Hormonal therapies and venous thrombosis: Considerations for prevention and management

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboses are well-established complications of hormonal therapy. Thrombosis risk is seen with both hormonal contraceptive agents and with hormone replacement therapy for menopause and gender transition. Over the past several decades, large epidemiological studies have helped better define these risks. Objectives: To review and discuss the differences in thrombosis risk of the many of hormonal preparations available as well as their interaction with patient-specific factors. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the available literature regarding venous thrombosis and hormonal therapies including for contraception, menopausal symptoms, and gender transition. Results: Thrombosis risk with estrogen-containing compounds increases with increasing systemic dose of estrogen. While progesterone-only–containing products are not associated with thrombosis, when paired with estrogen in combined oral contraceptives, the formulation of progesterone does impact the risk. These components, along with patient-specific factors, may influence the choice of hormonal preparation. For patients who develop thrombosis on hormonal treatment, anticoagulation is protective against future thrombosis. Duration of anticoagulation is dependent on ongoing and future hormone therapy choice. Finally, the optimal management of hormone therapy for individuals diagnosed with prothrombotic illnesses such as COVID-19 remains unclear. Conclusions: When contemplating hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy, clinicians must consider a variety of factors including hormone type, dose, route, personal and family history of thrombosis, and other prothrombotic risk factors to make informed, personalized decisions regarding the risk of venous thrombosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere12763
JournalResearch and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Volume6
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • estrogens
  • hormonal contraception
  • hormone replacement therapy
  • thrombosis, transgender people

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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