A new study by Istanbul University researchers, led by neurologist Dr. Mine Sezgin, has raised serious concerns about the combined oral contraceptive pill (popularly known as the Pill), finding that it may triple the risk of stroke (sudden and unexplained heart attacks) in young women.
This discovery comes at a time when cases of stroke are on the rise among young people in the UK and around the world.
📊 Main findings of the study
Women using the combined pill had a threefold higher risk of having a stroke than those who did not use it.
This association remained strong even after other risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and migraines were taken into account.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500 women and took into account different levels of estrogen in birth control pills.
Dr. Sezgin: “Our findings confirm previous evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk… The strength of this association – even after controlling for other factors – suggests that there may be biological or genetic mechanisms that we do not yet understand.”
⚠️ Why this study is concerning
Stroke cases are on the rise in young people: 100,000 cases a year in the UK, resulting in 38,000 deaths.
Cryptogenic strokes are particularly concerning, as they occur without a clear cause, making prevention difficult.
The pill has previously been linked to blood clots, a known cause of ischemic strokes - the most common type.
💊 What is the combined pill?
The pill contains synthetic estrogen and progestin and:
It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
It is also prescribed for painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, acne, and others.
📉 Known Risks:
Blood clots
Heart attacks (especially in smokers and older women)
Breast and cervical cancer (risk disappears 10 years after stopping)
Common side effects: nausea, headache, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding
🧠 What causes a stroke?
Ischemic stroke: caused by a blood clot that blocks the arteries to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke: caused when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain and bleeds into the surrounding tissue.
🧠 How to recognize the signs of a stroke: FAST
Face (distorted or unable to smile)
Arms (weakness or inability to raise an arm)
Speech (difficulty speaking, slurred speech)
Time (time to call 911 immediately)
Other symptoms: sudden loss of vision, severe headache, nausea or vomiting.
👩⚕️ What should women do?
Despite these worrying findings, experts emphasize that women should not stop using the Pill without consulting a doctor.
Dr. Sezgin recommends careful assessment of stroke risk, especially for women with:
Family history of stroke
High voltage
Migraine with aura
Smoking
Independent experts say "this is not a reason to panic. The pill remains safe for most women. But this study adds weight to the need for more personalized contraceptive counseling."
✅ What should we take care of:
Doctors should assess the risk of stroke more carefully before prescribing the Pill.
Women should discuss alternative contraceptive options if they have certain risk factors.
Larger studies are needed to understand whether some formulations are more dangerous than others.
🧪 Conclusion:
This new study doesn't mean that the Pill is dangerous for all women — but it does highlight the need for individual care and personalized medical evaluation. For high-risk women, especially those with existing health problems, other forms of contraception may be more appropriate.
If you are using the Pill and feel anxious, don't stop it immediately – but consult your doctor for the best solution for your health. /Express newspaper/
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