The relation between short-term oral contraceptive consumption and cerebrovascular, cardiovascular disorders in Iranian women attending Hajj

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the spectrum of probable vascular complications due to short-term oral contraceptives OC consumption. METHODS: In this cohort study, selected Iranian female pilgrims from Razavi-Khorasan, Iran province <50 years old, attending Hajj in 2005 were evaluated. We reviewed their physical examinations, vascular risk factors and OC consumption before Hajj. Pilgrims were followed-up in terms of developing possible vascular complications during Hajj and the following year. RESULTS: This study included 896 individuals and completed follow-up was performed for 642. The results showed that 782 (87.3%) of pilgrims used OC. One person developed cerebral vein thrombosis, one myocardial infarction, and one deep vein thrombosis. Eighteen patients (2.8%) experienced transient hypertension. Ten patients (1.5%) had migraine exacerbations. The relationship between developed definite vascular complications and OC consumption was not statistically significant in this study p=0.365. CONCLUSION: Although vascular complications of long-term OC consumption have been analyzed and proved in several studies, few studies have determined short-term OC consumption effects on the vascular system. It seems that even short-term usage of OC may result in vascular complications, thus further studies with more samples is recommended to determine its safety and complications.