CBD Oil and the Pill - Can there be interactions?
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Time to read 4 min
Many people swear by CBD - there are many health areas where CBD oil can be used supportively. Among other things, it can have pain-relieving, antispasmodic, or anti-inflammatory effects.
But what if you are taking the pill? Are there any interactions and what should generally be considered? Does CBD oil affect the pill or vice versa?
What is the pill and what are its side effects?
The birth control pill is one of the most widely used contraceptives worldwide. This hormonally acting contraceptive is taken in tablet form. It prevents the maturation of egg cells and thus suppresses ovulation. In this way, the medication prevents pregnancy. Primarily, the birth control pill introduces estrogen and/or progestin into the body, with the composition varying greatly depending on the preparation.
Unfortunately, the list of side effects is long, as the pill interferes with the hormonal balance and strongly influences hormone levels. Many women who take the medication struggle with regular nausea, migraines, weight gain, worsening mood, and reduced libido.
Additionally, there is an increased risk of developing thrombosis, especially if smoking occurs in addition to taking the pill. The risk of breast cancer can increase. Women who use the pill for contraception often develop chronic depression. This was most recently confirmed by a Danish study from 2018.
Estrogen and the endocannabinoid system
CBD and the pill - do they interact well? How does estrogen affect the cannabinoid or vice versa? Neither anecdotal evidence nor studies have so far concluded that the contraceptive effect of the pill is impaired by CBD. Simultaneous use seems logical - the pill is meant to ensure contraception, and CBD is used by many to alleviate menstrual discomfort.
However, you must consider the following: CBD and estrogen are processed by the same enzymes, namely the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are very susceptible to interactions. If a large amount of CBD is used, the active ingredients of the birth control pill are broken down more slowly by the body.
The effect of the pill, as well as some of its side effects, can be intensified. Conversely, CBD can lead to vomiting or diarrhea in sensitive individuals at high doses. If the pill is excreted shortly after ingestion (up to three hours) due to diarrhea or vomiting, it cannot fully exert its effect and thus no longer provides reliable contraceptive protection.
Precisely for these reasons, it is safer to avoid a high-estrogen pill and instead use a preparation with a lower dose. The so-called mini-pill (which, however, also has a weaker contraceptive effect) is completely estrogen-free and can, under certain circumstances, be a good alternative.
CBD with the pill - opportunities and risks
Firstly, the interactions mentioned above pose a risk:
- Slower breakdown of estrogen and intensification of the pill's effects and side effects
- Loss of pill effectiveness due to nausea or vomiting
However, precisely because estrogen and CBD are broken down by the same enzyme, you can also use this to your advantage. Even smaller amounts of CBD can have a noticeable effect. The similarity of both substances can complement each other well, and in some areas, CBD can also alleviate side effects of the pill. For example, the pill has been shown to exacerbate depression. CBD, on the other hand, is known as a mood enhancer.
A libido diminished by the pill can be somewhat improved by CBD. The estrogen in the pill has a relieving effect on periods. It is known that periods are shorter when taking the pill, and menstrual discomfort often occurs to a lesser extent. Thus, affected individuals may not necessarily have to resort to conventional painkillers, but can alleviate their symptoms with the natural alternative CBD.
FAQ - CBD and the pill
Can CBD negate the effect of the pill?
No. On the contrary, the effect of the pill can even be enhanced. At the same time, however, CBD has the ability to alleviate some of the side effects. However, CBD should not be overdosed. If diarrhea or vomiting occurs two to three hours after taking the pill, additional contraception should definitely be used.
What if other medications are being taken?
How do CBD, the pill, and for example, an antibiotic, painkiller, or laxative interact?
Primarily, you should refer to the pill's package insert. An antibiotic can completely negate the pill's effect, in which case contraceptive protection is no longer guaranteed. A laxative, especially in sensitive individuals and in combination with CBD, can lead to severe diarrhea - in which case contraceptive protection may also be lost. If you are unsure, it is best to speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Does the simultaneous use of CBD and the pill affect fertility after stopping the pill?
No. The reinforcement of the effect explained above refers to the hours after ingestion and the breakdown of active ingredients in the body. This is not a long-term issue. If you stop the pill after long-term use and want to get pregnant, it often takes weeks or months anyway until your cycle has fully normalized and you can fulfill your desire to have children.
What is the recommended time interval between taking the pill and using CBD?
To minimize interactions and side effects, it is best to leave two to three hours between doses.
What studies exist on the connection between CBD and the pill?
Unfortunately, there are currently no empirical long-term studies on the interactions between CBD and the pill. The topic of CBD is relatively new, and long-term research is only gradually getting underway. The current information is based on what is known about the respective active ingredients and on anecdotal evidence.