[ivy_sweet]

Hi there, this may be a silly question but is it all right to take herbal water retention pills while I'm on the pill to help get rid of the water retention? I know they are suitable for PMS just before a normal period but I'm just checking they will work just as well since I'm on the pill. Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm a bit ditzy :rolleyes:

[Thomas1970]

Hi Ivy,
It's very difficult to say without knowing exactly what herbs you are taking. Though offhand, taken in moderation and over shorter periods, most simple diuretic herbs are probably not likely to produce any common adverse interactions. Though bear in mind, I am not a licensed herbalist by any means.
There are a great deal of plants, such as red clover, and even soy, that are very high in phytoestrogens. Plants such as wild yam are high in progesterone. And herbs such as black cohosh can significantly effect menstrual cycles as well. Though the effcts of many of these are probably minimal, some do need to be taken into serious consideration.
Be aware as well, that there is always a higher risk of clotting with oral contraceptives, so do make sure nothing you take increases this tendency, or in any way facilitates consistently elevated levels of vitaim K in the blood. Dandelion leaves, a common diuretic, are high in vitamin K.
Overall, I'd recommend researching them, or better yet, getting the qualified opinion of an herbalist or naturopath, but I do agree you are likely, if generally healthy, probably at little serious risk here. Take care. :)

[J_9]

I agree with what Thomas had to say, however I would like to add one thing.

Some herbs along with antibiotics tend to make the birth control pill less effective. It is best that you ask your pharmacist if the herbal diuretics you want to take will effect the pill that you are currently prescribed.