birth control

[30stern]

I take orthotricyclin as birth control. I have no idea if I am fertile or not but I just want to know if it is okay to take birth control and the insulite system at the same time.

[drheather]

I take orthotricyclin as birth control. I have no idea if I am fertile or not but I just want to know if it is okay to take birth control and the insulite system at the same time.

Hello,

I am glad that you found us and wrote in!

You can continue the the birth control pill if you choose to use the PCOS System.

Our philosophy is to treat the cause of the disorder so that there is no longer a need for using contraceptives. Of course if you are using birth control to prevent pregnancy, you will need to find an alternate form of contraception (condoms, diaphragm, etc.) if you decide to discontinue the birth control pill at a later time! The supplements of The PCOS System do not do the same thing as the birth control pills, they do something even better! They work to correct the underlying cause of PCOS.

Just be sure to take the pill separately from the GlucX supplement that is in the PCOS System. GlucX is high in fiber which may theoretically interfere with the absorption of other substances taken at the same time.

If I can help further, please feel free to contact me at any time.

[amberray]

Just be sure to take the pill separately from the GlucX supplement that is in the PCOS System. GlucX is high in fiber which may theoretically interfere with the absorption of other substances taken at the same time.


Hi Dr Heather,
Hoping you can confirm and clarify the information on your previous post/answer regarding the Insulite System & use of birth control. It appears as though I should be concerned about the Insulite System potentially decreasing the effectiveness of the birth control to prevent pregnancy. If taking the GlucX separately eliminates this potential interaction, can you provide a recommendation as to how many hours I should wait following a dosing of GlucX before taking the birth control pill?

[drheather]

Hi Dr Heather,
Hoping you can confirm and clarify the information on your previous post/answer regarding the Insulite System & use of birth control. It appears as though I should be concerned about the Insulite System potentially decreasing the effectiveness of the birth control to prevent pregnancy. If taking the GlucX separately eliminates this potential interaction, can you provide a recommendation as to how many hours I should wait following a dosing of GlucX before taking the birth control pill?

Hi,

Thanks for writing in. I assume from your post that you are not interested in conceiving at this point.

The fiber can theoretically interefere with the absorption of any othe rmedications that are taken at the same time. We recommend that you take any medications four hours away from the GlucX. However, this is one potential reason for the reduced efficacy of your birth control pill.

Please know that some research shows a possibility that Vitex (an herb in the PCOS+ formula, one of the supplements of the Insulite PCOS System) may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, there is not much research out there regarding this interaction. We have had many women using birth control pills and have not had any reports of unwanted pregnancies.

Just to be safe, if you want to avoid pregnancy while on the Insulite PCOS System, I recommend that you continue to use the additional barrier protection of a condom to further protect yourself from becoming pregnant.

I hope that this helps. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

[slesko]

Hi-

I have been happily taking the PCOS system for about a year. It has greatly improved all of my symptoms. I also take spironolactone, which has improved my acne even more.

I would like to start a method of birth control, though I do plan to use condoms as a second method.

Will taking any method cause the effects of the system to be less? What I mean is, I feel great now. If I go on the pill, will I potentially get any of my symptoms back?

Secondly, as you indicated that the pill must be taken 4 hours separately from the GlucX, does this mean the Nuvaring is not a possibility, as it is inserted for 3 weeks at a time?
Thanks,
S

[drheather]

Hi-

I have been happily taking the PCOS system for about a year. It has greatly improved all of my symptoms. I also take spironolactone, which has improved my acne even more.

I would like to start a method of birth control, though I do plan to use condoms as a second method.

Will taking any method cause the effects of the system to be less? What I mean is, I feel great now. If I go on the pill, will I potentially get any of my symptoms back?

Secondly, as you indicated that the pill must be taken 4 hours separately from the GlucX, does this mean the Nuvaring is not a possibility, as it is inserted for 3 weeks at a time?
Thanks,
S

Hello and thanks for writing in! I am thrilled to hear that you have done so well on the System.

This is a great question regarding birth control. In general, we do not recommend oral contraceptives as a treatment for PCOS because they are synthetic hormones that mask some of the symptoms of PCOS rather than fixing the problems.

In addition, there is some support that birth control pills can contribute to insulin resistance, which you have been working on this last year.
http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/blog/5/can-birth-control-pills-affect-pcos/

Certainly barrier contraception such as condoms, is a good option. Others include diaphragm, cervical cap.You may also consider and IUD (copper or progesterone).

What option is best for you will depend on what you are looking for. I would research these options and discuss your questions with your doctor.

Also, if you choose the Nuvaring, you do not have to worry about the timing of the GlucX. Since the hormones in the contraception are not absorbed through the digestive tract, there is no interference.

I hope that this helps. Please let me know if I can help further.