Arterial thrombosis in users of contemporary hormonal contraception

Approximately 80% of women worldwide have used hormonal contraception at some point in their lives.1 This high number underscores its crucial role in enabling family planning and addressing health conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding and endometriosis. However, these benefits must be weighed against potential risks, including the risk of thrombotic events. Most previous research has focused on the risk of venous thromboembolism,2345 which was noted as early as 1961 when the first contraceptive pill was introduced to the market.6 Since then, new drugs have been developed with pills containing a lower dose of oestrogen, combined with newer types of progestins, as well as new delivery options such as patches, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices systems.7 These advancements seek to minimise the risk of thrombotic side effects while offering more personalised and convenient methods of contraception to address the varied needs of women. Nonetheless, the risk of arterial thromboses, …