Latest news with #MineSezgin
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Birth control pill may triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in women: Study
New Delhi: Taking birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives containing both oestrogen and progestin may triple the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, according to a study. Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It accounts for up to 40 per cent of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. 'Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk,' said lead author Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University. 'What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological,' she added. The research included 268 women aged 18-49 years with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined combined oral contraceptives. While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined oral contraceptives to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. 'Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,' Dr. Sezgin said. Next, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined oral contraceptive use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. The findings were presented at the ongoing European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Oral Contraceptives May Triple Stroke Risk
New Delhi: Women who use a combined oral contraceptive (COC)—better known as the pill—are three times more likely to suffer an unexpected stroke than those who don't. These new findings were presented at a conference of European Stroke Organisation in Finland's Helsinki on May 20. The pill is a hormonal contraceptive, containing both oestrogen and progestogen , which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. A research at Istanbul University in Turkiye has established the connection between cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) and oral contraceptives. The research analysed 268 women, aged 18 to 49 years, who experienced unexpected strokes, comparing them with 268 women in the similar age group without a stroke history. Studies from 2019 and 2022 highlighted similar concerns. The discovery of direct vascular effects of COCs requires immediate attention. Healthcare professionals acknowledge that extended usage periods and increased oestrogen levels heighten stroke risks. Dr Anuradha Kapur, principal director (obstetrics & gynaecology) and head of the unit at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, pointed out that while medicines could notably raise the likelihood of ischaemic strokes, they typically required existing risk elements to cause harm. "Think of it as adding gasoline to a fire that has not yet been lit. If you have a genetic factor or already have a risk factor, the pill can be the trigger," she clarified. However, research findings demonstrated that the increased stroke risk associated with oral contraceptive use appears to operate independently, as no significant associations were found between contraceptive usage and other documented risk factors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr Mine Sezgin of the neurology department at Istanbul University and the lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved—possibly genetic or biological." Dr Renu Gupta, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi, emphasised that stroke resulted from multiple factors, including genetic, physiological and lifestyle-related risks. She noted that COC could trigger complications in women with underlying health conditions, including undiagnosed thrombophilias or autoimmune conditions. While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing the pill to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. Describing the connection between oral contraceptives and stroke, prof Manjari Tripathi, head of the neurology department at AIIMS, explained that COC usage consistently correlated with increased ischaemic stroke risk, particularly in women with pre-existing health risk factors. COC usage increases ischaemic stroke risk by 1.6 to 2 times, with higher risks in women experiencing migraines with aura. The risk intensifies for women who smoke, have high blood pressure, migraines with aura, or a stroke history. The oestrogen component potentially increases blood coagulability and clot formation. Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant of neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, noted that first-year usage presented the highest risk, affected by oestrogen dosage. Modern pills contain lower oestrogen levels, reducing risks compared to older formulations, he pointed out. Risk increases with smoking, hypertension or age above 35. Healthy young women face minimal absolute risk, with pregnancy presenting higher stroke risks than oral contraceptives. "The real risk lies in stacking oestrogen on top of other vascular triggers—smoking, uncontrolled hypertension or migraine with aura—where non-oestrogen methods are clearly the wiser bet," said Dr Bhaskar Shukla, consultant neurologist at PSRI Hospital. Informed choice, annual check-ups and the growing menu of highly effective LARC devices mean women no longer have to trade peace of mind for modern contraception, he added.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ESOC 2025: Combined oral contraceptives triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, new study shows
HELSINKI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women.(1) The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. Cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, which is stroke with no identifiable cause, accounts for up to 40% of all ischaemic strokes in young adults.(2) Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. While prior studies have associated combined OCs with stroke risk, this is among the few studies to focus specifically on cryptogenic stroke in young women. The Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young (SECRETO) study included 268 women aged 18–49 years with CIS and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined OCs. After adjusting for age and established comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking, migraine with aura, and abdominal obesity, OC use was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.61–5.57). No significant interactions were found between OC use and these risk factors, suggesting that the increased stroke risk may operate independently of other known contributors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, and lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological." Most OC users in the study were taking ethinylestradiol-based formulations, with a median dose of 20 micrograms. Other types of estrogen, such as estradiol hemihydrate and estradiol valerate, were also recorded. "We calculated the equivalent estrogen dose for each patient to ensure consistency," Dr Sezgin explained. "While our data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk. This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women." While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined OCs to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. "Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors," concluded Dr. Sezgin. Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined OC use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. Note to editors: A reference to ESOC 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. About the study author: Dr. Mine Sezgin is a neurologist and stroke researcher based at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. Her work focuses on sex-specific risk factors and stroke prevention in young adults. About the European Stroke Organisation (ESO): The ESO is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007. The aim of the ESO is to reduce the burden of stroke by changing the way that stroke is viewed and treated. This can only be achieved by professional and public education, and by making institutional changes. ESO serves as the voice of stroke in Europe, harmonising stroke management across the whole of Europe and taking action to reduce the burden of stroke regionally and globally. References: 1. Sezgin, M., et al. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. Abstract O049, presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 21 May 2025; Vienna, Austria. 2. Yaghi, S., & Elkind, M. S. (2014). Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge. Neurology. Clinical practice, 4(5), 386–393. View original content: SOURCE European Stroke Organisation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
