What specific ailments are claimed to be caused by hormonal birth control?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hormonal birth control—including combination pills, patches, and rings containing estrogen—can raise the risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and heart attack, particularly in people who smoke, are over 35, have high blood pressure, or have a history of clotting disorders. Progestin-only options generally carry lower cardiovascular risk. Recognizing warning signs like leg swelling, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath is critical, and anyone considering or currently using hormonal contraception should review their personal risk factors with a healthcare provider.

Not sure if your symptoms could be linked to your birth control or something else entirely? A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly identify possible causes, understand urgency levels, and decide your next steps—all in just a few minutes, without leaving your home. It's a smart, private first step before booking an appointment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if hormonal birth control suits you Learn why hormonal birth control causes symptoms Find out if your symptoms need care See OTC options for birth control side effects Find a doctor for birth control concerns Understand home remedies for birth control symptoms Discover likely causes of birth control issues

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Explanation

Hormonal birth control, like the pill, can affect your body in different ways. Some studies show that using these contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots, which are clumps of blood that can block blood vessels. This is important because it can lead to serious problems like strokes or heart attacks.

Potential Health Concerns

Blood Clots: Research indicates that women using hormonal birth control may have a higher chance of developing blood clots. These clots can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs or brain.
Heart Health: There is also a concern about the impact on heart health, as hormonal contraceptives might increase the risk of heart-related issues.

It's crucial to talk to a healthcare provider about these risks, especially if there are other health factors to consider. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health, you can start by taking a free symptom checker to better understand what might be happening with your body before consulting with a medical professional.

(References)

Bhullar SK, Rabinovich-Nikitin I, & Kirshenbaum LA. (2024). Oral hormonal contraceptives and cardiovascular risks in .... Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 38781602.
Champaloux SW, Tepper NK, Monsour M, Curtis KM, Whiteman MK, Marchbanks PA, & Jamieson DJ. (2017). Use of combined hormonal contraceptives among women .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 28034652.
Bala NS, Stanek JR, Vesely SK, Cronin RM, Creary SE, Roe AH, et al. (2023). Comparison of thromboembolism outcomes in patients with .... Blood advances, 37585480.

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