The decision to use a hormonal contraceptive method is an important part of the lives of millions of people. However, along with efficacy and convenience, doubts and concerns arise, one of the most prominent being the relationship between the use of contraceptives and the risk of thrombosis. This concern, while valid, is often amplified by conflicting information and fear, generating a layer of stress and anxiety that can significantly impact emotional well-being.

Many people find themselves in a dilemma: on one hand, the need for effective birth control; on the other, the fear of a serious side effect. This internal conflict can lead to a state of hypervigilance, where any minor discomfort is interpreted as a warning sign, turning daily life into a source of constant apprehension. The anxiety generated by this uncertainty is not trivial and deserves as much attention as the physical aspects of the issue.

It is essential to demystify thrombosis from contraceptive use with clear, evidence-based information. Understanding who is truly at greater risk, what mechanisms are involved, and, most importantly, recognizing the real warning signs is the first step towards making informed and safe decisions about your health, always in dialogue with a qualified healthcare professional.

In this article, we will explore this relationship in depth. We will address the factors that influence the risk of thrombosis, the symptoms that should be observed, and the available options. More than that, we will discuss the emotional impact that this concern can cause and how stress and anxiety management strategies, including scientific hypnosis, can be valuable tools for promoting overall health.

At the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we believe that emotional health is a fundamental pillar of health as a whole. We understand that everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that not only informs about physiological risks but also offers pathways to deal with the emotional reactions that accompany them, empowering you to have a calmer and more conscious relationship with your health.

The Scientific Relationship Between Contraceptives and Thrombosis

Thrombosis is the formation of clots, or thrombi, within blood vessels, which can cause serious complications. This process is part of the body’s natural coagulation system, which is essential to prevent hemorrhages in situations of injury. The system is balanced through the interaction of coagulation factors produced by the liver, platelets, and the vascular endothelium. However, some factors can alter this balance, promoting a pro-thrombotic state.

Hormonal contraceptives, especially those containing synthetic estrogen, such as ethinyl estradiol, have a significant impact on this system. The use of estrogen can increase the production of various coagulation factors in the liver, raising the likelihood of clot formation. It is crucial to understand that not all contraceptive methods have the same effect on the risk of thrombosis.

Contraceptives can be divided into two main groups: combined contraceptives, which contain estrogen and progesterone, and those that contain only progesterone, known as mini-pills. The increased risk of thrombosis is more associated with combined contraceptives. For most healthy women without other risk factors, the increase in absolute risk of thrombosis is considered small.

For example, women who use combined hormonal contraceptives have a higher risk of thrombosis compared to non-users, but this risk is still lower than that which occurs during pregnancy and postpartum, periods in which the body undergoes drastic changes in blood coagulation.

It is vital that women discuss their risk factors with their doctors before starting or continuing any hormonal contraceptive method. This conversation can help identify conditions that may enhance the risk of thrombosis and ensure appropriate monitoring to minimize possible complications.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs That Require Attention

The risk of thrombosis associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives is not the same for all women. Several factors can increase this probability, and it is essential to know them to make informed decisions about contraceptives. Below, we present a detailed list of the main risk factors:

• Personal or family history of thrombosis: Women who have had thrombosis or whose close relatives have suffered from this problem are at greater risk.
• Thrombophilias: Genetic conditions that increase the tendency to blood clotting can worsen the risk when associated with contraceptive use.
• Age: The risk increases especially for women over 35-40 years old, raising the likelihood of complications.
• Smoking: Smokers face a significantly higher risk, as tobacco compromises blood circulation and favors clot formation.
• Obesity: A high body mass index (BMI) can contribute to thrombosis, as excess weight can decrease proper circulation.
• Prolonged immobility: Long trips or periods of confinement, such as after surgeries, can increase the risk of clots due to lack of movement.
• Medical conditions: Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are also factors that can elevate the risk of thrombosis.

It is essential to recognize the symptoms that may indicate thrombosis. Paying attention to these signs can make a difference in seeking medical attention. The symptoms to be observed include:

• Pain in one leg: Generally, the pain is located in the calf and can be intense.
• Swelling: An increase in volume in the affected leg, which may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness.
• Warmth: The affected area may feel warmer to the touch.
• Skin redness or paleness: Changes in skin color may be a sign of thrombosis.

Additionally, if there is suspicion of pulmonary embolism (a serious complication of thrombosis), the following symptoms require immediate attention:

• Sudden and unexplained shortness of breath;
• Chest pain: That worsens when taking a deep breath;
• Cough: That may be accompanied by blood;
• Dizziness and rapid heartbeat: May occur as a response to this complication.

Do not ignore these symptoms. Consulting an emergency medical service is crucial. Additionally, it is vital to discuss all risk factors with the gynecologist before starting or continuing any hormonal contraceptive.

The Emotional Weight and Anxiety Generated by the Risk of Thrombosis

The use of contraceptives and the risk of thrombosis can generate significant emotional weight for many women. Chronic anxiety is a common response to constant exposure to information about health risks, even if those risks are relatively low. Many patients find themselves in a cycle of hypervigilance, monitoring their bodies and evaluating each symptom as a possible sign of imminent thrombosis.

This state of alert can manifest in automatic and catastrophic thoughts. A small pain in the chest may be interpreted as a warning of a serious problem, such as a pulmonary embolism, even if it is nothing more than an uncomfortable sleeping position. This type of thinking can lead to ‘mental load,’ which refers to the cognitive and emotional effort of constantly monitoring one’s bodily functions.

