combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) and high altitude

Last edited 03/2020 and last reviewed 07/2023

CHC use at high altitude

Women trekking to high altitudes (above 4500 m or 14 500 feet) for periods of more than 1 week may be advised to consider switching to a safer alternative contraceptive method

Exposure to high altitude results in an increase in erythropoiesis and in the risk of thrombosis

Reference:

  • FSRH (July 2019). Combined Hormonal Contraception