Leg Pain After Birth Control: Should You Worry About Blood Clots?

After taking the contraceptive pill, my girlfriend is experiencing soreness in the front part of her left thigh?

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has currently taken her second pack of birth control pills.
She used Alicean 21 for the first month and is now using Yaz 28 for the second month.
She is currently on her 14th pill and has recently started experiencing "pain in the front of her left thigh" (she may have had this for a while but just mentioned it to me in the past few days).
She also mentioned that she had similar symptoms before starting the medication.
Additionally, she has stated that her grandfather had a myocardial infarction at some point (unsure if it was congenital or acquired), so I am concerned about the risk of thrombosis and whether she should continue taking the medication.
Could you please provide your assessment? Thank you very much.

Mr. Hsieh, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/18

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the oral contraceptive pill (COC) not only effectively prevents pregnancy but also helps regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual flow, and shorten the duration of menstrual bleeding, all of which contribute to women's health.
However, common side effects of contraceptive pills include headaches, dizziness, heavy or irregular menstruation, nausea, vomiting, edema, increased cervical mucus, cervical hypertrophy, increased appetite, weight gain, skin itching, acne, fatigue, depression, flushing, feelings of weakness, breast tenderness, and increased risk of yeast infections.

The groups that are not suitable for using oral contraceptives include:
• Pregnant individuals
• Breast cancer patients
• Those with circulatory diseases (venous or arterial thrombosis, ischemic heart disease, cerebral hemorrhage)
• Individuals with clotting disorders that predispose to thrombosis
• Those with liver diseases
• Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Smokers over the age of 35
• Individuals with hypertension (blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg) or diabetes
It is recommended to consult a physician at a hospital outpatient clinic to assess whether you can continue using the pill.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2016/04/18

More Info

When it comes to the concern of leg pain after starting birth control pills, particularly in the context of potential blood clots, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of the associated risks.
Firstly, it's important to understand that hormonal contraceptives, such as the ones your girlfriend is taking (Alesse and Yaz), can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). This risk is particularly heightened in certain populations, including those with a personal or family history of clotting disorders, obesity, prolonged immobility, or smoking. Given that your girlfriend has a family history of cardiovascular issues (her grandfather's myocardial infarction), this could potentially elevate her risk profile.

The symptoms of DVT can include swelling, pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected leg, often described as a cramping or soreness in the calf or thigh. In her case, the left thigh pain could be indicative of a DVT, especially if it is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or discoloration. However, it is also possible that the pain could be unrelated to a clot, as muscle strain or other benign conditions can also cause similar symptoms.

Given these considerations, here are some steps you should take:
1. Seek Medical Attention: It is crucial for your girlfriend to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. A medical professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination and possibly imaging studies (like an ultrasound) to rule out DVT.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms that may arise, such as swelling, redness, warmth, or changes in skin color in the affected leg. If she experiences sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, these could be signs of a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.

3. Discuss Birth Control Options: If a blood clot is suspected or confirmed, it may be necessary to discontinue the current birth control method. There are alternative contraceptive options available that carry a lower risk of clotting, such as non-hormonal methods (like copper IUDs) or progestin-only pills, which are generally considered safer for individuals at higher risk for VTE.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage her to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged periods of immobility, especially during long trips or extended sitting.

5. Family History Consideration: Given her family history of heart disease, it may be beneficial for her to discuss this with her healthcare provider, who can assess her overall cardiovascular risk and determine the most appropriate contraceptive method for her.

In conclusion, while leg pain can be a common complaint, it is essential to take it seriously, especially in the context of recent hormonal contraceptive use. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary to ensure her safety and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Safety of Birth Control Pills and Blood Clot Risks

1. Is there a risk of venous embolism and thrombosis when taking Etonogestrel? How can one check for venous embolism? Which specialty should be consulted for this issue? 2. Which type of contraceptive pill is considered safer and has fewer severe side effects? Thank you, Dr. Lu...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Joy: Hello, due to the hormonal components in contraceptive pills, there is indeed a slight increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism and thrombosis; however, the probability is very low. If you have conditions such as hypertension, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle, it...

Are Visible Blood Vessels a Side Effect of Taking Birth Control Pills?

Hello Doctor: I started taking Diane contraceptive pills recently, which contain Cyproterone 2mg and Ethinylestradiol 0.035mg. After a few days, I noticed that my blood vessels have become more prominent all over my body (in my neck, arms, feet, calves, thighs, groin, and upper c...

Dr. Huang Yinghe reply Cardiology
Hello: Hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of thromboembolic diseases. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made based solely on your description without an examination, as allergies are also a possibility. Additionally, these symptoms may not necessarily be relate...

Understanding Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives: Numbness and Swelling Concerns

Hello, doctor. I recently started taking the oral contraceptive pill, and on the 19th day (May 14), I began experiencing numbness in the soles of my feet along with mild swelling (only numbness, no pain). I am aware that taking oral contraceptives can increase the risk of thrombo...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Symptoms of thrombosis often include swelling of the leg or pain in the affected vascular area. 2. Medication can be discontinued for observation. 3. A common side effect of contraceptive pills is edema.

Understanding Bayer's Contraceptive: Risks, Side Effects, and Usage Tips

Doctor, this is my first time taking birth control pills to regulate my menstrual cycle. I started taking them on the second day of my period and after three days, I feel some discomfort on the sides of my thighs above my knees (it's not painful, just a bit sore). Could this...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it should not be a blood clot. You can continue taking the medication and observe for now. If there is no improvement, you can stop the medication. If you are concerned, you can also stop it immediately and discuss with your obstetrician whether to use an alternative medic...