Expert: Norman Solberg - 12/2/2008

Question
Hi,

There seems to be a lot of conflicting info online regarding drinking grapefruit juice while taking birth control pills. I read drinking grapefruit juice MIGHT help control spotting as it helps to increase the amount of estrogen absorbed into the body (that's what I'm trying to do). On the other hand, I heard grapefruit juice can decrease the effectiveness of the pill. I'm not taking it for birth control, so if that's true, it wouldn't effect me. Just curious what the truth actually is!  Thank you!
PS: Pill is Loestrin 24fe

Answer
Hi Anya,
Grapefruit juice contains something that can inhibit the enzyme that breaks down the estrogen in the pill.  This could result in higher levels of estrogen.  This might help control spotting, just as taking a pill with more estrogen might.  Loestrin 24fe is a very low dose pill.  You could try grapefruit juice, but I wouldn't expect any big changes.  I think the effect on estrogen levels is probably small.  I don't think anyone has all the answers on this.  If the spotting is a problem, it's probably easier to switch to a pill with a little more estrogen.