By Staff Writer (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Sep 22, 2015 06:00 AM EDT

A study showed that taking oral contraceptives can increase women’s risk for developing blood clots and ischemic stroke. This finding, however, is not entirely new.

Medical Daily revealed that a research paper in 1962 was allegedly the first to suggest that a possible link exists between birth control pill (BCP) consumption and the risk for stroke. The study reportedly suggested that taking a high dose of the hormone estradiol, amounting to as high as 150 micrograms, can raise the associated dangers. It is significant to note that birth control pills and methods have been enhanced in the past decades. The recent study, published in MedLink Neurology, discovered that there is a small but significant increased risk of stroke among women who take BCPs.

Although there was indeed an increased risk, it was dependent on numerous factors. The experts analyzed the findings of existing studies and papers. They found in one study that some individuals may have genetic susceptibility. Another study showed that a rise in LDL cholesterol while taking BCPs increased cardiovascular reactivity and triggered a change in insulin reaction, thereby boosting the incidence of stroke.

In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that there was a higher risk of ischemic stroke among those who use higher estrogen oral contraception, but not with those who take lower estrogen forms. Women today might be relieved to know that BCPs have about 20 to 30 mcgs of hormonal doses only, and none over 50 mcgs exist. All doses of BCPs, however, were linked with a higher risk of stroke.

Co-authors Marisa McGinley, Jose Biller and Sarkis Morales-Vidal of Loyola University Medical Center and Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said that among women with other stroke risk factors, the risk appears higher, which should prompt them to avoid oral contraceptives.

Ischemic stroke is the most common of all strokes, accounting for about 85% of cases. There are reportedly about 4.4 cases of ischemic strokes for every 100,000 women of childbearing age. BCPs raise the risk 1.9 times, to 8.5 strokes for every 100,000 women, based on a meta-analysis presented in the report. In other words, 24,000 women will have to take BCPs to cause one additional stroke. More than 100 million women around the world use or have used oral contraceptives.

Overall, women should try various birth control methods and products, because the approach is not universal. One method or product that works for one woman may not work for another.

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