This excessive monitoring not only increases anxiety but can also affect quality of life. Women facing this type of chronic stress often experience physical symptoms, such as increased cortisol levels, muscle tension, and difficulties sleeping. In an ironic paradox, the anxiety stemming from the risks they are trying to avoid ends up harming the health they wish to preserve.

The philosophy of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) aligns with the understanding that stress and anxiety are health issues that deserve attention. When we state that “everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help,” we acknowledge that the emotional response to the risk of thrombosis is a legitimate issue. This emotional response, while not a direct physical problem, significantly impacts overall health and quality of life.

The stress generated by constant worry about thrombosis should not be ignored. Recognizing and validating these feelings is an essential first step toward finding a path to relief. In dealing with the anxiety generated by these risks, healthcare professionals should not forget that, while regular medical follow-up is important, stress management and emotional health also deserve significant space in the conversation about contraceptives and women’s health.

Scientific Hypnosis in Managing Stress and Anxiety

Scientific hypnosis is not a magic solution or a treatment for thrombosis or its causes. Instead, it stands out as a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety, which often arise from concerns about physical health risks. Understanding and managing these emotions is vital, as emotional health plays a crucial role in overall well-being.

The definition of hypnosis, as adopted by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), describes it as a state of consciousness with focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, promoting greater responsiveness to suggestions. In this state, individuals can learn to reinterpret their automatic thoughts and behaviors that often amplify anxiety and create a cycle of constant worry.

During hypnosis, it is possible to work on issues that are often sources of stress, such as fears and anxieties related to health. For example, if a person continuously fears the possibility of thrombosis, hypnosis can be used to restructure these catastrophic thoughts. This is similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which also aims to transform negative thought patterns.

Relaxation techniques and guided visualization, often facilitated by hypnosis, help reduce the physiological response to stress. When heart rate decreases and muscles relax, the body gains relief that can be crucial in dealing with anxieties. This positive response is vital, especially for those living under the shadow of health-related concerns.

It is important to remember that hypnosis should be used ethically and responsibly by qualified healthcare professionals. It does not replace medical treatments but can be an effective complement to enhance emotional well-being. Each professional should respect their field of practice and the guidelines established by the SBH, always seeking to act in the patient’s favor.

Adopting hypnosis as part of emotional care is an approach that recognizes the interconnection between mind and body. With this, individuals can find a space to explore their insecurities and learn to manage their emotional reactions, promoting holistic health that considers psychological well-being as important as physical health.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we navigated the complex waters connecting the use of hormonal contraceptives to the risk of thrombosis. We saw that, although the risk exists and should be taken seriously, it is influenced by a range of individual factors and, for most people, remains relatively low. Information is the most powerful tool: knowing the mechanisms, risk factors, and, crucially, the warning signs empowers informed and safe decision-making, always in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional.

However, the journey does not end with understanding the physiological aspects. We demonstrated that the emotional impact of this concern is equally significant. Anxiety, fear, and stress generated by the possibility of an adverse health event can erode quality of life, creating a cycle of worry that affects daily well-being. Recognizing and validating this emotional suffering is the first step toward finding relief and regaining tranquility.

In this context, scientific hypnosis emerges as a valuable ally. Far from miraculous promises, it positions itself as a serious and evidence-based practice focused on optimizing emotional health. By working with the thoughts and automatic reactions that fuel anxiety, hypnosis helps build a more resilient and calm mind. It does not treat thrombosis, but it treats the person living with the fear of it, offering effective strategies to manage stress and focus on what can be controlled: one’s own emotional response.

Health is an integral concept, where body and mind are intrinsically linked. Caring for one means, invariably, caring for the other. By combining medical knowledge with emotional well-being tools such as hypnosis, we pave the way for a more complete, humane, and effective health approach.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis from the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of thrombosis associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives, especially combined ones that contain estrogen, can increase the risk of thrombosis. This occurs because estrogen can elevate the production of coagulation factors in the liver, making clot formation more likely. Although the risk is higher compared to non-users, it is considered small, especially when compared to the risk during pregnancy and postpartum.

How to identify warning signs for thrombosis in women using contraceptives?

The main warning signs for thrombosis include severe pain in one leg, swelling, warmth in the affected area, and changes in skin color. Additionally, symptoms of pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, require immediate attention. If you notice these signs, seek medical assistance immediately.

What factors can increase the risk of thrombosis when using contraceptives?

Various factors increase the risk of thrombosis when using hormonal contraceptives, including personal or family history of thrombosis, thrombophilias, advanced age, smoking, obesity, prolonged immobility, and certain medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Knowing these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about contraceptives.

How do anxiety and stress affect the emotional health of those using contraceptives?

Concern about the risk of thrombosis can generate significant anxiety and stress. Many women develop hypervigilance about symptoms, leading to a cycle of worry and self-criticism that negatively impacts quality of life. It is important to recognize these feelings and seek psychological support when necessary to manage emotional health.

How can scientific hypnosis assist in managing anxiety related to thrombosis?

Scientific hypnosis is a tool that can help manage anxiety and stress related to the use of contraceptives and the risk of thrombosis. During hypnosis, one can restructure automatic and catastrophic thoughts, promoting relaxation and a healthier emotional response. This helps alleviate anxiety and improves quality of life.