Can Birth Control Pills and Breast Enhancement Supplements Be Combined? - Pharmacology

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Birth control pills and breast enhancement pills?


Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if taking the contraceptive pill "Yuezi" and breast enhancement supplements together will have any effects.
If so, how long should I wait before taking the breast enhancement supplements? The ingredients in the breast enhancement supplements include: Pueraria Mirifica (Kudzu), Red Dates, Angelica Sinensis, White Peony, Poria, Atractylodes, Rehmannia, Chinese Yam, Siberian Ginseng, Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Ginger, Licorice, and Mint.

Jing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/07

Dr. Liu Huiya reply Pharmacology


There have been no significant interactions identified between the breast enhancement herbal medicine and the daily use of the Yaz contraceptive pill.
However, it is recommended to space the intake of both by 8 hours to avoid any potential unknown interactions.

Reply Date: 2016/12/07

More Info


When considering the combination of birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (悦姿避孕药), and breast enhancement supplements that contain herbal ingredients, it is essential to understand the potential interactions and effects on your health.
Birth control pills primarily work by regulating hormones in the body, specifically estrogen and progesterone, to prevent ovulation and manage menstrual cycles. The specific formulation of your birth control pill, which includes Drospirenone and Estradiol, is designed to provide effective contraception and may also have additional benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

On the other hand, breast enhancement supplements often contain a variety of herbal ingredients, such as Pueraria Mirifica (葛根), red dates (红枣), Angelica Sinensis (当归), white peony (白芍), Poria (茯苓), white atractylodes (白术), cooked rehmannia (熟地), Chinese yam (山药), Siberian ginseng (刺五加), Danshen (丹参), ginger (老姜), licorice (甘草), and mint (薄荷). These ingredients are commonly believed to have phytoestrogenic properties, which means they can mimic estrogen in the body.

The concern with combining these two types of products lies in the potential for increased estrogen levels. Since birth control pills already contain estrogen, adding supplements that also have estrogen-like effects could theoretically lead to an excess of estrogen in the body. This could increase the risk of side effects associated with high estrogen levels, such as nausea, headaches, mood swings, and in rare cases, more severe complications like blood clots.

Moreover, some herbal supplements can interact with the metabolism of medications, including hormonal contraceptives. For instance, certain herbs may induce liver enzymes that metabolize drugs, potentially reducing the effectiveness of birth control pills. While the specific herbs you mentioned are not widely documented to have significant interactions with hormonal contraceptives, caution is always advised.

If you are considering taking breast enhancement supplements while on birth control pills, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history, the specific birth control pill you are using, and the ingredients in the breast enhancement supplement.
In general, if you decide to proceed with both, it may be wise to space them out. For example, taking the birth control pill in the morning and the supplement in the evening could help minimize any potential interaction. However, this is not a guaranteed solution, and professional guidance is essential.

In conclusion, while there may not be well-documented interactions between your specific birth control pill and the breast enhancement supplements you are considering, the potential for increased estrogen levels and the effects of herbal ingredients on drug metabolism warrant caution. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially when you are already on hormonal medications. Your health and safety should always come first.

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