St. John's wort might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives

June 2000

There are growing concerns that St. John's wort might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

There are reports of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities in women who combine St. John's wort and the pill.

St. John's wort appears to induce cytochrome P450 3A4...which increases the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.

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