What Are the Dangers of Oral Contraceptives?

Types

There are two types of oral contraceptives--pills that contain only progestin and pills that contain both estrogen and progestin. Progestin oral contraceptives are less likely to produce serious side effects but are also slightly less effective in preventing pregnancy. Other hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control patches and injections, produce side effects and dangers similar to oral contraceptives.

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include irregular spotting or bleeding, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, weight gain and mood changes. These side effects usually subside after three cycles. More serious side effects may include stroke, blood clot and jaundice. The risk of side effects is increased in women who smoke or are over 35. Medical disorders such as blood clotting disorders, obesity, diabetes or high cholesterol also increase the risk of serious oral contraceptive side effects. Some women experience abnormal hair loss or excessive hair growth when taking oral contraceptives.

Women who have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, jaundice during pregnancy or severe migraines should not take oral contraceptives. Certain heart diseases and hepatitis also increase the risks associated with oral contraceptives. Women with a family history of breast, cervical or liver cancer should discuss the risks with a knowledgeable health care provider since oral contraceptives have been linked to an increased instance of these cancers.

Approximately 3% of women who stop taking oral contraceptives experience post-pill amenorrhea, an absence of menstruation for six months or longer. High levels of estrogen and progestin in oral contraceptives send feedback to the pituitary gland that indicate sufficient hormone levels in the body. With prolonged usage, the pituitary gland stops producing estrogen and progesterone, even after oral contraceptive use has ceased, so that neither ovulation nor menstruation occurs. If menstruation does not spontaneously return, estrogen blockers may be prescribed to stimulate estrogen production by the pituitary gland.

Oral contraceptives interfere with the body's absorption of folic acid, vitamin B6, selenium and vitamin C. Folic acid prevents anemia and cell changes that can lead to cancer. Long-term folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia, digestive disorders and increased cardiovascular risk. Vitamin B6 deficiency is linked to depression. Selenium and vitamin C are both important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Women taking oral contraceptives should consider supplements or increase consumption of vitamin-rich foods to prevent such vitamin deficiencies.