Hormone birth control, such as birth control pills, contains synthetic forms of estrogen and/or progestin. While becoming pregnant on birth control pills is rare, some women worry about the effects of their birth control on their fetuses. However,...
If you rely on oral contraceptives for birth control, chances are you have heard that antibiotics like amoxicillin can decrease their effectiveness. You may be wondering why this occurs and how much you need to worry. Understanding this potential...
Alfalfa is part of the Medicago flowering plant family, also called the forage plant. It grows with a cluster of stems and multiple purple, white or green florets. The plant itself is rich in various vitamins and minerals including calcium, folic...
Most birth control pills work by utilizing synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation or to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. According to the American Pregnancy Association, birth control pills are 99 percent effective when started on time...
Blood clots, which are clumps of blood, often form after a vein or artery sustains damage. If they form inside a vein, the result is redness, pain and swelling in the localized area. According to MayoClinic.com, the leg is most often affected. In...
If you take birth control pills, grapefruit can excessively elevate your estrogen levels, leading to dangerous side effects. Grapefruit seed extract contains the pulp and seeds of grapefruit. A single glass of grapefruit juice can increase your...
Some contraceptives involve the use of hormones, while others offer a non-chemical barrier or intrauterine protection. Speak to your physician regarding the side effects of hormonal birth control prior to deciding which method is right for you....
Grapefruit, on its own, may slightly elevate a woman's estrogen hormone levels. If you combine grapefruit with drugs containing estrogen, such as birth control pills or drugs to treat menopausal symptoms, you may significantly raise your estrogen...
The late Dr. John Lee, hormone specialist and author, coined the term "estrogen dominance" to describe a condition in which a woman has either an excessive, normal or deficient level of estrogen and a minimal amount -- or no -- progesterone to...
Planning on when and how many children to have is an important part of your life. No birth control method except abstinence is 100 percent effective, but if you opt to use birth control pills to control your fertility, you may rely on it to...
Weight gain is listed as one of the common side effects of using the birth control patch. For some women, this gain might be fat. For most women, weight gain is a temporary water retention or an increase in the size of fat cells triggered by the...
Treating acne for many people involves buying over-the-counter cleansers and creams until they find something that works. However, for some, their acne is so severe and persistent that they require prescription medications to reduce inflammation...
Migraines are caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the brain when serotonin levels increase. Changes in weather or altitude, strong smells, bright lights and missed meals are just a few examples of what can trigger migraines. If you suffer...
Breast enlargement pills contain a proprietary blend of ingredients that are specific to the manufacturer. With each ingredient comes the potential for side effects. According to Mayo Clinic, breast enlargement may also be an unintended side...
Migraines are caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the brain when serotonin levels increase. Changes in weather or altitude, strong smells, bright lights and missed meals are just a few examples of what can trigger migraines. If you suffer...
Migraines are caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the brain when serotonin levels increase. Changes in weather or altitude, strong smells, bright lights and missed meals are just a few examples of what can trigger migraines. If you suffer...
Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are drugs or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptives work by preventing the man's sperm from fertilizing a woman's egg. Barrier methods of contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms,...
There are several types of birth control and certain forms can have a direct effect on cholesterol levels. The pill is the most common form of birth control that can affect cholesterol readings. If you suffer from high cholesterol, speak with your...
Oily bumps on the skin, also known as blackheads, are a common problem. As many as 50 million Americans struggle with acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Oily bumps occur when the pores are blocked by bacteria, oil or dead skin...
Birth control pills have been in the top two of all birth control options in the United States since 1982. Statistically speaking then, a very large number of U.S. women use the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. That means a very large...
A DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot that most commonly forms in the legs. Many factors contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing a DVT including smoking, obesity, immobility, surgery and pregnancy. MedlinePlus also notes...
There is nothing inherently bad about grapefruit. Virtually fat-free, this fruit provides potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C for just 53 calories in half a medium grapefruit. And not all versions of the grapefruit diet, a regimen that calls for...
There is a great deal of conflicting information regarding the medicinal use of herbal supplements. Red clover, along with other herbs such as black cohosh and dong quai, contain plant-based chemicals that work in a similar manner to estrogen...
Birth control pills allow women to control their own fertility by preventing unwanted pregnancies. The birth control pill can also regulate menstrual cycles, which is helpful for women with irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome or...
Oil and seeds derived from the anise, or Pimpinella anisum, plant are used as both a cooking spice and medicinal supplement. Traditionally, anise has been used as a digestive aid and cough suppressant and may also help treat intestinal parasites....
As defined by MedlinePlus, cortisol is a natural hormone that's produced in the adrenal cortex in the body. Cortisol has numerous functions that are essential for sustaining life--such as maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar level,...
Alopecia is permanent or temporary hair loss. It can occur in men, women and children. There are many different forms and causes of alopecia. A common side effect of many drugs has been hair loss. Hair loss can be patchy or can result in complete...
Triglycerides are fats obtained from the diet that are carried in the blood. Most triglycerides consumed are in the form of butter, margarine and oils. Excessive caloric intake, including calories from alcohol and sugar, is also converted to...
Guggul is a medicinal treatment derived from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Traditionally, this natural supplement has been used to reduce high cholesterol. Recently, guggul has gained popularity as an acne...
