
Birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed contraceptive in the United States. While the overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low, many hormonal birth control methods have a slightly increased risk of stroke. The risk of stroke is influenced by various factors, including the type of birth control pill, individual health history, and lifestyle choices. The mini pill, or progestin-only pill, is associated with a lower risk of stroke compared to combination pills containing estrogen. People with a history of migraine with aura and those who smoke or take birth control pills are at an elevated risk of blood clots and stroke. It is crucial to consult with healthcare providers to assess individual risk factors and determine the most suitable contraceptive method.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can the mini pill cause strokes? | Progestin-only birth control methods, also known as the mini pill, are not associated with an increased risk of stroke. |
Risk factors | People with a history of migraine with aura have slightly elevated risks of blood clots and stroke, especially if they smoke or take birth control pills. |
Risk comparison | The risk of ischemic stroke because of combined oral contraceptive pills is less than the risk associated with pregnancy. |
What You'll Learn
- The risk of stroke is higher with combined oral contraceptives than with progestin-only pills
- People with a history of migraine with aura have an elevated risk of blood clots and strokes
- The risk of ischemic stroke is increased by other factors such as smoking and hypertension
- Hailey Bieber's mini-stroke was likely caused by a combination of long-haul travel, COVID-19 recovery, and birth control pills
- The overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low
The risk of stroke is higher with combined oral contraceptives than with progestin-only pills
The risk of stroke is indeed higher with combined oral contraceptives than with progestin-only pills. Oral contraceptives, namely combination pills, are the most commonly prescribed form of birth control in the United States. While the overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low, many hormonal birth control methods have a slightly increased risk of stroke.
The risk of stroke varies depending on the type of hormonal birth control. Estrogen-containing birth control methods, such as combined oral contraceptives, increase the risk of stroke more than progestin-only birth control options. Progestin-only birth control methods, including progestin-only pills (also known as mini pills), are not associated with an increased risk of stroke.
The link between combined oral contraceptives and stroke risk is influenced by several factors. The risk of ischemic stroke in patients using combined oral contraceptives is higher in those with additional stroke risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, and migraine with aura. The risk is also influenced by the dose of estrogen in the contraceptive formulation. Older contraceptive pills containing high doses of estrogen carried a higher risk of stroke, but modern combined oral contraceptives typically contain lower doses of estrogen, reducing the risk.
It is important to note that the absolute risk of stroke in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant young women is low. Additionally, the risk of stroke associated with combined oral contraceptives is lower than the risk associated with pregnancy. When considering contraceptive options, it is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best choice for an individual's specific needs and circumstances.
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People with a history of migraine with aura have an elevated risk of blood clots and strokes
People who experience migraines with aura are at an elevated risk of suffering from blood clots and strokes. In adults, neurological symptoms such as flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in the hand or face precede the headache. Migraines with aura account for less than 20% of all migraines, and people with this condition are 2.4 times more likely to have an ischemic stroke.
An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot or blockage cuts off blood flow to the brain cells. There are three major subtypes of ischemic strokes: cardio-embolic strokes, thrombotic strokes, and lacunar strokes. People with migraines with aura are three times more likely to experience a cardio-embolic stroke, which is caused by a clot that forms in the heart, dislodges, and travels to the brain. They are also twice as likely to suffer from a thrombotic stroke, caused by a clot that develops in a clogged part of the blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.
The American Heart Association's research presented at the International Stroke Conference 2016 revealed a link between migraines with aura and blood clots in the heart or brain's blood vessels. This suggests that migraine may also impact the blood vessels in the heart and neck, leading to specific subtypes of strokes. As a result, it is crucial for individuals with migraines with aura to be vigilant about their stroke risk factors and consult with their doctors for assessment and guidance.
While the mini pill (progestin-only birth control) is not associated with an increased risk of stroke, combination birth control pills containing estrogen are known to elevate the risk slightly. However, the overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low, and it is important to consider other risk factors and consult with a clinician to identify the best birth control option for your individual needs.
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The risk of ischemic stroke is increased by other factors such as smoking and hypertension
Smoking and hypertension are two of the most significant risk factors for ischemic stroke.
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for all forms of stroke, with current smokers having at least a two to fourfold increased risk of stroke compared to lifelong non-smokers. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, with a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and stroke risk. Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases the risk of stroke in non-smokers.