ESOC 2025: Combined oral contraceptives triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, new study shows
, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women. (1) The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. Cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, which is stroke with no identifiable cause, accounts for up to 40% of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. (2) Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. While prior studies have associated combined OCs with stroke risk, this is among the few studies to focus specifically on cryptogenic stroke in young women. The Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young (SECRETO) study included 268 women aged 18–49 years with CIS and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined OCs. After adjusting for age and established comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking, migraine with aura, and abdominal obesity, OC use was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.61–5.57). No significant interactions were found between OC use and these risk factors, suggesting that the increased stroke risk may operate independently of other known contributors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, and lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological." Most OC users in the study were taking ethinylestradiol-based formulations, with a median dose of 20 micrograms. Other types of estrogen, such as estradiol hemihydrate and estradiol valerate, were also recorded. "We calculated the equivalent estrogen dose for each patient to ensure consistency," Dr Sezgin explained. "While our data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk. This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women." While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined OCs to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. "Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors," concluded Dr. Sezgin. Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined OC use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. Note to editors: A reference to ESOC 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. About the study author: Dr. Mine Sezgin is a neurologist and stroke researcher based at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. Her work focuses on sex-specific risk factors and stroke prevention in young adults. About the European Stroke Organisation (ESO): The ESO is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007. The aim of the ESO is to reduce the burden of stroke by changing the way that stroke is viewed and treated. This can only be achieved by professional and public education, and by making institutional changes. ESO serves as the voice of stroke in Europe, harmonising stroke management across the whole of Europe and taking action to reduce the burden of stroke regionally and globally. 1. Sezgin, M., et al. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. Abstract O049, presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 21 May 2025; Vienna, Austria. 2. Yaghi, S., & Elkind, M. S. (2014). Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge. Neurology. Clinical practice, 4 (5), 386–393.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Contraceptive used by MILLIONS triples risk of strokes in young women - study has doctors concerned
Millions of women taking the combined contraceptive pill are at an increased risk of suffering a sudden, unexplained stroke, worrying research suggests. Researchers, who analysed data from over 500 women, found those who used a combined oral contraceptive —better known as The Pill—were three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't. This was despite researchers finding no significant link between The Pill and known risk stroke factors such as high blood pressure, migraines and obesity, suggesting it was the drug itself that was somehow responsible. Dr Mine Sezgin, an expert in neurology from Istanbul University and lead researcher of the new study, said the findings had implications for contraceptive use among women with health conditions that increased their risk of a stroke. 'Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk and should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,' she said. 'This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women.' The researchers are now advising healthcare professionals to exercise caution when prescribing the combined contraceptive pill to women with an increased risk of stroke. This isn't the first study to establish a link between The Pill and stroke risk and independent experts have previously urged women to not stop using contraceptives based on the results. They have said it is critical to remember the odds of a healthy woman suffering a stroke is extremely low in the first place, so the increased risk found in these studies quite small in real terms. Independent experts have also highlighted pregnancy carries a high risk of stroke. The Pill is a hormonal contraceptive, containing both oestrogen and progestogen, which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. In the UK, around 3.1million women take medication, according to recent data. But more than 100 million women around the world use the combined oral contraceptive, according to the World Health Organisation. In the new study, presented at the European Stroke Organisation conference in Helsinki, Finland, researchers examined data from 268 women aged 18-49 who had suffered a cryptogenic ischemic stroke. This is a stroke with no obvious identifiable causes. These women were matched with 268 stroke-free participants who acted as a control. Of the 536 participants, 66 stroke-patients and 38 women were taking the combined contraceptive pill. After adjusting for age and medical conditions researchers found women on The Pill had triple the risk of suffering a cryptogenic stroke. Researchers also accounted for various amount of oestrogen in the different oral contraceptives to ensure consistency. Dr Sezgin said: 'What is particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved—possibly genetic or biological'. 'While out data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk.' When taken correctly, the combined pill is said to be over 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also commonly prescribed for heavy or painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and acne. However, The Pill has also been associated with a number of concerning health complications including blood clots, heart attacks and cancer. Common side effects include breakthrough bleeding, headaches, nausea and sore breasts. Some women also report weight gain and a change in sex drive, however, there is not enough evidence to say whether this is caused by the pill. According to the NHS, taking The Pill can increase a woman's chances of developing breast or cervical cancer, but this increased risk disappears 10 years after a woman stops taking it. The new research comes as new data suggests cases of strokes are skyrocketing in young people, with 100,000 patients suffering from the medical emergency each year in the UK. Strokes are one of the biggest killers in Britain, killing about 38,000 people each year and are also a leading cause of disability. The tell-tale symptoms of a stroke can be remembered using the acronym FAST: Face (drooping or inability to smile), Arms (weakness or inability to lift one arm), Speech (slurred or garbled), and Time (to call emergency services immediately). But other lesser-known symptoms to watch out include blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes, a severe headache and feeling or being sick. Strokes are most commonly caused by fatty deposits or a blood clot blocking arteries supplying the brain—known as ischaemic stroke. This can happen as a result of cardiovascular disease as critical blood vessels become narrowed or blocked over time by plaques. Another type of stroke—called haemorrhagic strokes—occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain and starts to leak its contents into the organ.
