The birth control pill is a medication that women take every day to regulate their periods and prevent pregnancy. Some brands also have other uses, such as reducing acne. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, certain herbs and other medications may interact with it, causing it to be less effective. Before taking any herbal remedies, check with your doctor and mention that you are on the birth control pill.
Saw Palmetto
While the most common use for saw palmetto is to reduce the risk of prostate problems, women may take the herb for pelvic pain, migraines, sore throat, asthma and a variety of other health problems. Saw palmetto can diminish the efficacy of birth control pills that contain estrogen. This could cause you to become pregnant unintentionally. It is also not safe to take during pregnancy, so if you became pregnant while taking it, it could harm your baby.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is often used to treat mild depression, anxiety and insomnia. It can also treat some infections. It reacts with the birth control pill by making it less effective. It also can react with other medications, including antidepressants, blood thinners and some narcotic pain relievers. It can make you dizzy and make it unsafe for you to drive. If you do decide to take St. John's Wort for anxiety or depression after checking with your doctor, use a backup form of birth control.
For Maximum Efficacy
For your birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, it is best to take your pill at the same time every day. If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill, ask your health care provider what you should do to make up the missed pills and prevent pregnancy for the rest of that cycle. Antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Recommendations
Before taking any type of herb, let your doctor know about all medications you are on, including birth control pills. This can prevent dangerous interactions as well as an unplanned pregnancy. If you must take an antibiotic or an herbal remedy while you are on birth control pills, use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm, every time you have sex. Talk to your doctor to find out for how long you need to use a backup method.
