A recent study has revealed an alarming trend among young women and teenage girls – a sharp increase in strokes occurring at a young age. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 90,000 women die from stroke every year, with 57% of these deaths attributed to women.
Historically, stroke in women was linked to menopause or pregnancy. However, new research shows that strokes are now occurring in patients as young as 15 years old. Dr. Cynthia Kenmuir, a vascular neurologist at UPMC Altoona, attributes this rise to hormonal changes and exogenous estrogen found in birth control pills.
While the increased risk of stroke is generally low for most women taking hormonal contraceptives, it can be substantial for those with other risk factors such as migraines with aura, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or smoking. Kenmuir recommends discussing stroke risks with healthcare providers and considering alternative birth control options if concerns arise.
Low-hormone methods like Marina may be suitable for individuals with specific conditions, including migraines with aura or high blood pressure. Copper intrauterine devices without hormones can also alleviate clotting disorders. Changing hormone-containing birth control can significantly decrease stroke risk, as studies have shown that removing exogenous estrogen leads to a return to normal age-matched controls.
Interestingly, many women experiencing strokes often exhibit vague or diffuse symptoms, such as feeling unwell or disoriented. Dr. Kenmuir advises women of any age experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
Source: https://www.wtaj.com/health/birth-control-increasing-stroke-risk-in-teens-young-women