Medical experts have issued a serious warning to women who use a commonly prescribed form of birth control—the combined oral contraceptive pill—due to its potential link to a dangerous and often undetected health condition frequently referred to as the “silent killer.” This condition is none other than a stroke, which can occur suddenly and have devastating, life-altering consequences.
The warning follows a recent research study that identified a correlation between the use of combined oral contraceptives and a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly among women with other health risk factors. To provide context, around 3.1 million women in the UK alone rely on these pills every day for a range of reasons, including regulating menstrual flow, preventing pregnancy, or managing acne. On a global scale, the usage is even more widespread. According to JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, over 400 million women of reproductive age were using prescribed contraceptives as of 2024. Combined oral contraceptives contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progestogen, which work by preventing ovulation and mimicking the body’s natural hormonal rhythms. Despite their effectiveness, convenience, and widespread use, concerns are growing over the long-term safety of these medications.
One of the most alarming potential side effects is the heightened risk of stroke—a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage or a rupture in a blood vessel. Without adequate oxygen, brain cells can die rapidly, leading to permanent brain damage or even death. The study found that women who had experienced an ischemic stroke, a type of stroke caused by a blocked artery rather than a bleed, were three times more likely to have been using oral contraceptives compared to those who had not suffered a stroke.
The research accounted for several contributing factors such as smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), and the recurrence of migraines, all of which are known to influence stroke risk. Additionally, the researchers examined the role of estrogen levels in the pills and noted that the highest risk of thrombosis—a condition where blood clots form and block blood vessels—was observed in users of estrogen-containing contraceptives. Even though the overall chance of a healthy woman experiencing a stroke while on the pill remains relatively low, the elevated risk is still significant enough to warrant attention from healthcare providers.
Dr. Mine Sezgin, a neurologist at Istanbul University and the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings for both patients and medical professionals. According to Dr. Sezgin, the results validate prior studies that suggested a connection between hormonal contraceptive use and increased stroke risk. She pointed out that this new data should encourage doctors to carefully assess stroke risk, especially in younger women who may already have underlying risk factors. Dr. Sezgin explained that this evidence could lead to more personalized contraceptive options, allowing women to make better-informed decisions about their reproductive health.
As awareness of the potential stroke risk grows, doctors are being urged to have more thorough conversations with patients who are considering starting or continuing combined oral contraceptive use. These discussions should involve reviewing a woman’s full medical history, including any personal or family history of stroke, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, or frequent migraines, all of which could further elevate the risks associated with hormonal birth control. While the combined oral contraceptive pill continues to be a reliable and widely-used method for managing reproductive health, this research highlights the importance of caution and individualized care.
Women are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if this form of contraception is the safest option for them, particularly if they fall into higher-risk categories. As new research continues to emerge, the goal remains to ensure that women are equipped with the best information possible to protect their long-term health and well-being.
