MAY 7, 2018
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
It is the oestrogen and oestrogen like hormone medications that the following refer to. Progesterone only OC and HRT do not have these same effects.
CAFFEINE AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES/HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
As we know caffeine can make us feel jittery and can sometimes cause nausea. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soft drink and unfortunately chocolate. Hormones can increase the effects of caffeine possibly making us feel more jittery, irritated or nauseous. Limit the intake of caffeine to reduce these side effects.
ENERGY DRINKS AND APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES/HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
These drinks and supplements usually contain ingredients such as guarana and bitter orange that cause stimulation. As hormones themselves can be stimulating the same effects can occur as with caffeine mentioned above. Limit the use of these drinks and supplements.
GRAPEFRUIT JUICE AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES/HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of certain things in the body and oestradiol is one of them. Oestradiol is a common form of oestrogen found in contraceptives and HRT. Higher levels of oestrogen make side effects such as nausea, leg cramps and blood clots more likely. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking oestrogen containing medications.
BLACK COHOSH, LICORICE, CHASTEBERRY AND WILD YAM AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES/HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
These herbs can interfere with how prescription hormone medicines work because they too affect hormone levels in the body. Only take these in addition to prescribed hormone medicines under professional advice.
