Hormonal contraception is 99 % efficient if used completely. However in the event you miss a tablet, then it solely turns into 91 % efficient. There are different components that might additionally work together with its efficacy, together with sure nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements that may have undesirable interactions.
“Oral contraceptives (OCs) are absorbed within the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After absorption, the estrogen part of OCs is metabolized within the liver by a particular enzyme system referred to as cytochrome P450,” Dr. Mary Jacobson, the Chief Medical Officer over at Alpha Medical, explains to SheKnows.
Contraception drugs and sure dietary supplements can have a conflicting interplay with the enzyme, which suggests when taken collectively, the contraception may grow to be much less efficient leading to unwanted effects, together with unplanned pregnancies. Under is an inventory of nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements that might intrude together with your contraception.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort is a dietary complement which individuals should purchase over-the-counter within the U.S. and based on Jacobson the plant is used to deal with depressive signs. “St. John’s Wort hastens metabolization of OCs which decreases the quantity of hormones in OCs that are absorbed. This may result in larger charges of breakthrough bleeding and an undesired being pregnant.”
Activated charcoal
Whereas activated charcoal is used as a detoxifier in treating sufferers within the emergency division for suspected poisoning, Jacobson notes that individuals, particularly millennials take it in smaller doses “for unfounded claims of well being advantages, together with eradicating toxins from the physique and pores and skin.” Nonetheless, in the event you take your OCs across the identical time you eat charcoal, “the charcoal could bind to OC hormones in your intestine and render them ineffective.”
Soy merchandise
Soy merchandise, similar to tofu and tempeh, comprise isoflavones that are a kind of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are compounds present in vegetation and meals that act just like estrogen within the physique. “Phytoestrogens have been studied for potential advantages in menopausal signs like scorching flushes and osteoporosis, lowered dangers of heart problems, weight problems, metabolic syndrome and kind 2 diabetes, mind operate problems, breast most cancers, prostate most cancers, bowel most cancers and different cancers,” Jacobson explains. “Phytoestrogens can theoretically influence the estrogen in contraception. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to find out the consequences of phytoestrogens on contraception.”
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Grapefruit
In response to Jacobson, consuming grapefruit or ingesting grapefruit juice may influence the quantity of many drugs, together with OCs that your physique absorbs. “Grapefruit has been proven to sluggish the breakdown of estrogen from OCs in your physique,” she says. “So, estrogen out of your contraception could grasp round in your system longer. Extra analysis is required to find out the precise impact of grapefruit on hormone regulation. Sometimes consuming grapefruit shouldn’t be an issue however consuming a number of grapefruit could influence metabolism of medicines which you’re taking.’
Are there alternate options to those nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements?
If you happen to’re on contraception, Jacobson advises discussing your targets of taking dietary supplements, together with nutritional vitamins and minerals together with your supplier. “If you’re medicating depressive signs with St. John’s Wort and are having success, contemplate switching from an OC to a distinct type of hormonal contraceptive that doesn’t work together with St. John’s Wort,” she says. “Hormones from an IUD, patch, ring, or implant are absorbed immediately into the bloodstream and are unaffected by St. John’s Wort. Alternatively, if St. John’s Wort is ineffective for treating depressive signs, discuss to your supplier about alternate options like prescription anti-depressants and discuss remedy.”
Earlier than taking nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements, what are some pointers somebody ought to think about or discuss with their physician about?
When discussing contraception, Jacobson recommends your supplier learn about all drugs, nutritional vitamins, minerals, herbs, and dietary supplements which you’re taking to allow them to talk about potential drug interactions in addition to scientific proof in assist or refutation of dietary supplements which you’re taking. “Keep in mind, extra is just not higher. Extra vitamins supplied by dietary dietary supplements might help meet really useful nutrient targets however may doubtlessly result in extra intakes and have an effect on your kidney and liver operate. Attempt to obtain your targets via dietary modifications first.”
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