Thrombophilia and age—when is hormone therapy nevertheless possible in the postmenopause?

Abstract

In recent years an association between a hormone-linked risk of thrombosis and oral contraceptives has been established in several studies. An increased risk has been demonstrated during pregnancy, after delivery and during administration of female sex steroids for contraception or treatment of menopausal symptoms. Hereditary and acquired thrombophilia may further increase the risk for the development of venous thromboembolism. A correlation between age and thrombotic risks is well known. For these reasons, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with known hereditary or acquired thrombophilia in the need of hormone therapy might be at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Thrombotic events can and should be minimized by increasing the awareness of procoagulatory situations. The aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge about the association of thrombophilia, venous thromboembolism and hormone therapy in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.