The short explanation
The combined pill can raise blood pressure in some women. Because high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clots, doctors often advise stopping the combined pill if blood pressure goes above certain levels, and switching to a method without oestrogen. Your doctor will usually recheck your blood pressure to confirm the reading. If it is confirmed high, good alternatives include the progestogen-only pill, the injection, the implant, the hormonal IUD and the Copper T, which do not raise blood pressure in the same way. Do not stop the pill without another method in place, or you could become pregnant.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Blood pressure often returns to normal after stopping the combined pill, but it should be rechecked.
- Other factors that raise risk on the pill include smoking, being overweight, age over 35, and diabetes.
- Home or pharmacy blood pressure checks can help monitor readings.
- If blood pressure stays high after stopping, further checks may be needed.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell whether you need to stop the pill. Your doctor can advise after confirming your readings.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Is my blood pressure high enough to stop the combined pill?
- Which method should I switch to?
- How soon should my blood pressure be rechecked?
- Could anything else be raising my blood pressure?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have a severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or weakness on one side.
Book an appointment soon
- See your doctor within a few days to recheck your blood pressure and discuss switching methods.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book routine blood pressure checks while on any hormonal method.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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