What are the risk factors for CVT in women?
The female predominance of CVT has been attributed to hormonal factors (primarily oral contraceptive [OC] use and pregnancy), because the incidence is sex-independent in children and in the elderly.  Many exogenous provoking factors for venous thrombosis have been described, such as cancer, infection, and hematologic and autoimmune conditions.  However, two major risk factors are female specific: OC use and pregnancy. The use of OCs is associated with an increased risk of CVT, a risk that is increased significantly in women with an underlying hereditary prothrombotic factor, such as factor V Leiden or prothrombin gene mutation. Pregnancy and OC use are considered transient risk factors and do not necessarily indicate a higher risk for recurrence. 