Evidence supporting the use of: Magnesium
For the health condition: Birth Control (countering side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Magnesium is sometimes recommended as a supplement to support women taking birth control pills, mainly to counteract certain side effects such as mood changes, headaches, and potential nutrient depletion. There is some scientific rationale behind this, but evidence is limited and not robust. Some studies have shown that oral contraceptives may lower serum magnesium levels, possibly due to increased urinary excretion or changes in metabolism. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those related to mood regulation and muscle relaxation. Observational studies and small clinical trials have suggested that magnesium supplementation may help alleviate premenstrual symptoms and migraines, which can be exacerbated by hormonal contraceptive use. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating magnesium supplementation to counteract birth control side effects are lacking.

Despite the plausible biological mechanisms, the current evidence base is insufficient to make strong, evidence-based recommendations. Most support comes from small studies, expert opinion, and patient anecdotes. The use of magnesium for this purpose is therefore based on limited scientific validation, with a low to moderate level of supporting evidence (2 out of 5). Women considering magnesium supplementation should consult their healthcare provider, especially since excessive magnesium intake can have adverse effects.

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Other ingredients used for Birth Control (countering side effects)

magnesium
vitamin B

Other health conditions supported by magnesium

Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alkalosis
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Control (countering side effects)
Body Building
Body Odor
Boils
Broken Bones
Bronchitis
Bulimia
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium Deposits
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colon (atonic)
Dysmenorrhea
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Headache (cluster)
Headache (tension)
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Mental Illness
Migraine
Mood Swings
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Pets (supplements for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Psoriasis
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rhinitis
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seizures
Senility
Shock
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Sugar Cravings
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Tachycardia
Tension
Testosterone (low)
Tetanus
Thinking (cloudy)
Tics
Tinnitus
TMJ
Tooth Decay
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Twitching
Wasting
Wheezing
Worry
Wounds and Sores
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Abdominal Pain
Acid Indigestion
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convulsions
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hypertension
Insomnia