Abstract

LOBO, Rita Ataíde  and  ROMAO, Fátima. Female hormones and venous thrombosis. Angiol Cir Vasc [online]. 2011, vol.7, n.4, pp.208-214. ISSN 1646-706X.

Venous thrombosis is a serious disorder. Although rarely fatal, often leads to a disabling post thrombotic syndrome. The risk factors for thrombosis can be divided into 3 groups of causes, according to Virchow (1985): reduced blood flow, changes in the vessel wall, and changes in the composition of the blood. The incidence of the disease slowly increases with age, and it is about 160 in 100,000 people/year. When we look at the incidence in women, it is easy to see that it is higher in pregnancy - 60 in 100,000/year; but it is also increased in women that use combined oral contraceptives - 15 to 25 in 100,000/year; and hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms treatment - 10 in 100,000/year. The risk of sudden death in association to major complications due to thrombosis is of 20% in pulmonary embolism and 1-2% with venous embolism. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifeno and raloxifene, have antiestrogenic effects on breast and endometrial tissue. However, these drugs have estrogenic effects on blood clotting. They are associated with an increase of incidencence of tromboembolismo of 3 and 7 times, respectively.

Keywords : venous thrombosis; oral contraceptives; hormone menopause treatment; SERMs.

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