Blood Clots in Women – What You Need to Know
Blood clots may not be something most women think about day to day, but certain life stages like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, starting hormonal birth control, or aging can raise the risk to develop them. Memorial Health System Hematologist/Oncologist Dr. Vibha Mishra-Nicaud breaks down what you need to know most about this condition and when women should seek care.
How Estrogen Affects Clot Risk
Estrogen shifts the body’s natural balance toward clot formation. “Women are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots that form in the veins, during periods of increased estrogen exposure,” explains Dr. Mishra-Nicaud. “Estrogen stimulates the liver to produce more clotting proteins while reducing the levels of natural blood thinners,” the physician says. “It also slows the body’s ability to break down clots once they form.”
The degree of risk depends on the situation:
Pregnancy raises the risk of VTE 6 to 10 times, especially in the third trimester and postpartum.
Hormonal contraceptives increase the risk by about 1.5 to 2.5 times compared to baseline.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause raises the risk 2 to 4 times, with oral forms posing more risk than patches or gels.
“Most women are safe to use oral contraceptives and HRT, but some women need special consideration if they have an underlying clotting disorder or have ever had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Every woman’s situation is different, and decisions should reflect both medical evidence and personal preferences,” Dr. Mishra-Nicaud emphasizes.
Lifestyle Choices That Lower Risk
Some lifestyle factors also contribute to clot risk. “Obesity, smoking, dehydration, and prolonged inactivity can all raise the likelihood of clotting,” she explains. “Good control of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can help lower the overall risk of clotting. Making these changes not only reduces the risk of blood clots but also supports overall health and well-being.”
Simple steps make a big difference:
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Stay hydrated
Keep moving during long travel or recovery from surgery
When to Seek Specialized Care
In some cases, a referral to a hematologist is important. “Women should be referred for a clotting evaluation when there’s a personal history of unprovoked or recurrent VTE, a strong family history of clots, or when patients at high risk for clots are considering pregnancy or estrogen therapy,” Dr. Mishra-Nicaud explains.
Knowledge is Prevention
Recognizing your risk and making informed choices can be lifesaving. Dr. Mishra-Nicaud continues, “Early evaluation and preventive strategies in consultation with a hematologist can make a big difference. A thoughtful, individualized approach helps avoid unnecessary testing and ensures that results are used meaningfully in guiding care.”
Awareness, healthy habits, and open conversations with your healthcare team are powerful tools to protect your health.