Oral contraceptives, also called the Pill, are the most popular form of birth control. Oral contraceptives are a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone taken for 21 days of every month; the last seven days are replaced by a placebo pill which allows menses to start. Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy by blocking ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus. Some herbs produce estrogen-like effects, which can interfere with the action of birth control pills. Tell your gynecologist about any supplements or medications you are taking.
St. John's Wort
St John's wort, scientific name Hypericum perforatum, grows in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. It is an herbal remedy often used to relieve symptoms of mild depression; American Family Physician states it is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in Germany. It is also used for obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual syndrome. It is basically well-tolerated and has few side effects, which include sensitivity to sunlight and gastrointestinal problems. However, it can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills and cause breakthrough bleeding.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is also called angelica, and its root has been used in making herbal remedies for centuries. It is a member of the celery family and is native to parts of China, Japan and Korea. Although it has not been well-studied in humans, it is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. It is also used for premenstrual syndrome, irregular or absent menstrual periods, high blood pressure and heart disease. In high doses, dong quai can cause a rash and make you more sensitive to sunlight. You should not take dong quai with oral contraceptives because its estrogen-like effects may interfere with their effectiveness.
Licorice
Along with being a popular candy flavoring, licorice root can be used in herbal medicines. Licorice appears to have a variety of actions. It is used for digestive complaints, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis and heartburn. Licorice appears to possess some anti-microbial activity and can be used for sore throat and bronchitis. It has some anti-inflammatory properties and is used for lupus and osteoarthritis. MedlinePlus states licorice should not be used for more than four weeks. Licorice also has some estrogen-like actions that can cause your birth control pills to be less effective.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus castus, is a member of the verbena family of plants. It is found growing along river banks in parts of the Mediterranean and Europe. AltMD states that although chasteberry does not contain plant estrogens, it does contain progesterone and hydroxyprogesterone in its flowers and leaves. Chasteberry is used to treat a variety of hormonal conditions including fibroids, menstrual irregularities, lactation problems and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and to reduce the bleeding of heavy menstrual periods and reduce acne. You should not take chasteberry while taking birth control pills because its hormonal attributes can lessen their effectiveness.
