Could Birth Control Pills Triple the Risk of Cryptogenic Stroke in Women?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking study reveals that birth control pills may dramatically increase the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. This alarming development raises serious questions about the safety of hormonal contraceptives and underscores the need for cautious prescribing practices in young women with risk factors.
Key Takeaways
- Birth control pills may increase the risk of cryptogenic stroke by threefold.
- Caution is advised for women with known vascular risk factors.
- The study involved 268 women aged 18-49 with cryptogenic strokes.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
- Findings were shared at the ESOC 2025 in Helsinki.
New Delhi, May 22 (NationPress) A recent study indicates that the use of birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestin may increase the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women by threefold.
Strokes that occur without an identifiable cause are referred to as cryptogenic and represent up to 40% of all ischemic strokes in young adults. Despite their significance, the impact of gender-specific risk factors, such as the use of contraceptives, has not been thoroughly investigated.
This study contributes to the growing evidence connecting hormonal contraception to cardiovascular risks in women of reproductive age.
Lead author Dr. Mine Sezgin from the Department of Neurology at Istanbul University commented, “Our findings corroborate previous evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk.”
“What stands out is that this association retains its strength even after considering other recognized risk factors, implying there may be further mechanisms at play—potentially genetic or biological,” she added.
The research encompassed 268 women aged 18-49 years with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) and an equivalent number of age-matched controls who were stroke-free, across 14 centers in Europe.
Out of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were on combined oral contraceptives.
While the researchers emphasize the necessity for additional prospective studies, they recommend clinicians to be cautious when prescribing combined oral contraceptives to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischemic stroke.
“Our findings necessitate a more thorough assessment of stroke risk among young women, especially those with additional risk factors,” stated Dr. Sezgin.
Next steps for the researchers include investigating the biological and genetic mechanisms that might explain the observed connection between the use of combined oral contraceptives and heightened stroke risk, aiming to clarify how hormonal contraceptives may independently escalate this risk.
The results were presented at the ongoing European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
Point of View
The findings of this study highlight a critical area in women's health that requires immediate attention. As we navigate the complexities of hormonal contraception, it is imperative that both healthcare providers and patients engage in informed discussions about the risks involved, particularly for those with existing vascular risk factors. NationPress remains committed to delivering evidence-based insights that empower women to make informed choices.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cryptogenic stroke?
A cryptogenic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs without an identifiable cause, accounting for up to 40% of all ischemic strokes in young adults.
How do birth control pills relate to stroke risk?
The study found that the use of birth control pills, particularly those containing estrogen and progestin, may triple the risk of experiencing a cryptogenic stroke in young women.
What are the implications of these findings?
These findings suggest that healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing hormonal contraceptives, especially to women with known vascular risk factors.
What is the next step for the researchers?
The researchers plan to explore the biological and genetic mechanisms that may explain the increased stroke risk associated with hormonal contraceptives.
Where were the findings presented?
The findings were presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
