Could your birth control pills cause your blood pressure to go up?
Research is showing the link between long-term use of estrogen containing contraceptives and increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular incidents. Risk increases with factors such as family history, lifestyle, and co-morbidities.
The cardiovascular risk increases because use of birth control with these hormones increases the level of clotting factors and proteins in a woman’s body which in turn leads to increased risk of blood clots.
Recommendations
The overall risk of a cardiovascular event (stroke, heart attack, or blood clot) is low, but the following factors increase risk:
Women over the age of 35
Current smokers
Poorly controlled hypertension
If you are under the age of 35, it is typically safe to use birth control containing estrogen, but you should be monitored by a health provider and have routine blood pressure checks.
If you are over the age of 35, it is recommended to avoid use of estrogen-containing birth control.
Alternative Options for Birth Control if you are Avoiding Estrogen
Hormonal Birth Control Options
The minipill
IUD (intrauterine device)
Implant
Injection (Depo-Provera)
Non-hormonal birth control
Copper IUD
Condom
Cervical Cap
Sterilization
Managing High Blood Pressure
Don’t forget your methods for managing high blood pressure as mentioned in our previous blog. It is important to manage stress, exercise, and eat healthy to maintain normal blood pressure. Make sure you are seeing a medical professional regularly to monitor your overall health status. Our Health and Wellness Coach can help you make good choices when it comes to managing stress and eating well.