dont want to interfere with my bcp...ahhh!are u absolutely sure that it does???
Cath
(no login)
No..it does NOT
January 10 2007, 9:05 PM
Vitex DOESN'T cause problems with BCP!
This is the fourth time I've posted this now, and people still seem not to be taking it in. Here it is again, but if in doubt after this again, do what I did - and ASK your doctor!
After I originlly read this online, I checked with my GP, who is very open to her patients taking herbs, and great to deal with. She told me Agnus Castus will NOT react with, or negate the effects of my bcp, or vice-versa (this has been checked twice now, as I was on Yasmin, and am now on Cilest) so I happily take it and have done since 15th September.
Once again, for those about to say it was only tested with Marvelon, no, it was not. The original test was with Marvelon, then all top 100 bcp pills were tested.
Copied directly: from http://www.pms.org.uk/About+PMS/News/Once+A+Month/2006+bulletins/April+2006
Does Agnus Castus interact with contraception pill
Agnus CastusNAPS Expert Panel recently received an enquiry regarding the use of Agnus Castus and risks of any interaction if used at the same time as Marvelon, oral contraceptive pill.
Following research by NAPS research GP Dr Carrie Sadler and Lichtwer, the company which supplies Agnus Castus, there seems to be no evidence to suggest that Agnus Castus interferes in any way with the actions of other medicines.
Agnus castus is a herbal medicine which can be used for menstrual problems. It contains no oestrogen-like compounds, but seems to work by affecting the release of specific hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Lichtwer looked specifically for information about any possible interaction between Agnus Castus and the hormones used in oral contraceptives but found no information in any of the standard reference books to indicate any interaction with the contraceptive pill. These books included Herbal Medicines by Barnes, Anderson and Phillipson, Martindale: The complete drug reference from the Pharmaceutical Press, ESCOP Monographs by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, as well as a literature search using PubMed, a data-base service operated by the US National Library of Medicine and the US National Institutes of Health. In 47 publications relating to Agnus Castus, the company found "no information that any interaction has ever been reported after using Agnus Castus. It thus seems highly unlikely that there will be any interaction between Agnus Castus and the oral contraceptive pill," Lichtwer commented. Dr Carrie Sadler agrees. "There is no evidence that Agnus Castus affects the contraceptive efficacy of the pill."
Lichtwer did question whether it was necessary to take Agnus Castus if already on the pill as both products address similar menstrual problems.
So, it does NOT appear to negate the effects at all.
Jen
(Login js89)
EVE MEMBERS
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 9:10 PM
"Herbs to avoid while using hormonal birth control include St. Johns Wort, Vitex (chasteberry), Red Clover, Black and Blue Cohosh, Fennel, Hops, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, and Licorice. There could be many other herbs that interfere with the effectiveness of birth control, but because few studies have been done, it is not known which ones do this. Most of the herbs listed interfere because of their properties. All of them, except for the Licorice and St. Johns Wort, contain hormones (mostly estrogen) and can interfere with hormonal birth control by providing too much, or by causing the body to try to correct any hormonal imbalance present".
I copied this off a web site after searching Google for Vitex birth control interactions.
Natalia
(Login starlessdreamer8)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 9:12 PM
For those of you on birth control, who are sexually active, what herbs do you use?
Lisa
(no login)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 11 2007, 2:48 PM
Hi Natalia, I am on yasmin and use Nettle root and Fenugreek. For more details just check my programs page.
chiquita83
(Login chiquita83)
vitex DOES interact with my BCP...
January 11 2007, 9:18 PM
i do know that vitex DOES interact with my BCP( I use the Orth-Evra transdermal patch)...I found in this article its drug interactions and found that one of the ingredients in my BCP is listed on there so I will NOT be taking vitex...instead i will substitute it for maca root. Here is the article where I found this out...I'll include the link at the bottom in case u want to check it out yourself.you might want to check if your BCP has any of these ingredients...hope this helps
____________________________________________________________________________________________
***Vitex Risks & Side Effects***
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
--Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is the link as well:http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html#sec5
glad i found it otherwise there could have been a big surprise...one im definitely not ready for....as for my research maca root is in the cear and good to go so im happy about thatgood luck and best wishes to all!!
