[Risk of thromboembolism in contraception and hormone substitution: an update and recommendations].

Venous and arterial thromboembolism events are unfrequent but classical complications of sex steroid therapy, in contraception and menopause. The relative risks induced by these treatments have recently highlighted by the general press, in particular for the 2nd and 3rd generation progestins in oral contraception. In this article, we will review the risks of venous and arterial thromboembolism in patients treated with oral contraception or postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Practical guidelines will be defined.