[Pregnancy, contraception and HRT and venous thromboembolism]

Abstract

Endogeneous and exogeneous hormonal factors may favor venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the woman. Pregnancy and post-partum, combined contraception and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) of menopause are associated with an increased risk of VTE. Even when the relative risk is statistically significant, the absolute risk remains generally low unless additional factors are present. The occurrence of a thrombosis depends on the conditions associated to these risk factors: multiparity, caesarean section, type of contraception or HRT, and also on risk factors associated to the woman such as age, obesity, personal history of VTE, hereditary or acquired thrombophilia. The detection of high-risk women because of personal history of VTE, associated risk factors and/or thrombophilia should improve the clinical management and thrombosis prophylaxis, especially when hormonal treatments are prescribed.