Does your birth control put you at risk of blood clots? Some studies found that hormone-based birth control pills may increase the risk of blood clots in some people. While it is rare, it can be dangerous. However, it can be prevented. Learn how birth control will put you at risk of blood clots in this article. Visit Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center and consult with the best Women’s health specialist in New York.
Does Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?
Not directly, but some birth control methods can increase the risk of blood clots in some people. Most birth control uses hormones to manage the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. One type contains estrogen and progestin, while the other type contains only progestin. Some hormones may make the blood clot more easily. Common examples of hormonal birth control are hormonal IUDs, hormonal birth control pills, or hormonal implants.
While the absolute risk of blood clots is still low and the research by the National Blood Clot Alliance found that only 1 in 3000 women who take birth control will get a blood clot in a year. It seems estrogen may increase the risk of blood clots by increasing the levels of clotting factors, however, doctors are still trying to completely understand the link.
However, extremely high doses of progestin may increase a person’s risk. People with abnormal uterine bleeding usually get these very high doses. However, new birth control pills don’t use higher doses of estrogen like before, instead, they use progestin hormone. The research found that these new generations of drugs may increase a person’s risk more than their previous counterparts. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory that contraceptive pills that contain drospirenone may increase the risk of blood clots up to threefold, while other studies found no risk at all.
Despite this risk, the majority of women use birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods safely without complications. So, you must consult with your doctor to find the right type of birth control that is best for you.
What Type of Birth Control Increases the Risk of Blood Clots?
Any type of birth control containing hormones can increase the risk of blood clots. However, estrogen seems to be more common in increasing the risk of blood clots, and the role of progesterone in blood clots is less common. Some studies found no connection at all. This shows it may be safer to take progesterone-only types of birth control. A 2012 meta-analysis looked at the risks of blood clots with various types of birth control and found:
- Progestin-only birth control pills didn’t significantly increase the risk of blood clots.
- Mirena, a progestin-only IUD, didn’t significantly increase the risk of blood clots.
- Progestin injections, like Depo-Provera, may increase the risk of blood clots.
People with an elevated risk of developing a blood clot or a history of one should consider a progestin-only option for hormonal birth control after talking with the doctor.
People who should not consider contraception containing estrogen include:
- People with high blood pressure.
- People who smoke tobacco are over 35 years of age.
- People with a venous thromboembolism history.
- People with diabetes mellitus complications.
- People with coronary artery disease.
- People with migraines with an aura.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
You should seek immediate medical attention for blood clots if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking birth control pills:
- Leg pain or swelling, usually in the calf.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Difficulty speaking.
Prompt treatment is the best way to survive blood clot risk, so don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you don’t feel right. It can save your life.
Some hormonal birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots. Generally, it is believed that estrogen is the common hormone that increases the risk of a blood clot by stimulating some clotting factors. However, some progesterone-based birth control, like drospirenone or depo-provera, may also increase the risk of blood clots. So, while it is rare, it is better that you consult with your doctor to choose the right one for you.
Need help finding the right birth control option? Visit our gynecology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! Log on to www.doralhw.org or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 to book an appointment. At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in Brooklyn, and we provide women with quality health care services. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/gynecology/
