Low-dose BCP's may increase risk for heart attack or stroke (PCOS mentioned)
Low-dose oral contraceptives may increase risk for heart attack or stroke
08 Jul 2005
Further significance for those women taking low-dose oral contraceptives who already are at increased risk for such events because of polycystic ovary syndrome, or metabolic disorder.
Women using low-dose oral contraceptives are at an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke while taking the pill - however the risk disappears after discontinuation, according to a Virginia Commonwealth University study published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
The findings could have further significance for those women taking low-dose oral contraceptives who already are at increased risk for such events because of polycystic ovary syndrome, or metabolic disorder, according to John Nestler, M.D., professor and chair of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the VCU School of Medicine.
In the study, researchers reported that the overall estimated risk of cardiovascular events - both heart attack and stroke -- among current low-dose oral contraceptive users was doubled compared to non-users.
The findings are based on a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature. The researchers examined several separate-but-similar experiments that were designed to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the current use of low-dose oral contraceptives in the population-at-large. The analysis included studies published between January 1980 and October 2002.
"The study suggests that women in general are at an increased risk of having a cardiovascular event while taking even these third-generation, low-dose, birth control pills," said Nestler.
"Prolonged exposure to low-dose oral contraceptives in a population at higher risk may significantly increase the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes and prompt consideration of alternative therapeutic or contraceptive interventions," he wrote.
"A number of women with metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome already are at increased risk for heart attack, and a majority of women with PCOS are treated with low-dose oral contraceptives for a prolonged period of time," he said. "An insulin-sensitizing drug might confer better general health benefits than the oral contraceptive."
"For example, insulin-sensitizing drugs have been shown to decrease progression to Type 2 diabetes, and there is evidence suggesting that they also may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors," he said.
PCOS is a condition that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels and appearance.
"Despite the doubling of risk associated with the pill, the absolute risk for a cardiovascular event in an individual woman taking the pill is low - Women using the pill are not going to automatically have a heart attack," said Nestler. "However, our findings do raise the issue of whether oral contraceptives are optimal therapy for certain groups of women who are at baseline risk or who are taking the pill for a longer time, such as women with PCOS."
According to Nestler, previous epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with oral contraceptives in women with hypertension, migraines, or who smoke.
Nestler collaborated with Jean-Patrice Baillargeon, M.D., from the Universite de Sherbrooke in Canada, and Paulina A. Essah, M.D., of VCU's Division of General Internal Medicine. The research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and the Fond de Recherche en Sante du Quebec.
About VCU and the VCU Medical Center: Located on two downtown campuses in Richmond, Va., Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked nationally by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research institution and enrolls more than 28,500 students in more than 181 certificate, undergraduate, graduate, professional and doctoral programs in the arts, sciences and humanities in 15 schools and one college. Forty of the university's programs are unique in Virginia, and 20 graduate and professional programs have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as among the best of their kind. MCV Hospitals, clinics and the health sciences schools of Virginia Commonwealth University compose the VCU Medical Center, one of the leading academic medical centers in the country. For more, see http://www.vcu.edu .
Years ago when I used to go to Planned Parenthood when I lived in NY the doctore there wanted to take me off the pill because I was 19, had high blood pressure (160/90), and was overweight (135lbs and only 5'1" tall). I also have a history of stroke and heart attacks on both sides of my family as well as diabetes. I also have a heart murmur. Now since I have moved to NC the drs. down here put me on a lower dose of BCP but when I ask about the safety of it ( I still have high blood pressure (am on meds for), I weigh 190 pounds, and have all the classic symptoms of PCOS but my androgen levels weren't too bad but hey I have been on the pill for 17 years (only going off twice to have kids then going right back on). My progesterone level is <0.2 and my fasting insulin is 17.3uIU/ml. I don't smoke whick helps I am sure but I am an anxiety ridden mess 24/7. I worry about everything and everyone. I have had chest pains on the left for almost a week straight now. I guess what I am asking if anyone knows from experience should I toss the pills even though they are supposed low dose pills? I am on Apri. Thanks in advance for any help.
I don't want to scare you, but I went off of them b/c they did affect my heart. I am currently under the care of a cardiologist due to this. I would like to add that I had some minor probs prior to taking the pill & I think they aggravated it.
There are millions of women who take them w/ no probs though. I would express my concerns to my dr. & if you don't feel you are getting a satisfactory answer, seek help elsewhere. Life is too precious to take a chance with, you know?
I had hbp prior to going on the pill and still have it. My dr was aware of mine and the significant history of hbp and heart disease in my family, but didn't seem concerned about the risk. I have tried to control mine through diet, weight loss & exercise, but it is still consistently at least in the pre-hypertension ranges and has been for well over a year now.
So obviously the article was a bit alarming for me & just adds to the desire to change drs again when the annual visit comes along in 2 months. I'm tired of playing musical drs.
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Thanks ladies for your reply. I am worried too. I just feel like with all the advertisements warning women that if they have high blood pressure, history of heart disease, and are over 35 and overweight they should consider another means of birth control and then our drs. are telling us it is completely safe. I don't know what to believe. I do know my mom hollers at me for still being on them because she knew a women that was in a nursing home she once worked at that had a stroke because she was over 35 and on the pill. She didn't smoke either. She had a stroke at like 35 or 36 and her husband put her in there. They had a daughter and her husband eventually stopped coming around and soon remarried. Jerk!!!!!!!!!!!
