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Does the birth control patch have cardiovascular side effects?

Posted: December 18, 2009

(2) Comments

  • msnbc.msn.com msnbc.msn.com

Q: Does the birth control patch have cardiovascular side effects like abnormal or fast heart rates?

A: Not really - or at least no more than oral contraceptive pills.  The patch does deliver more estrogen than oral contraceptive pills, so you tend to get more side effects like breast tenderness and nausea with the patch.  These tend to go away after a few months.

Reasons not to use the patch are the same as those for other forms of birth control that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin: history of blood clots, a tumor that responds to estrogen (like some forms of breast cancer) and liver disease (like hepatitis or cirrhosis).  And obviously, women who have a history of sensitive skin or skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis would probably want to avoid using the patch as well.

Research has shown that the most common side effects of the patch (other than unscheduled bleeding) are:

  • Breast symptoms (22%)
  • Headache (21%
  • Application site reactions (17%)
  • Nausea (17%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (10%)
  • Painful periods (10%)

Fewer than 2% of the women in these studies felt that these side effects were bad enough to stop using the patch[1].

The Women's Services clinical staff at Student Health Services can help you manage all forms of birth control, including the patch.  You can make an appointment to discuss your birth control questions with them any time!

John A. Vaughn, MD (OSU SHS)

[1] UpToDate Online 17.3

Comments

  • Friday, December 18, 2009 4:51:35 PM Posted by: buckeyebetty what about the risk of blood clots, isn't it higher with the patch?
  • Monday, December 21, 2009 8:26:22 AM Posted by: Dr. Vaughn Good question. Yes, there MAY be an increased risk of blood clots with the patch compared to pills. One study showed an increased risk when comparing the patch to pills with slightly lower (30mcg) levels of estrogen, which we know is the culprit when it comes to clots. Another study showed that NEW users of the patch had a higher rate of blood clots than women who were taking pills with a higher concentration of estrogen (35mcg), but the risk of clots from estrogen is greatest when you first start taking it, so that study may be slightly biased. And it's important to remember that blood clots are a rare occurrence no matter which form of birth control you're on. However, there is evidence that the patch may put you at a slightly higher risk, so be sure to discuss that with your health care provider before choosing which form of birth control is right for you.

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