Venous Thromboembolism Risk Among Postmenopausal Women
Venous Thromboembolism Risk Among Postmenopausal Women
Early and late menopause could emerge as newly identified risk factors for VTE among postmenopausal women. Because VTE may cause significant disability, death, or both, identifying new risk factors could improve risk stratification and disease prevention, especially for populations at high thrombotic risk. Future research should address VTE risk in relation to specific endocrine profiles of women with early or late menopause to elucidate biological mechanisms that could be involved in these relationships. Furthermore, a possible implication is that women with premature menopause, who could be at high risk for VTE, should avoid oral estrogen therapy. Although observational studies have suggested that transdermal estrogen, with or without a progestogen, may be a safer option with respect to VTE risk, additional research is needed.
Conclusions
Early and late menopause could emerge as newly identified risk factors for VTE among postmenopausal women. Because VTE may cause significant disability, death, or both, identifying new risk factors could improve risk stratification and disease prevention, especially for populations at high thrombotic risk. Future research should address VTE risk in relation to specific endocrine profiles of women with early or late menopause to elucidate biological mechanisms that could be involved in these relationships. Furthermore, a possible implication is that women with premature menopause, who could be at high risk for VTE, should avoid oral estrogen therapy. Although observational studies have suggested that transdermal estrogen, with or without a progestogen, may be a safer option with respect to VTE risk, additional research is needed.