Smoking increases the risk of stroke by causing an array of harmful effects in the body. It raises triglyceride levels, lowers "good" cholesterol, makes the blood sticky and more prone to clotting, damages the cells lining the blood vessels, increases the buildup of plaque, and causes thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels. All of these factors can lead to a blockage in blood flow to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another critical risk factor for ischemic stroke. It damages arteries throughout the body, creating conditions that can make arteries burst or clog easily. Weakened or blocked arteries in the brain significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke. High blood pressure can lead to a clot in the brain (thrombosis) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke), both of which can result in an ischemic stroke.
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Hailey Bieber's mini-stroke was likely caused by a combination of long-haul travel, COVID-19 recovery, and birth control pills
Hailey Bieber recently opened up about a health scare she experienced in March 2022. While having breakfast with her husband, singer Justin Bieber, the 25-year-old model felt a sudden shooting pain down her arm and was unable to speak. The right side of her face started drooping, and she was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Testing revealed that she had a small blood clot in her brain, which doctors attributed to a combination of birth control pills, a recent bout of COVID-19, a history of migraines, and long-haul travel.
Hailey Bieber's experience sheds light on the potential risks associated with birth control pills and long-haul travel. While birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed contraceptive in the United States, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects. According to medical professionals, hormonal birth control methods, particularly those containing estrogen, can slightly increase the risk of stroke. However, it is important to note that the overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low.
In the case of Hailey Bieber, the combination of birth control pills and other factors such as COVID-19 recovery and long-haul travel may have contributed to her mini-stroke. Birth control pills that contain estrogen can increase the risk of stroke more than progestin-only options. This is because estrogen-containing birth control can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. Long-haul travel can also increase the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals who are sedentary or have limited mobility during the flight.
Additionally, COVID-19 recovery may have played a role in Hailey Bieber's mini-stroke. While the exact link between COVID-19 and stroke is still being studied, research suggests that the virus can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and heart. This, in turn, can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Furthermore, the stress and physical toll of COVID-19 recovery may have compounded the effects of other risk factors.
It is important to note that Hailey Bieber's mini-stroke was likely a result of multiple factors interacting with each other. While birth control pills, long-haul travel, and COVID-19 recovery may have contributed, other factors such as her history of migraines and the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a "hole in the heart" also played a role. Hailey has since undergone successful surgery to close the PFO, and her story serves as a reminder to prioritize our health and be aware of the potential risks associated with certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions.
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The overall risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low
The risk of stroke associated with birth control pills is relatively low. However, it is important to note that the risk is slightly higher for people who use oral contraceptives that contain estrogen. This is especially true for those who have other risk factors for stroke, such as smoking, hypertension, or migraine with aura.
The American Migraine Foundation reports that people with a history of migraine with aura have a slightly elevated risk of blood clots and stroke, especially if they smoke or take birth control pills containing estrogen. Therefore, it is recommended that people with this type of migraine evaluate the risk of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives with their healthcare providers.
On the other hand, progestin-only birth control methods, also known as mini pills, are not associated with an increased risk of stroke. These include progestin-releasing intrauterine devices, progestin implants, and progestin injections.
It is worth noting that the overall risk of stroke for otherwise healthy, non-pregnant young women is low, at 21 per 100,000 patients. In comparison, the risk of stroke during pregnancy rises to 34 strokes per 100,000 deliveries.
While the risk of stroke related to birth control use is relatively low, it is still important for individuals to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best contraceptive option for their specific needs and health history.
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Frequently asked questions
Progestin-only birth control methods, also known as the mini pill, aren't associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, the risk of stroke is higher with birth control methods that contain estrogen, especially for those with other risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and migraine with aura.
The symptoms of a stroke include an uneven smile or droop on one side of the face, weakness or numbness in the arms, slurred speech or extreme confusion, sudden vision changes, and loss of balance or difficulty walking.
A stroke is a medical emergency, so it is important to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, assist the person by making them comfortable, speaking calmly, and checking their breathing.
To reduce the risk of stroke, it is recommended to exercise regularly, eat a diet low in sugar and saturated fat, and stay hydrated. If you are currently taking birth control pills containing estrogen, you may want to consider switching to a method with a lower dose of estrogen or a progestin-only method.