Can my period or menstrual cycle itself increase my stroke or clot risk?

People Often Ask

Can my period or menstrual cycle itself increase my stroke or clot risk?

Your **natural menstrual cycle** shifts hormones, but for most healthy young women, it doesn’t turn you into a clot magnet.Here’s what does happen:- **Estrogen rises** in the follicular phase and peaks around ovulation. Estrogen can increase some clotting factors, but your system is designed to balance that.- **Progesterone rises** in the luteal phase, leading to water retention, bloating, and heavier legs—but not typically dangerous clots.Where risk changes more dramatically is **pregnancy and postpartum**, when hormones and clotting are cranked up to prevent hemorrhage. That’s the phase where clots are realistically more common.If you notice neurologic symptoms (vision changes, weakness, trouble speaking) or one-sided leg swelling at the same time every cycle, don’t blame hormones and move on. Cycles are a pattern, not an excuse to ignore red flags.