13 october 2021 – 8:18 am
Pill use increases the risk of thrombosis, certainly in combination with other risk factors such as older age, overweight or genetic predisposition.
The Thrombosis Foundation seizes World Thrombosis Day (13 October) to draw more attention to the risk of thrombosis when using the contraceptive pill. The hormones in birth control change the composition of the blood. This affects blood clotting and gives a slightly increased risk of thrombosis. However, if there are other risk factors, such as a hereditary predisposition to thrombosis, obesity, smoking or an older age (from 40 years), the risk increases further and further. Thrombosis can cause serious damage in the body, even death.
Discuss the risks
Anyone who starts taking the pill should be made aware of the thrombosis risk of the pill. However, this often does not happen. The risk of thrombosis is highest in the first years after the start of the pill. After that, the risk of thrombosis increases with age, from the age of 40. It is therefore important that women over 40 who use the contraceptive pill discuss the risks and possible alternatives with their GP. In many cases, the risk of thrombosis can be avoided by switching to another contraceptive, such as an IUD.
Prof. dr. Dr Hugo ten Cate, internist and thrombosis expert at the MUMC: ” Last week I saw two more women of around 45 years old with a serious pill-related pulmonary embolism. I noticed that they were on the pill for a very long time. Because the risk of thrombosis also increases with age, I think it is important that there is more awareness about this. In many cases, taking the contraceptive pill for too long is not necessary. ”
Be alert
Thrombosis can have serious consequences. It is therefore important to be alert to the symptoms of thrombosis, such as a painful, red, discolored and swollen leg (thrombosis leg), shortness of breath and shortness of breath (pulmonary embolism) and very severe headache (sinus thrombosis). On the website of the Thrombosis Foundation you can read more about it here.
About the Thrombosis Foundation
In thrombosis, a blood vessel becomes blocked by a blood clot, which impedes circulation. This can be dangerous and lead to serious, permanent complaints and even death. Rapid recognition of thrombosis is therefore important so that serious consequences can be prevented. The Netherlands Thrombosis Foundation stimulates and finances scientific research into thrombosis and provides information about risk factors, recognition and treatment. Would you like to know more about thrombosis?
October 13 is World Thrombosis Day
Wednesday 13 October is World Thrombosis Day. On this day, worldwide attention is drawn to thrombosis. That is why Erasmus MC in Rotterdam will be coloring red and blue that day, the colors of World Thrombosis Day and the Thrombosis Foundation. Furthermore, the Erasmus MC and Maastricht UMC, among others, organize events focused on thrombosis .
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Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine Budding
I studied physiotherapy and health care business administration. In addition, I am a registered Independent client supporter and mantelzrog broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in healthcare, the social domain and the medical, pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most specialties in healthcare. And of the health care laws from which health care is regulated and financed. Every year I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up-to-date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently studying applied psychology.
My messages on this weblog do not reflect the strategy, policy or direction of an employer, nor are they the work of or for a client or employer.
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