Exogenous female hormones used for contraception or postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy are associated with an increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, mainly because they cause a hypercoagulable state. The risk is highest during the first year of use and it is not cumulative. The dose of estrogen, the type of estrogen and progestogen, the route of administration of female sex steroid hormones, and the hereditary risk factors for VTE of each patient can interfere on the final risk for VTE. The knowledge of their effect on hemostasis is essential for a correct prescription.
Thromboembolism; Hemostasis; Contraceptives, oral; Hormone replacement therapy
