Blood clots, which can develop anywhere in your circulatory system, are considered a leading cause of death among Americans, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. They are often a secondary effect of some prescription drugs and even pregnancy, as they lead to higher progesterone levels in the blood, which promotes clot formation. If you are experiencing chest pain, redness or swelling near a superficial vein, you should seek immediate medical attention to ensure you do not have a blood clot.
Background
Progesterone is a hormone that plays a part in regulating ovulation, menstruation and even maintaining the integrity of a pregnancy. Menopausal woman may also be prescribed this hormone to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining, according to Drugs.com. Blood clots are a listed side effect for birth control pills, which contain progesterone. The American Heart Association states a blood clot is called a "thrombus." This can become life threatening if the blood vessel is blocked by the thrombus or if it breaks off and travels to the lungs or heart.
Pregnancy and Blood Clots
If you are pregnant or nursing, the progesterone levels in your blood are elevated and thus may increase your chances of developing a blood clot. A 1991 study published in "Human Reproduction" found that IVF patients who were given progesterone to stimulate ovulation may exhibit a higher rate of blood coagulation.
Birth Control Pills and Blood Clots
Blood clots are often listed as possible side effects of taking oral contraceptive pills. This is likely due to the fact that these pills are designed to inhibit ovulation, making your body believe it is already pregnant by raising your levels of progesterone. A 1985 study published in the Hungarian journal "Orvosi Hetilap" confirmed that long-term oral contraceptive users were at a higher risk of thrombosis due to hypercoagulation caused by the drugs.
Treatment
When high levels of progesterone have contributed to a blood clot in the leg or other area of the body, the initial form of treatment is intravenous or injected heparin, which is an anticoagulant agent. An oral anticoagulant, warfarin, is also often prescribed, though it takes a few days to weeks for levels to build up in the bloodstream so that you can safely stop the heparin treatments. Oral warfarin will continue long term until your doctor determines that your body's natural levels of progesterone have returned to normal and you do not exhibit signs of a hypercoagulation or other disorder that would increase your risk of another blood clot.
References
- Drugs.com: Progesterone
- "Human Reproduction"; Does ovarian stimulation for IVF induce hypercoagulation; B. Aune, et al.; Aug 1991
- "Orvosi Hetilap"; Effect of hormonal contraceptives on the coagulation system; M. Misz, et al.; Oct 1985
- MedlinePlus: Serum Progesterone
- American Heart Association: Thrombolysis, Thrombosis, Thrombus and Embolus
- American Heart Association: Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis
