A major study has found that women on hormonal birth control face twice the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The findings reveal a troubling link between contraceptives used by millions of women and serious cardiovascular events that could change how doctors approach reproductive health.
At a Glance
- Swedish study of over 2 million women found hormonal contraceptives increase risk of ischemic stroke and heart attack
- Vaginal rings and skin patches containing estrogen showed the highest risk levels
- Combined oral contraceptives doubled the risk of stroke and heart attack compared to non-users
- Progestin-only IUD was the only hormonal contraceptive not linked to increased cardiovascular risks
- Doctors advise women with risk factors like smoking or obesity to consider non-hormonal alternatives
Massive Study Reveals Hidden Dangers of Contraceptives
A groundbreaking study from Sweden has revealed alarming information about popular birth control methods that millions of American women use daily. The extensive research, published in the British Medical Journal, tracked more than two million women over 25 years and found most hormonal contraceptives significantly increase the risk of potentially deadly cardiovascular events.
The findings show that estrogen-containing contraceptives present the greatest danger, with combined oral contraceptives doubling the risk of both ischemic stroke and heart attack. Even more concerning, the vaginal ring showed a 240% increased risk for stroke and a shocking 380% increased risk for heart attack compared to women not using hormonal contraception.
These revelations come at a time when liberal groups continue pushing for expanded contraceptive access while downplaying potential health risks. The Biden administration has aggressively promoted birth control availability without acknowledging these serious cardiovascular concerns that disproportionately affect women.
The Real Story Behind Women Getting Off Hormonal Birth Control And Misinformation
“The Washington Post recently published an article called "Women are getting off birth control amid misinformation explosion," which describes how women are increasingly walking away from hormonal… pic.twitter.com/lyji1uL16A
— Brittany Hugoboom (@BritHugoboom) March 27, 2024
Not All Contraceptives Created Equal
The study’s detailed analysis revealed significant variations in risk among different contraceptive methods. Combined oral contraceptives showed ischemic stroke rates of 39 per 100,000 person-years and heart attacks at 18 per 100,000. The progestin-only IUD emerged as the only hormonal birth control method not associated with increased cardiovascular events.
“If someone is high risk for complications, they may want to consider a safer option,” Bradley Serwer, MD said.
Medical professionals identified several high-risk groups who should exercise particular caution with hormonal contraceptives, including smokers, women with blood clotting disorders, those who suffer from migraines, and individuals with cardiovascular disease, obesity, or diabetes. For these women, the study suggests exploring non-hormonal alternatives like condoms, diaphragms, or fertility awareness methods.
Hormonal contraceptives linked to higher heart attack and stroke risk, finds study of 2M+ women – here's what experts say https://t.co/mF9lYPSVfA
— Women's Health (@UKWomensHealth) February 21, 2025
Conservative health advocates have long warned about the risks of artificial hormones being pumped into women’s bodies under the guise of reproductive freedom. This major study confirms these concerns aren’t just theoretical but are manifesting in life-threatening cardiovascular events. The widespread use of these contraceptives means even small increases in risk could translate to significant numbers of additional strokes and heart attacks nationwide.
“There is also a lack of evidence on the effects of different hormone combinations,” investigators noted.
A growing movement of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) offers promising alternatives by addressing the root causes of reproductive health disorders rather than masking symptoms with hormonal contraceptives. This approach, favored by many conservative physicians, helps women understand their natural cycles while avoiding the cardiovascular risks linked to artificial hormones. Many young women are becoming increasingly aware of these safer alternatives as information about contraceptive risks becomes more widely available.
Is it time we scrapped these pills altogether?
