New Delhi, May 22
Taking birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives containing both oestrogen and progestin may triple the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, according to a study.
Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It accounts for up to 40 per cent of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age.
“Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk,†said lead author Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University.
“What’s particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological,†she added.
The research included 268 women aged 18-49 years with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe.
Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined combined oral contraceptives.
While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined oral contraceptives to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke.
“Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,†Dr. Sezgin said.
Next, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined oral contraceptive use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk.
The findings were presented at the ongoing European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is concerning but not surprising. Many Indian women take birth control pills without proper medical consultation. Doctors should be more careful with prescriptions and explain all risks. My cousin had similar issues after long-term use. Better awareness is needed! ðŸ™
Important research but we must not create panic. The study sample is relatively small (268 women). Indian women should consult their gynecologists before making any decisions. Every medicine has side effects - even paracetamol can be dangerous if misused.
As a working woman in Mumbai, birth control is essential for family planning. But studies like this make me worried. Why don't we have more Indian studies on this? Our diet, lifestyle and genetics are different from Europeans. Need local research before jumping to conclusions.
The real issue is lack of alternatives. In India, family planning burden falls mostly on women. Men need to take more responsibility - vasectomy is safer but how many opt for it? Time to change mindsets along with medical research.
My doctor never told me about these risks! 😠We need better regulations for medical practitioners in India. Many just prescribe pills like candy without proper checkups or follow-ups. Women's health deserves more attention and care.
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