Erica
(Login em357304)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 11 2007, 10:04 PM
I use the nuva ring and I use fenugreek, saw palmetto, EPO, wild yam, flaxseed oil...been using since August and haven't had any problems...
Julie
(Login ariesxtreme)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 12 2007, 9:49 PM
Before I start the program also does anyone know of a link or an actual list of herbs that shouldn't be used with BC? I know I can use Fenugreek and would like to use Saw Palmetto, Red Clover and perhaps a few others.
Anonymous
(no login)
Julie
January 12 2007, 9:55 PM
Here's a link to some of the most commonly used herbs for NBE. Saw Palmetto should definately be avoided. Some saw palmetto bottles will have warnings against this. You can substitute it for nettle root instead though.
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/3/a/Herbal_Breast.htm
Julie
(Login ariesxtreme)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 12 2007, 10:06 PM
Thank you,
I'm just getting confused with all the herbs that one should take in conjunction with fenugreek to regulate hormones and such. Just joined and the whole estrogen vs phytoestrogen deal is a bit confusing.
January 9 2007 at 6:55 AM Natalia (Login starlessdreamer8)
I am considering starting a herb program, I have been massaging. However I am on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo, and have an active sex life, so I can not afford to use herbs that will seriously affect my birth control. Any suggestions or a list of herbs that affect BC?
Tessica
(Login Tessica)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 8:09 AM
I've read that saw palmetto can, but I'm not sure if any others do.
_violet_
(Login _violet_)
SENIOR MEMBER
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 12:31 PM
I've read in many websites that vitex isn't recommended to be taken whilst on the BCP as they may interfere with each other.
Xtina
(Login xtina12)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 9 2007, 1:15 PM
I know black cohosh will def effect the dependability of birth control. but thats the only herb I read of that will for sure, and I've seen this fact stated in various sources.
Natalia
(Login starlessdreamer8)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 6:37 AM
Thanks so much. I really want to start taking herbs, but I'm still a little worried.
Lisa
(no login)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 5:16 PM
The girls are right, all those shouldn't be combined with BCP.
Generally Fennel, Fenugreek and Nettle root can be regarded as safe to take with BCP. The best way to find out is to just type the herb you are interested into google as well as "birth control interactions" or the like.
chiquita83
(Login chiquita83)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 8:11 PM
vitex affects bcp??? i thought i read on another thread that it didnt...
...gotta do more research..dont want to interfere with my bcp...ahhh!are u absolutely sure that it does???Cath
(no login)
No..it does NOT
January 10 2007, 9:05 PM
Vitex DOESN'T cause problems with BCP!
This is the fourth time I've posted this now, and people still seem not to be taking it in. Here it is again, but if in doubt after this again, do what I did - and ASK your doctor!
After I originlly read this online, I checked with my GP, who is very open to her patients taking herbs, and great to deal with. She told me Agnus Castus will NOT react with, or negate the effects of my bcp, or vice-versa (this has been checked twice now, as I was on Yasmin, and am now on Cilest) so I happily take it and have done since 15th September.
Once again, for those about to say it was only tested with Marvelon, no, it was not. The original test was with Marvelon, then all top 100 bcp pills were tested.
Copied directly: from http://www.pms.org.uk/About+PMS/News/Once+A+Month/2006+bulletins/April+2006
Does Agnus Castus interact with contraception pill
Agnus CastusNAPS Expert Panel recently received an enquiry regarding the use of Agnus Castus and risks of any interaction if used at the same time as Marvelon, oral contraceptive pill.
Following research by NAPS research GP Dr Carrie Sadler and Lichtwer, the company which supplies Agnus Castus, there seems to be no evidence to suggest that Agnus Castus interferes in any way with the actions of other medicines.
