Does Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?

When it comes to choosing a birth control method, it can feel like you’re diving into a sea of information. It’s important to look at the benefits and consider each option's risks. One topic that often raises questions is the link between certain contraceptives and venous conditions, particularly blood clots.

According to the American Society of Hematology, a recent study by the journal Blood found that taking birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives can increase the risk of developing blood clots by about three times.

Read on as we break things down and explore how various birth control options relate to blood clots to help you make choices that feel right for you and your health. Meanwhile, if you’re concerned about your risk of blood clots or other vascular conditions, contact the expert physicians at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) for an in-depth consultation that will give you peace of mind and a positive path forward.

Understanding Blood Clots

A blood clot is a gel-like mass that forms when blood thickens and clumps together to stop bleeding from an injury. It usually involves tiny platelets and proteins that create a plug and trap more cells to seal the wound. However, if clots form unusually or don’t dissolve properly, they can block blood flow and lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks or strokes.

Birth Control and Blood Clots: What’s the Connection?

When using birth control, the risk of blood clots can differ in terms of their size and impact. These clots can form in arteries or, more frequently, in veins. A clot in a vein is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can disrupt healthy blood flow and lead to complications. It’s important to be aware of this risk, especially for those on hormonal contraceptives.

Are you worried about your DVT risk? We’re here to help. At CVR, we offer a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. For support, call our hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT. Your peace of mind matters to us.

Based on the study we mentioned above, there’s a definite correlation between hormone-based birth control and blood clot risk. However, the risk varies depending on the type of hormones.

There are two primary types of hormonal birth control—one containing estrogen and progestin and the other containing only progestin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, estrogen has been linked to an increased blood clot risk. The connection isn’t entirely clear, but researchers believe it involves an elevation of certain clotting factors.

One important note: Many people confuse blood clots related to the menstrual cycle with those that may be developed through hormonal birth control, but the latter form in the blood vessels of your legs or lungs.

Blood Clot Symptoms

How will you know if you’re experiencing a serious blood clot? Typical signs include:

• Pain, typically behind the knee or in the back of the calf
• Redness
• Swelling
• A rope-like firmness in the back of the leg (this is the vein itself)

Blood Clots: Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can develop a blood clot, certain groups have a higher risk based on several factors, such as:

• Other Hormonal Influences: Exposure to estrogen through hormone replacement therapy or during pregnancy can increase the risk of clots.
• Sedentary Behavior: Extended travel or prolonged bed rest can lead to inactivity, which may impede circulation and raise the risk of clotting.
• Age: People aged 60 and older are at a heightened risk for developing blood clots.
• Medical Conditions: High cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation, cancer, and atrial fibrillation increase the likelihood of clot formation.
• Pregnancy: Besides hormonal changes, the body increases clotting factors during pregnancy to prepare for potential bleeding, which can also elevate the risk.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: These may either be inherited genetically or onset later in life due to various health factors.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can negatively affect circulation and increase the likelihood of clot formation.

Blood Clots from Birth Control: Next Steps

If you think you have a blood clot—whether it’s caused by hormone-based birth control or not—there are several urgent steps to take to simplify your recovery journey and prevent future vein issues. However, how it’s treated will depend on several factors, including its location, level of urgency, and your medical history.

According to Penn Medicine, certain urgent blood clots may be treated and dissolved with thrombolytic drugs, often called “clot busters.” These activate the body’s fibrinolytic system, helping to break down fibrin, the protein that makes up the structure of blood clots. They can be lifesaving, but they also have several potential complications, so they’re typically administered in hospital settings under close supervision.

While your blood clot treatment method may vary depending on certain medical factors, your physician will use one or more of several techniques to diagnose the clot itself:

• Physical Examination and Patient History: Your doctor will review your medical history related to clotting and conduct a thorough physical exam to assess potential risk factors.
• Imaging Techniques: Advanced imaging methods, including computed tomography (CT) scans and specialized ultrasounds, detect and locate clots.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests evaluate various blood components, such as the counts of different blood cell types and the levels of clotting factors.

Birth Control and Blood Clotting: Key Insights

While birth control, in general, hasn’t been found to cause blood clots, more research is needed to fully break down the intricate connection between hormonal birth control and its relation to the risk of developing a clot. That said, it's essential to recognize the potential risks to your venous health when making any changes to your medical regimen. That’s where we can help.

The experts at CVR specialize in minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy, laser ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy, providing solutions designed to enhance both the physical and cosmetic condition of your veins. We accept most insurance plans for medically necessary vein procedures.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.