Women and Blood Clots

Blood clots can affect both men and women. However, there are certain factors that place women at a greater risk.

• She is pregnant. During pregnancy, a woman's estrogen levels increase, which increases her risk of developing a blood clot.
• She is taking birth control pills. Women taking progesterone-containing birth control pills or who have progesterone skin implants are at an increased risk for developing blood clots.
• She is on hormone replacement therapy. HRT that contains estrogen or progesterone can put a woman at an increased risk for developing blood clots.
• She has varicose veins. Varicose veins can impede the flow of blood, which can increase the risk of clotting.
• She is immobile for an extended period of time, as not moving can interfere with normal blood circulation.

If you have any of the above risk factors, talk to your doctor about preventing blood clots.