From the Guidelines
Yes, birth control pills can contribute to flushing in some women, particularly those containing estrogen, as evidenced by the dose-related increase in the risk of cerebral thrombosis among users of oral contraceptives 1.
Causes of Flushing
The hormones in birth control pills, especially estrogen, can affect blood vessel dilation, leading to temporary redness and warmth in the face, neck, and chest areas.
- Estrogen in birth control pills can cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased blood flow to the skin
- This increased blood flow can lead to flushing, which is characterized by redness, warmth, and sometimes itching or tingling sensations
- The risk of flushing is higher in women taking birth control pills with higher doses of estrogen, although most current formulations contain lower estrogen doses 1
Management of Flushing
If you experience persistent or severe flushing, you might consider talking to your healthcare provider about switching to a lower-dose estrogen pill or a progestin-only option.
- Staying hydrated, avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages, and using cool compresses can help manage flushing episodes while your body adapts to the medication
- In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend alternative birth control methods or adjust your current medication to minimize the risk of flushing 1
From the Research
Birth Control Pills and Flushing
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that birth control pills contribute to flushing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the effects of oral contraceptives on vitamin B6 status, tryptophan metabolism, and other health aspects, but do not mention flushing as a side effect.
- However, some studies suggest that oral contraceptives can affect tryptophan metabolism and lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and decreased libido 4, 6.
- Vitamin B6 supplementation has been shown to relieve these symptoms in women taking oral contraceptives, but its relation to flushing is not explored in the provided studies 6.
- Estrogen-containing methods, such as combined oral contraceptive pills, can increase the risk of venous thrombosis, but this is not directly related to flushing 2.