No. Some women should not use estrogen-containing hormonal birth control. This includes women who:
- Are age 35 or older and smoke cigarettes – These people are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.
- Are pregnant
- Have had blood clots or a stroke in the past
- Are being treated for breast cancer, or have had breast cancer before
- Have irregular or very heavy periods – People with this problem should have it checked out before starting hormonal birth control.
- Have some types of liver disease – Hormonal birth control can make some types of liver disease worse.
- Have some types of heart disease
- Get the type of migraine headaches that cause vision problems (flashing or zigzag lights)
People who have high blood pressure can use hormonal birth control, but their blood pressure needs to be followed closely by a doctor.
Many people who can't take estrogen-containing hormonal birth control can take other kinds of hormonal birth control that contain only progestin.