Can Vitex be taken with Birth Control Pills?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Michelle
Posted on: July 4, 2003

Could you please tell me if it is okay to take black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) while still taking the birth control pill? Also, are they okay to take if I also take a low dose of synthroid for hypothyroidism? I would appreciate your feedback. I also plan to discuss it with my medical doctor, but I figure I better hear from the experts first. Thank you,

Because vitex works to balance sex hormones from the pituitary gland to treat hormone imbalance, and birth control pills provide hormones that upset the natural cycle, it does not make sense to take the two at the same time. Black cohosh does have hormonal actions, and is most often used in health conditions that are of hormonal origin. If you are thinking of using black cohosh for its other actions, such as its aspirin-like action, there may be more suitable herbs for you to use at this time.

It is generally recommneded that herbs that affect the sex hormones not be taken while taking birth control pills, when pregnant and when breast feeding. I recommend that you visit a natural health care provider, such as a herbalist or naturopath, who can give you information on the best herbs for your individual condition.

There are no contraindications for taking vitex or black cohosh with hypothyroid and synthroid.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.