Why estrogen causes blood clots

There is also an effect that favors reduced clot formation. There is a small decrease in factor V, which is necessary for the activation of prothrombin II to thrombin IIa. How does estrogen increase clotting factors and other components that result in a net increase in the risk for clot formation?

Estrogen, like many lipophilic hormones, affects the gene transcription of various proteins. Thus, estrogen increases plasma concentrations of these clotting factors by increasing gene transcription. While the exact mechanism is complicated and not entirely known, estrogen crosses the cell membrane for a particular target tissue, which there are many that estrogen influence, and once inside the cytoplasm binds to nuclear receptors i.

The degree of influence that estrogen has on gene transcription is unfortunately more complex and not limited to nuclear receptor binding to DNA. Estrogen bound to nuclear receptors estrogen receptors also regulates gene expression through protein-protein interaction with other transcription factors.

Again, this effect on gene expression can result in increased or decreased gene expression. Also, estrogen receptors influence intracellular signaling pathways, such as MAPK and IP3 kinase pathways, that may also influence overall gene expression.

This can be explained by a greater degree of nuclear receptor binding and overall activation of gene transcription for these clotting factors. To our knowledge this has not been fully determined, but there are data supporting the hypothesis that desogestrel containing oral contraceptives cause a greater increase in plasma concentrations of factor VII when compared to a second generation contraceptive that contains levonorgestrel.

Therefore, it is likely that a combination of all of these intracellular reactions brought about by estrogen and the type of progesterone used influence gene expression and excess production of clotting factors. About Us Disclaimer Contact Us. Toggle navigation. Please enter text to search. Search by Outlines. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Related Articles. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. Yet because some women will genetically convert testosterone into estrogen, your doctor will have to monitor your blood levels.

Other alternatives include medications, even antidepressants , Goldberg says. Botanical products like those found in teas or herbs may also address symptoms. Proceed with caution, as some may contain ingredients that act like estrogen in the body and may not be entirely safe, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The good news is that if you do have to avoid estrogen, you have numerous options. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Food and Drug Administration FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , reaffirmed Use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions.

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