For millions of women around the world, taking the pill is a part of everyday life — whether it’s for birth control, regulating menstrual cycles, or managing acne. In the UK alone, it’s estimated that around 3.1 million women use combined oral contraceptives daily. Globally, that number rises to more than 400 million, according to 2024 data from JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.

These pills, which contain both oestrogen and progestogen, work by mimicking the body’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation. For many, they’re safe, effective, and convenient. But new research has raised concerns about a possible link between prolonged pill use and one of the most dangerous health conditions a woman can face — stroke.

Understanding the Risk: The ‘Silent Killer’

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, usually due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain tissue can begin to die within minutes — often leading to permanent damage or death if not treated quickly.

While strokes are more common in older adults, a growing body of evidence suggests that certain younger women, particularly those taking oestrogen-based contraceptives, may also be at risk. In recent studies examining ischaemic strokes — those caused by a lack of blood flow rather than bleeding — researchers found a disturbing trend.

According to neurologist Dr Mine Sezgin of Istanbul University, women who took the combined oral contraceptive were three times more likely to suffer an unexplained stroke than those who didn’t. This remained true even when adjusting for other known risk factors such as smoking, high BMI, and a history of migraines.