The doctor put me on Yasmin and after a month of taking it i started getting leg cramps. So I went back and saw a different doctor to see if the leg cramps were related to the bcp....the new doctor thinks that I may have restless leg syndrome. After two days of stopping the medication my leg cramps went away. So she's taking me off of them for about one month to see how things go...furthermore, I found out i'm not aloud to exercise or go on any diet only healthy well-balanced diet without restricting calories. because, i don't have pco but I do have androgen excess and it's a possibility that I could have exercise induced amenorrhea instead of the pcos. A lot of people with that have some facial hair higher testosterone levels. That's why i noticed that when i exercise my cycles get further apart but when i don't exercise they become more regular because exercises increases my testosterone levels...I'm only allowed to do low-impact exercises such as yoga and light walking...On top of that I also found out I have low-blood sugar.
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I have tried multiple BCP's without much luck. Yes, they did produce AF, but they also caused constant nausea, cramping, and weight gain. I have since tried Met, Avandia, Avandamet, and Actos -- none of which have produced a regular cycle for me. So, my doctor is suggesting I once again try BCP's. We're not in a place to try TTC'ing as I would like to lose some weight first. So, I'm iffy on the whole idea of BCP's. She has told me that a low-dose BCP would be the best for me... and she suggested NuvaRing. Now, after reading this article, I'm skeptical. I think I'll bring it in to her and see what she has to say.
Thanks for posting it!
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In the last year, there has been a fair bit if news coverage about the dangers of taking BCPs if you suffer from migraines. This can cause a stroke, even if you are young and otherwise healthy. Many dr's treating PCOS'rs are downplaying this risk. As my family physician put it, "ask your gyn and she'll say it's perfectly safe to take BCPs, ask your neurologist and she'll say you're crazy if you take them".
For PCOS'rs who have limited treatment options, be very VERY cautious about taking BCPs if you also suffer from migraines, even if you only have one or two migraines per year. For me, BCPs worked very well initially (lost 12 pounds in two months, restored ovulation, etc.) BUT halfway through my third month i suffered a TIA, also called a mini-stoke. This was caused by the BCPs. Before that, I never had high blood pressure, and other than being overweight, I was healthy.
So, bottom line, be careful if you're considering this option.
I am not entirely clear as to why they recommend BCP for this anyway? Can anyone explain this to me? I also get migraines and since starting yasmin a week ago, I have had eye pain, one migraine (complete with numbness adn tingling on my left face and arm). It seems like my past migraines have pretty much all been while I was on BCP or pregnant. At this point, i am just living with PCOS. I am thin, I finally got my babies and other than a little acne, it doesn't seem to be effecting me. Do I really need to treat it at all? My migraines are very similar in symptoms (numbness and tingling, difficulty speaking, etc...) to strokes and the neurologist I saw while pregnant really wasn't much of a reassurement that I would even be able to tell the difference. This scares me. I will try calling my OB/GYN on Monday, but wanted to hear what others know.
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I had been on BCP for the past 5 months and while on it I started noticing some chest discomfort and increased heart palpitations. I called my DR and she halted the pill immediately. I'm not sure what to do from here?! The BCP had helped to alleviate a lot of symptoms for me including treating my endomitriosis. I have a family history of heart disease and was very scared to read the article regarding increased heart risk for those with PCOS.
what are we to do Im 28 and while on yasmin I expirenced lots of problems, like heart palpatations and big dark bruises, that appeared out of no where and chest pains. but the palpatations scared me so bad I stopped yasmin and now am dealing with cysts and acne all over again. its like little bumps all over my face...like puberty all over again I have 2 children and i dont think yasmin and clear skin are worth dying over!!!!) now I am just trying to cope with this pain in my ovary from a really large cyst. I was thinking of taking mircette. but now I dont know what to do. I cant take spiro due to my heart palpatations. this is the ugly syndrome they should call it. its like trying to fight ugly all your young good looking years. from stupid cysts and bad hormones and androgens. ....this stinks. but at least we can enjoy the beauty in others.
I found out I had PCOS a few months ago. I have had all the symptom since the age of 15. My skin is terrible, the acne just seems to be out of control. Can someone please help me.
So is the increase also for younger women as well??? On Yaz I don't experience migraines as often. But on Ovcon, and Yasmin I experienced way to often, the medication finally gave up on me, and I had to go to bed to get rid of the migraines. Let me know if this is something I need to worry about now while on Yaz or just for future reference.
Well I was on BCP's (varied over the years) and had a few mini strokes and a real Stroke after 10 years.
The BCP's were my only risk factor except the PCOS!
Take the time to talk to your doctor and make a decision you can live with don't just accept the old line this is what you take to allieviate symptoms. There are risks, be an informed consumer!
Low-dose BCP's may increase risk for heart attack or stroke (PCOS mentioned) 
I have 2 children and i dont think yasmin and clear skin are worth dying over!!!!) now I am just trying to cope with this pain in my ovary from a really large cyst. I was thinking of taking mircette. but now I dont know what to do. I cant take spiro due to my heart palpatations. 
