Why does estrogen cause thrombosis

Effects of second and third generation oral contraceptives and their respective progestagens on the coagulation system in the absence or presence of the factor V Leiden mutation. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO, Risk of idiopathic death and nonfatal venous thromboembolism in women using oral contraceptives with differing progestagen components. Third generation oral contraception and risk of myocardial infarction: an international case-control study.

BMJ ; Effects on coagulation of levonorgestrel- and desogestrel-containing low dose oral contraceptives: a cross over-study. Enhanced expression of factor XII Hageman factor in isolated livers of estrogen- and prolactin-treated rats. J Lab Clin Med ; Increased fibrinolytic activity during use of oral contraceptives is counteracted by an enhanced factor XI-independent down regulation of fibrinolysis: a randomized cross-over study of two low-dose oral contraceptives.

Shen L, Dahlback B. J Biol Chem ; Synergistic cofactor function of factor V and protein S to activated protein C in the inactivation of the cofactor VIIIa-factor IXa complex - species specific interactions of components of the protein C anticoagulant system.

Mechanisms of estrogen action. Physiol Rev ; The nuclear receptor superfamily. J Cell Sci ; Nuclear receptor mediated gene regulation through chromatin remodeling and histone modifications. Uncomfortable symptoms like pain, redness and swelling can result, but if part of the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs, it could stop blood from getting to the lungs and cause a more severe complication called pulmonary embolism.

Although taking the pill does increase your risk of this happening, according to vascular internist Deborah Hornacek, MD , the risk is still relatively low. Hornacek explains. In fact, a woman on the pill is still at a lower risk of blood clot than she would be if she were pregnant. Hornacek adds. Other forms of estrogen-containing contraceptives like the ring and the patch have also been shown to increase risk of blood clots. Hornacek says. Women who are obese or over the age of 40 are at an elevated risk for blood clots, as are women who smoke.

Get up and move around when traveling long distances. Discuss any medication questions with your doctor. If you want a personalized lifestyle plan to tackle your blood clots, a menopause-certified health coach can be helpful. Book 30 minutes for your personal consultation with a health coach. Emily: Pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg are all symptoms of a blood clot. Fuzzy vision may be dry eye in menopause , or it may be menopause cataracts.

Learn the difference and what to do next. Emily: If you suspect you have a blood clot, you should seek immediate medical attention. Call your doctor and let them know you are concerned about a blood clot.

If you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain or a racing heart, you should go to the ER as this can indicate that you have a pulmonary embolism. Emily: You are definitely at higher risk to have a blood clot if you have previously had a blood clot.

In fact, the biggest risk factor for having a blood clot is the history of a prior blood clot. Speak with your doctor about ways to minimize your risk. Emily: Blood clots are treated with blood thinners. Newer medications have made this much simpler in recent years. In the past, you would be hospitalized for initial treatment and then continued on blood thinners that required frequent monitoring with blood tests.

Some patients can take oral medications while others require injectable medications. New medications are available that can be given orally and do not require frequent blood tests.

Your doctor will advise the best treatment for you. Typically, treatment lasts between months. Related Information Birth Control. References Citations Abramowicz M Choice of contraceptives. Food and Drug Administration FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , reaffirmed Use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions. Obstetrics and Gynecology , 6 : — Credits Current as of: October 8, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information.