A new study reveals that some hormonal birth control methods may raise the risk of stroke and heart attacks, especially in women using specific products like vaginal rings, skin patches, and the combined birth control pill.
However, experts emphasize that the overall risk remains low, and choosing the right contraceptive is key to minimizing health risks.
It found that women who used combined vaginal rings or skin patches—both containing estrogen and progestin—had the highest risk.
For instance, the vaginal ring raised stroke risk by 2.4 times and heart attack risk by 3.8 times. Similarly, the skin patch increased stroke risk by 3.4 times.
The combined oral contraceptive pill, the most common form of birth control, also doubled the risk of stroke and heart attack compared to non-users. Progestin-only methods like pills and implants were linked to slightly higher risks, though the increase was smaller than that of combined contraceptives.
Study Details
This large-scale study tracked over 2 million Danish women, aged 15 to 49, from 1996 to 2021. None of the participants had a history of blood clots or other related health conditions at the study’s start.
During the research period, 4,730 strokes and 2,072 heart attacks were recorded, allowing researchers to assess the impact of various contraceptive methods.
The results showed that non-users of hormonal birth control experienced 18 strokes per 100,000 person-years. In contrast, women using combined oral birth control pills had 39 strokes per 100,000 person-years.
The rates for women using progestin-only pills, IUDs, and other methods were also measured, revealing that different contraceptives came with varying degrees of cardiovascular risk.
Interestingly, the study also found that certain hormonal contraceptives, like combined vaginal rings, patches, and progestin-only implants, increased the risk of blood clots. However, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) were the only method not linked to increased cardiovascular risks, making them a safer option for heart health.
Limitations of the Study
While the study offers valuable insights, there are some limitations. It doesn’t provide specific information about the genetic makeup of the women who experienced adverse health events.
For example, women in Northern Europe may have genetic factors that contribute to a higher risk of blood clots. Additionally, the study design doesn’t confirm that birth control directly caused the increased rates of stroke and heart attack.
Why Hormonal Contraceptives Affect Heart Health
Experts believe the hormones in birth control, particularly estrogen, play a role in cardiovascular risk. Estrogen is known to increase blood clotting, while progestins may cause blood vessel constriction. However, some studies suggest that naturally occurring progesterone can help relax blood vessels and improve heart health.
Choosing the Right Birth Control
Given the variety of birth control methods available, experts stress the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to select the safest option.
For women who are older, smoke, or have obesity, certain types of hormonal birth control may pose higher risks. Progestin-only methods and IUDs are generally safer alternatives for those with existing cardiovascular conditions.
While hormonal contraceptives tend to be safe for most women, non-hormonal methods like copper IUDs and sterilization are recommended for women with heart disease. These methods, however, may carry a higher risk of pregnancy due to lower effectiveness compared to hormonal options.
Overall, the study highlights the need for women with heart health concerns to carefully evaluate their birth control options with their doctors, as both pregnancy and certain contraceptives can pose risks to cardiovascular health.
Related topics:
- Natural Contraception Use Surges, But Is It Safe? Experts Weigh In On Rising Trend
- How to Fix Heat Stroke: Immediately Effective Method
- Life After a Massive Stroke: What to Expect
