Archive · 22 May 2025
Oral Contraceptives Triple Stroke Risk, Study Finds
Taking birth control pills, known as oral contraceptives, might make women more likely to have a stroke.
A study found that women on the pill are at a higher risk than those not taking it.
These pills have hormones that can cause blood clots in some women.
Doctors say the risk goes up if someone already has health issues or other risk factors like smoking.
However, newer pills have less estrogen, which might lower the risk.
It is important to discuss these risks with a doctor, especially if there are other health concerns.
Oral contraceptives may triple the risk of unexpected strokes in women, according to a study.
The research compared women who experienced strokes with those who did not, highlighting a correlation.
Experts emphasize that extended usage and high estrogen levels increase stroke risks.
Risk is amplified in women with existing factors like smoking or migraines with aura.
Healthcare professionals advise caution when prescribing the pill to those with vascular risk factors.
- Who
- Women using combined oral contraceptives (the pill).
- What
- Use of oral contraceptives is linked to a tripled risk of stroke.
- When
- Findings presented in May 2024; research based on data from the last few years.
- Where
- Findings presented at a European Stroke Organisation conference in Helsinki, Finland.
- Why
- The pill's estrogen component can increase blood clot formation.
Medical Professionals
General Public
Risk Factors
Medical Professionals
Medical professionals emphasize that stroke risk from oral contraceptives is often amplified by pre-existing conditions or other risk factors.
General Public
The public might not fully grasp the complexities of individual risk factors related to stroke and oral contraceptives.
- Increased Stroke Risk
- Three times higher
- Study Participants
- 268 women with strokes, 268 without
- Age Range in Study
- 18 to 49 years
- Hormones in Pill
- Oestrogen and progestogen
- Research Institution
- Istanbul University (Turkiye)
- Risk Amplifiers
- Increased with smoking, hypertension, age over 35, and migraines with aura