With OCs, Hormone Type and Amount Matter for Thrombotic Risk

Excess risk for venous thrombosis was lowest for OCs containing levonorgestrel as well as for those with the least amount of estrogen.

Use of oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with excess risk for venous thrombosis (VT); moreover, the degree of risk differs depending on progestogen type and estrogen dose. Results of two observational studies using national databases provide further information about VT risk in OC users.

Van Hylckama Vlieg's group analyzed data from a large Dutch study on risk factors for VT to assess OC use in 1524 women with VT compared with matched controls. Current OC use was associated with fivefold higher VT risk, even after adjusting for smoking and BMI. Levonorgestrel-containing OCs were associated with nearly fourfold VT risk (odds ratio, 3.6); OCs containing gestodene (OR, 5.6), drospirenone (OR, 6.3), cyproterone (OR, 6.8), or desogestrel (O…

Reviewing Author

Wendy S. Biggs, MD

With OCs, Hormone Type and Amount Matter for Thrombotic Risk

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Reviewing Author