Agnus castus is a herbal medicine which can be used for menstrual problems. It contains no oestrogen-like compounds, but seems to work by affecting the release of specific hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Lichtwer looked specifically for information about any possible interaction between Agnus Castus and the hormones used in oral contraceptives but found no information in any of the standard reference books to indicate any interaction with the contraceptive pill. These books included Herbal Medicines by Barnes, Anderson and Phillipson, Martindale: The complete drug reference from the Pharmaceutical Press, ESCOP Monographs by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, as well as a literature search using PubMed, a data-base service operated by the US National Library of Medicine and the US National Institutes of Health. In 47 publications relating to Agnus Castus, the company found "no information that any interaction has ever been reported after using Agnus Castus. It thus seems highly unlikely that there will be any interaction between Agnus Castus and the oral contraceptive pill," Lichtwer commented. Dr Carrie Sadler agrees. "There is no evidence that Agnus Castus affects the contraceptive efficacy of the pill."
Lichtwer did question whether it was necessary to take Agnus Castus if already on the pill as both products address similar menstrual problems.
So, it does NOT appear to negate the effects at all.
Jen
(Login js89)
EVE MEMBERS
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 9:10 PM
"Herbs to avoid while using hormonal birth control include St. Johns Wort, Vitex (chasteberry), Red Clover, Black and Blue Cohosh, Fennel, Hops, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, and Licorice. There could be many other herbs that interfere with the effectiveness of birth control, but because few studies have been done, it is not known which ones do this. Most of the herbs listed interfere because of their properties. All of them, except for the Licorice and St. Johns Wort, contain hormones (mostly estrogen) and can interfere with hormonal birth control by providing too much, or by causing the body to try to correct any hormonal imbalance present".
I copied this off a web site after searching Google for Vitex birth control interactions.
Natalia
(Login starlessdreamer8)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 10 2007, 9:12 PM
For those of you on birth control, who are sexually active, what herbs do you use?
Lisa
(no login)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 11 2007, 2:48 PM
Hi Natalia, I am on yasmin and use Nettle root and Fenugreek. For more details just check my programs page.
chiquita83
(Login chiquita83)
vitex DOES interact with my BCP...
January 11 2007, 9:18 PM
i do know that vitex DOES interact with my BCP( I use the Orth-Evra transdermal patch)...I found in this article its drug interactions and found that one of the ingredients in my BCP is listed on there so I will NOT be taking vitex...instead i will substitute it for maca root. Here is the article where I found this out...I'll include the link at the bottom in case u want to check it out yourself.you might want to check if your BCP has any of these ingredients...hope this helps
____________________________________________________________________________________________
***Vitex Risks & Side Effects***
Vitex agnus castus is exceptionally safe. In one study, chaste tree berry was given up to 9 years with very few side effects.
It's advisable to not take vitex if you are pregnant.
--Drug Interactions
Interactions with hormone replacement therapy (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment. conjugated estrogens, estradiol, estrone, esterified estrogens, estropipate, ethinyl estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, norethindrone.
Interactions with oral contraceptives (potential/theoretical). Animal studies and human data have reported that chasteberry constituents have hormonal activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .
Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is the link as well:http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/vitex.html#sec5
glad i found it otherwise there could have been a big surprise...one im definitely not ready for....as for my research maca root is in the cear and good to go so im happy about that
good luck and best wishes to all!!Erica
(Login em357304)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 11 2007, 10:04 PM
I use the nuva ring and I use fenugreek, saw palmetto, EPO, wild yam, flaxseed oil...been using since August and haven't had any problems...
Julie
(Login ariesxtreme)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 12 2007, 9:49 PM
Before I start the program also does anyone know of a link or an actual list of herbs that shouldn't be used with BC? I know I can use Fenugreek and would like to use Saw Palmetto, Red Clover and perhaps a few others.
Anonymous
(no login)
Julie
January 12 2007, 9:55 PM
Here's a link to some of the most commonly used herbs for NBE. Saw Palmetto should definately be avoided. Some saw palmetto bottles will have warnings against this. You can substitute it for nettle root instead though.
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/3/a/Herbal_Breast.htm
Julie
(Login ariesxtreme)
Re: What herbs affecrt birth control?
January 12 2007, 10:06 PM
Thank you,
I'm just getting confused with all the herbs that one should take in conjunction with fenugreek to regulate hormones and such. Just joined and the whole estrogen vs phytoestrogen deal is a bit confusing.