Pregnant woman talking to midwifeIt is unclear what effects statins have on the unborn baby, so it is recommended women who are:

  • thinking about becoming pregnant, stop taking their statin (and Ezetimibe) 3 months before trying to conceive and remain off them until they have stopped breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest you see a genetic counsellor.
  • sexually active, use a reliable form of contraception (birth control).

If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you should stop taking your statin (and Ezetimibe) and speak to your doctor. Please be reassured that the likelihood of any problems with the baby is very low.

LDL cholesterol levels naturally rise during pregnancy. Pregnant women with cardiovascular disease who have severely elevated LDL cholesterol may require treatment with bile acid binding resins and in severe cases may require lipoprotein apheresis.

Contraception

Low oestrogen oral contraceptive pills, intra-uterine devices and barrier techniques are the preferred methods of contraception for women with FH. The latter two are preferable for women older than 35 years.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)

N.B. previously called hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

The effect of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women with FH is unclear; therefore MHT should be avoided, except for relief of menopausal symptoms that cannot be controlled with safe natural remedies.

 

The advice in this website does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare provider.