Duration
The duration and prognosis depend on the cause of the elevated platelets. In many cases it is only a short-term or medium-term increase in platelets, which recedes after treatment of the underlying disease, e.g. an infection. In chronic diseases, the platelet count changes again and again in the course of the disease, sometimes it is higher, sometimes it is lower again.
A role can play, for example, how well the disease is currently adjusted. Essential thrombocythemia, in which the cause is directly thrombocytes, cannot be cured. Only the symptoms of the disease can be treated with medication. In the case of essential thrombocythemia, however, a normal life expectancy can be expected in most cases.However, there is an increased risk of developing other diseases related to blood formation.
Course of disease
The course of the disease is very different and depends on the cause. Some causes, such as infections, subside within a few weeks and the thrombocyte count also returns to normal during the healing phase. Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, or cancer have a much more serious course.
Platelets and leucocytes too high
The fact that thrombocytes and leukocytes (white blood cells) are elevated at the same time is not uncommon, since leukocytes are also elevated in many body reactions, such as infections. This is an adaptation reaction of the body to fight the infection. After all, they are an important component of the immune defence. Excessive leukocytes and thrombocytes can also occur in essential thrombocythemia.
Can I take the pill if my platelets are too high?
In principle, too many platelets are not a reason why the pill should not be taken. Plateletosis itself does not necessarily increase the risk of thrombosis. However, a discussion with the doctor or gynaecologist is recommended.
The risk of thrombosis (blood clot) depends greatly on how much the platelets are elevated and what causes it. In particular with essential thrombocythemia as the cause or very strongly increased platelet count, the risk of thrombosis is increased. An additional intake of the pill further increases this risk of thrombosis.
Are you concerned about possible side effects of taking the pill? In this case you should have a detailed discussion with your gynecologist about alternative contraceptive methods and the risk of taking the pill. Other methods of contraception without the risk of thrombosis would be preferable to the pill. Are you looking for an alternative method of contraception to the pill?
