HomeAnswersCardiologycontraceptive pillIs it good to avoid oral contraceptive pills after 40 years?

Why should we avoid oral contraceptive pills after 40 years?

Share
Why should we avoid oral contraceptive pills after 40 years?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Rishu Sharma

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At December 8, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a question. Estrogen shows cardioprotective effect before menopause. But, it increases the risk of CVS diseases if taken in oral contraceptive pills. And, they say that oral contraceptive pills should be avoided after 40 years because of CVS complications. I am not getting it. If it is cardioprotective, then why cannot it be given after 40 when estrogen levels in the body decrease? Also, I wanted to know, whether these side effects of oral contraceptive pills are dose dependent. Because, normally in young women estrogen is cardioprotective, but if given extra from the outside, it is increased in the body than required and so, it cause complications. Is this true? Please explain.

Answered by Dr. Rishu Sharma

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Natural estrogen is cardioprotective as it increases the level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and decreases the level of LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is believed to be the initiator of atherosclerosis. Estradiol and other estrogens are believed to inhibit this process. Hormone replacement therapy - HRT rapidly increases the level of C-reactive proteins in the body, a marker of inflammation associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, two major studies found that HRT inpostmenopausal women increases the risk of breast cancer. Another study proved that HRT in postmenopausal women increases the risk of cardiac events and thrombosis. Hence, women should be advised to cease therapy postmenopause. However, a detailed analysis showed that the time of initiating HRT postmenopause plays a crucial role. When initiated within five years of menopause in a healthy woman estrogen-based HRT has far more benefits than adverse outcomes. The pros of HRT includes reduces symptoms of menopause, reduce osteoporosis dementia and colon cancer, and improves cardiovascular system. The cons of HRT are doubles the risk of thromboembolism and doubles the risk of breast cancer. So, pros and cons are to be evaluated before initiating HRT in postmenopausal women.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rishu Sharma
Dr. Rishu Sharma

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy