High blood pressure and the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
High blood pressure and the pill
10
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 11:32am

Hello,

I have been taking the pill for a few years now and have watched my blood pressure slowly increase. I asked my GYN about this and she said it probably isn't the pill that is causing it. I have read numerous articles regarding oral contraceptives increasing blood pressure especially as you get older. I am seriously thinking about stopping them. I was wondering if anyone else had a issue with high blood pressure while taking the pill. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2005
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 11:39am

I am 45 years old and had used the pill successfully for many years. At my last visit (May) to the gyn., she told me that she had been watching my blood pressure increase over the last few years and thought that the pill could be the culprit. She had me track my bp for a month and then revisit her. At that time, she wanted me to come off of the pill since my bp was still elevated. That seemed to take care of my problem (although it might have also been impacted by the fact that I lost a bit of weight).

Either way, I needed alternate bc. I chose the Paragard IUD and absolutely love it. I've never had children and don't plan to. I wish I started using it earlier. It's expensive at the outset, but I have it for 10 years and don't need to think about bc.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 11:46am

Hi,

Thanks for your information. My concern is that it is not the pill that is causing the increase in blood pressure. However, one doctor says it could be and the other one says it is probably not the pill. How long did it take for you to see a reduction in your blood pressure?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 2:26pm
I have chronic high blood pressure-have had it for about 10 years give or take.....I think mine is genetic more than "the pill" but I was on the pill from 18yrs until I got married and decided to have a baby at 30 (except for a few years/months in between when I was out of health insurance)....Now my ob/gyn won't put me on the pull due to my health concerns with blood pressure.I have had the mirena IUD for almost 3 years and love it.Haven't had a "period" in over a year-absolutely love it.My advice would be to watch that blood pressure closely....might not be the pill exactly causing it but high blood pressure (untreated) and pill can cause problems...keep in contact with your dr about it.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2005
Thu, 03-23-2006 - 4:11pm

In less than two months after the recheck (and being off of the pill), my bp was in the range that my doctor was comfortable with. I still check it occasionally and record it in order to show my doctor when I see her later this year. Each time I do, it's below the 120/80 number.

Good luck!

Jordie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 5:58am

I had problems with my blood pressure when I was taking Triphasil--I'm normally 120/80 (which used to be the standard you're-okay number, but I guess is now considered a little high?), but when I was taking Triphasil I was around 133/90.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Fri, 03-24-2006 - 8:20am

Judie,

Thanks for the info. I have decided to come off the pill and see what happens. I was on Estrostep. I heard that the combination pills usually have more side effects concerning blood pressure. Hopefully this is the main reason for the increased pressure, seeing as I don't have too many risk factors, thin, don't smoke. I am also going to be more vigilant about my diet and exercising more frequently. I'll keep you posted!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Mon, 03-27-2006 - 9:24am
Anybody else have issues regarding their blood pressure while on the pill?
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Mon, 04-24-2006 - 9:59am

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give you an update! After nearly 4 weeks off Estrostep my BP has gone down from 145/100 to 140/88. I still have to lower it a bit more but I am happy to know that the pill was the culprit. Even though my GYN said it probably wasn't the pill, we now know it was. I'm glad I trusted my instincts and decided to go off. Sometimes a Dr.'s advice isn't always the right one.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-24-2006 - 10:39am

Hi playa2005, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 7:09am
Just a topical note in this thread....when I got off the ring, in a matter of about 4 weeks my blood pressure dropped from 120/80 to 100/60.
Judie Cl for Birth Control