Causes And Risk Factors For Strokes In Women

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills were first linked to strokes during a study published in 1962. According to The World Health Organization, women who use higher estrogen oral contraception, but not lower estrogen forms, have a forty percent increased risk of ischemic stroke, which is the type of stroke present in eighty-five percent of all strokes. Research shows some oral contraception may increase the risk of blood clots, which may cause a stroke. Women who smoke, have high blood pressure, and experience migraines may want to talk to their doctor about other forms of birth control in order to mitigate their risk as much as possible.

Learn more about what increases the risk of women experiencing strokes now.