Flaxseed oil is mostly likely safe to take when you are on the birth control pill, as there are no known interactions between the two. However, flaxseed itself is a different story. Avoid flaxseed or ground flaxseed meal if you take oral contraceptives, because the lignans and fiber in flaxseed can interact with these medications. You should also avoid flaxseed oil that contains added lignans.
Flaxseed Oil Benefits
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid. The body converts ALA into the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, which are the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. The body is not very good at converting ALA into EPA and DHA, so eating fatty fish or taking fish oil or algae oil supplements is a better way to get these essential fats. However, flaxseed oil is an excellent vegetarian source of ALA, and ALA might have benefits apart from its role as a precursor to EPA and DHA. ALA may decrease the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels and help treat the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.
Lignans
Whole flaxseed contains biologically active substances that are absent from flaxseed oil. Flaxseed has large amounts of dietary fiber, and thus prevents constipation and acts as a laxative if taken in quantity. Its high fiber content can affect how the body absorbs medications, so you should not take flaxseed meal at the same time as prescribed drugs or supplements. Flaxseed also contains plant estrogens called lignans. The lignans in flaxseed may explain its usefulness as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. Flaxseed can disrupt the action of hormone-altering medications, including birth control pills, so avoid it completely unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Dosage
The recommended daily dosage of flaxseed oil is 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, or 1 to 2 capsules per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flaxseed oil is highly perishable, so always store it in the refrigerator and discard bottles that have expired or have started to smell "off." Some flaxseed oil supplements contain added lignans; avoid these, as they may interact with oral contraceptives. Take birth control pills exactly as prescribed.
Considerations
Before using flaxseed oil as a dietary supplement, check with your doctor if you take blood-thinning medications, pain relievers, cholesterol-lowering drugs or mood stabilizers. Don't self-treat a medical condition with flaxseed oil without consulting a health care provider first. Before prescribing birth control pills, your doctor will check your medication profile and health history to make sure the medication is safe for you. Birth control pills interact with a variety of substances, so always let your prescribing doctor know if you start taking any new medications or supplements. If you're taking birth control pills and notice unusual side effects, including allergic reactions, bleeding, digestive upset, headache, swelling or numbness, call your doctor right away.
