Polycystic ovary raises blood clots

Women who have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and who take the birth control pill have twice the risk of blood clots than do other women on the Pill. For some, the risk could be high enough for doctors to recommend they should not use the Pill, which is the recommendation for women over 35 who smoke.

About 3-5% of women have PCOS that causes a hormone imbalance, which can lead to irregular periods, extra hair growth and higher risks for being overweight and developing hypertension and diabetes. They are often treated with oral contraceptives, many of which have labels warning about blood clots.