Birth control pills were first released for public use in the 1960s. Within four years, studies were reporting pulmonary embolisms and blood clots. However, it would take another ten years of research studies to establish a conclusive risk factor.
The pill was designed to replicate how the woman’s estrogen and progestin behave when the woman is pregnant. Once a woman is pregnant, ovulation does not occur since there is no need for more eggs. Because the pill blocks ovulation from occurring, no eggs are released and pregnancy is prevented.
It is estimated by the CDC that more than 16 million women in the US are using birth control pills (BCPs) making this form of contraception the most common type of birth control. It’s easy to take, it decreases menstrual cramps and it helps to prevent pregnancies. Some believe that birth control pills even help diminish acne or blemishes.
Birth Control Risk
However, in spite of the conveniences, taking birth control pills carries risk. It’s been known for years that taking BCPs increases the woman’s potential for hypertension and blood clots. Birth control pills are also linked to elevated levels of C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is released by the liver in response to inflammation and has been identified as a blood marker for heart disease. Inflammation is believed to play an important role in the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Recent studies reported by the American Cancer Association have linked the birth control pill to increased breast cancer risk. Furthermore, a review of 28 studies following women who were taking birth control pills for over a decade showed that the risk for cervical cancer had doubled compared to women who never took them.
New Risk Research
Now, to add to the dilemma, new studies conducted at the University of Ghent in Belgium, are showing that women who take birth control pills increase the risk of increased buildup of plaque in their arteries increasing their risk for stroke and heart attacks. For every ten years of birth control use, plaque buildup increased by 20 to 30%.
This long-term study followed 1300 women who used birth control pills for at least one year. Ultrasound was used to measure plaque buildup in the neck and leg arteries. It was determined that for every 10 years of birth control use there was a 20 to 30% increase in plaque buildup. Researchers found that the pill increased the enzyme linked to cardiovascular inflammation by three times the amount.
Two earlier studies link birth control pills to up to a 200% increased risk for developing heart attacks in women who are taking them. A study conducted at the University of Alberta in Canada showed that women who have migraine headaches and take BCPs further increase their risk of stroke.
Sources:
1. Steve Sternberg, “Study links birth control pill to artery-clogging plaque”, USA Today 2007.
2. Dunham, William “Study links birth control pill to arterial plaque”, Rueters 2007
3. Wikipedia, “Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill”
4. Goldzieher JW, Rudel HW, How The Oral Contraceptives Came to be Developed”, JAMA 1974
Kathryn Picoulin - Dr. Kathryn Picoulin, BSN, ND, PhD received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University of Chico in 1978. After ...
