**Concerns Raised Over Popular Contraceptive and Asthma Risks Among Young Women**
A widely used contraceptive pill has come under scrutiny following fresh research pointing to a potential increase in severe asthma attacks among certain female users. The findings are particularly relevant to younger women, prompting calls for more in-depth investigation and public awareness regarding contraceptive choices and respiratory health.
A study led by experts from Imperial College London has revealed that women with asthma who use the progesterone-only contraceptive pill, commonly called the “mini pill”, may face a higher likelihood of experiencing life-threatening asthma attacks. The research appears in the journal *ERJ Open Research* and focuses specifically on women under 35, a demographic that includes millions currently taking oral contraceptives.
The investigation analysed medical records from a cohort of 261,827 women between the ages of 18 and 50 who were both diagnosed with asthma and prescribed an oral contraceptive. This group was compared with 127,502 women with asthma who had never used an oral contraceptive, with researchers examining asthma attack incidents over a 16-year period from 2004 to 2020.
Results indicated a worrying statistic for those under 35: women in this age bracket taking the mini pill faced a 39% higher risk of asthma attacks compared with their counterparts who had never used any type of contraceptive pill. Interestingly, this increased risk did not extend to older women using the same pill, suggesting an age-related element to the potential threat.
Further analysis highlighted two additional groups who could be at risk from the mini pill’s side effects. Women who managed their asthma with fewer treatments, such as limited use of inhaled or oral steroids, were found to be 20% more likely to suffer an asthma attack if they were taking the progesterone-only pill. Another subgroup, women with eosinophilic asthma—a more inflammatory form of the condition—had a 24% increased risk. However, researchers cautioned that this latter finding was not statistically significant, meaning further study is required before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Dr Chloe Bloom, clinical senior lecturer in respiratory epidemiology at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, was the principal investigator for the research. She remarked, “Asthma is prevalent in women of reproductive age, many of whom take contraceptive pills. Our findings should help individuals and healthcare professionals consider which contraceptive option might suit them best, while also adding vital context to our understanding of why severe asthma affects women more frequently than men.”
The study’s funders and experts in the field have acknowledged the importance of these early findings, while cautioning against abrupt changes in current medical guidance. Dr Erika Kennington, from Asthma and Lung UK— the research’s primary sponsor—noted the necessity for more extensive research before adjustments to prescribing practices are made. She emphasised the importance of considering asthma risks alongside other health factors when advising on contraception in the future. “This is an important step towards giving women with asthma the evidence they need to make informed lifestyle and healthcare choices,” Dr Kennington stated.
Historically, the reasons why asthma outcomes tend to be worse for women have been poorly understood, something Dr Kennington attributes to chronic underfunding of lung health research. She argues that new studies such as this one reinforce the urgent need for greater investment in respiratory medicine, which could lead to more personalised treatments and improved quality of life for those affected.
Other experts have welcomed the study for shining a light on a previously underexplored area. Professor Apostolos Bossios, who leads the European Respiratory Society’s group on airway diseases and asthma, described the research as a significant advancement towards understanding gender differences in asthma severity.
While authorities stress that current evidence is not sufficient to recommend changes to contraceptive prescriptions just yet, the study nonetheless signals a pivotal direction for future research into women’s health. For now, experts advise women currently taking the mini pill and managing asthma not to discontinue their medication without consultation, but instead to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
As the scientific community continues to unravel the links between reproductive health and respiratory disease, it is increasingly clear that women must be equipped with the best possible information when making choices about their health and wellbeing.