That kind of headline is alarmist and often misleading. Some medications can increase the risk of blood clots, but the risk depends heavily on which pill, the dose, and the person taking it. Here’s a clear, evidence-based breakdown.
Pills commonly associated with increased clot risk
1. Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills)
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Especially combined estrogen + progestin pills
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Can slightly increase the risk of:
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
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Pulmonary embolism
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Stroke or heart attack (rare, mostly in higher-risk people)
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Higher risk if you:
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Smoke (especially over age 35)
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Have obesity
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Have a personal/family history of clots
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Have certain genetic clotting disorders
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Are immobilized for long periods
Important: For most healthy young women, the absolute risk is still low, and pregnancy itself carries a higher clot risk than the pill.
2. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
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Oral estrogen (used in menopause treatment)
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Higher clot risk than transdermal (patch/gel) estroge
3. Selective cancer or fertility medications
Examples:
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Tamoxifen
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Some fertility treatments
These are prescribed with careful monitoring because clot risk is known.
4. Certain newer or misused drugs
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Anabolic steroids (non-medical use)
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Some weight-loss or performance-enhancing drugs obtained illegally
