Methods of hormonal birth control such as the pill can be highly effective in preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, the elevated levels of hormones used may also raise the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Higher levels of cholesterol can cause buildup of plaque in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
About Birth Control
Birth control reduces the probability of becoming pregnant when used correctly. Particularly popular is hormonal birth control or the pill. A combination of either estrogen or progesterone leads the body to believe that is is already pregnant. These hormones can prevent ovulation, or the releasing of an egg for fertilization, and may also limit sperm movement and prevent implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterine wall. Hormonal birth control is more than 90 percent effective when taking daily at the same time, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels in the blood -- also called hypercholesterolemia or dyslipedemia -- can significantly disrupt the normal function of the body. Cholesterol is normally an important component of membranes in the body and is used to produces hormones, vitamins and bile acids. High cholesterol levels can lead to the accumulation of waxy plaque blocking blood vessels and disrupt hormones levels and biological processes throughout the body. The risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack is increased with high cholesterol levels.
Additional Risk Factors
Some women may be at much higher risk for developing high cholesterol as well as strokes or heart attacks while on hormonal birth control. Women who are older than 35, smoke or who have risk factors for high cholesterol should ask their doctor about alternative birth control methods. The risk factors include obesity, other medications, excessive alcohol use, high fat diets, sedentary lifestyle and diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and kidney disease.
Lowering Risk
The best way to mitigate the risks associated with hormonal birth control is living a health lifestyle and having your blood cholesterol monitored regularly by your doctor. Eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber and whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Exercise regularly and avoid smoking or consuming alcohol in excess.
