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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by psychobot5000 on February 21, 2007, at 20:44:50
Does anyone know if Vitex is likely to interfere with birth control medications? I know it effects prolactin and progesterone, but...
My girlfriend started taking it, and seemed clearly to get a mood benefit from it (yay!), but we'd hate it if it were blocking or damaging the efficacy of her birth control! If anyone understands whether this ought to be a possibility, I'd be grateful to know.
Thanks,
P-bot
Posted by Bryn on March 8, 2007, at 13:21:02
In reply to Vitex interacting with birth control?, posted by psychobot5000 on February 21, 2007, at 20:44:50
Hi, P-bot,
I hope all is still working okay for you and your girlfriend.
Here is what I found out about Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry), according to Allan Keith Tillotson in The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook.
According to this book, you should use this herb with caution if taking birth control pills. He doesn't explain specifically why he gives this caution, but it can be inferred from the text that it is because the action of the Vitex increases both estogen and progesterone, with a stronger effect on progesterone.
This could theoretically mean that your girlfriend could be getting a "double dose" of estrogen from the Vitex and birth control pills, which could increase her risk for developing some female cancers later in life. However, unless you know what type of birth control pills your girlfriend is taking, you really won't understand what action the Vitex *might be* having on them. For example, some b/c pills are low-dose estrogen, low-dose progesterone, others are combination estrogen/progesterone, etc.
Since Vitex alters female hormone levels and birth control pills work by altering female hormone levels, I would strongly caution you against using Vitex with the b/c pills until you know how the b/c pills work. Even then, you might want to err on the side of caution and exclude the Vitex. :)
It makes sense that your girlfriend would feel better while taking Vitex. It is an herb that is known for it's balancing effect on female hormones. However, a woman of childbearing age who is "in balance" is generally fertile! :) Birth control pills work by artificially putting the body out of balance and thus inducing a temporary infertility.
You mentioned that your girlfriend had a lot of emotional problems when she was on birth control pills. I did, too, and was ultimately unable to use them. I wish you and your girlfriend a lot of luck and wisdom while deciding what to do. I know condoms seem like a bummer, but one benefit my partner and I derived from us going back to them was that when I went off the pill, I was much more happy and "in the mood" much more often! ;)
Best of luck,
Bryn> Does anyone know if Vitex is likely to interfere with birth control medications? I know it effects prolactin and progesterone, but...
>
> My girlfriend started taking it, and seemed clearly to get a mood benefit from it (yay!), but we'd hate it if it were blocking or damaging the efficacy of her birth control! If anyone understands whether this ought to be a possibility, I'd be grateful to know.
>
> Thanks,
> P-bot
Posted by Bryn on March 8, 2007, at 13:27:18
In reply to Re: Vitex interacting with birth control?, posted by Bryn on March 8, 2007, at 13:21:02
Whoops! You actually DID NOT mention this -- I assumed it based on what you wrote. Sorry about that! :)
-Bryn
> You mentioned that your girlfriend had a lot of emotional problems when she was on birth control pills.
Posted by psychobot5000 on March 8, 2007, at 19:07:47
In reply to Re: Vitex interacting with birth control?, posted by Bryn on March 8, 2007, at 13:21:02
I very much appreciate the effort you took in responding. I can only assume you're right, and look elsewhere for something that provides a little mood boosting--which is indeed what we're looking for. There's bound to be something else that works without the accompanying risk.
P-bot
Posted by Bryn on March 9, 2007, at 22:23:37
In reply to Re: Vitex interacting with birth control?, posted by psychobot5000 on March 8, 2007, at 19:07:47
Has she tried St. John's Wort yet? According to reports, it can have a mood balancing effect, if that is what you are looking for. As far as I know, it doesn't have any significant hormonal effects. If she takes it, it is important that she gives it at least four weeks before making a judgement about it. It takes time to build up an effect. I'd recommend a tincture or capsule/tablet form.
Another herb to try is Feverfew. It is mainly known as a migraine preventative, but also has had documented mood boosting effects in studies. It is really easy to take -- eat a few fresh leaves each day for the best effect. Again, I'd give it a good four weeks before making a judgement.
Best of luck.
Bryn
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