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The use of sex hormones such as combined oral contraceptives (COC) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) considerably, especially in patients with an increased intrinsic risk for thromboembolic complications. Despite public and media attention and increasing scientific evidence, prescription patterns seem to be hard to change. It is well recognized that the patient's baseline risk is the most relevant factor in the absolute risk for developing VTE. The relative risk increase associated with sex hormones, depends on the type and dosage of hormones, the route of application (oral, vaginal, transdermal), and for COC, on the specific combination of oestrogen and gestagen components. Consequently, a careful decision for or against any specific type of hormone treatment needs to be based on an assessment of the patient's risk profile (disposition) as well as on the treatment-associated risks and benefits (exposition). This review discusses the most common sex hormone treatments in contraception and HRT, the relevance for VTE risk patients, and strategies to counsel patients with regard to hormone use according to their risk profiles. Keywords: Oral contraceptives, hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy, venous thromboembolism.

In chronic fascial compression syndrome, the trellis arrangement of the collagen fibres becomes disordered. This results in a loss of flexibility during muscle contraction. Every step causes an increase of intracompartmental pressure and microstructural injury. The consequence is resection of the crural fascia.

Lung embolism is one of the most common causes of death during pregnancy and the puerperium. It is usually due to thrombosis of the deep leg and pelvic veins. As a result of modern imaging methods, it can be reliably diagnosed at an early stage. In some cases, special haemostaseological tests can identify congenital or acquired defects. This allows an initial assessment of the individual risk of thrombosis to be made. Body weight-dependent anticoagulation therapy with heparin is the major medication-based treatment. Compression treatment can be administered if accepted by the patient.