HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AND VENOUS SYMPTOMS IN YOUNG WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN WESTERN PARANÁ.

Abstract

This quantitative-descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the correlation between the use of hormonal contraceptive methods and the presence of venous symptoms in young women under 35 years of age residing in Cascavel, Paraná. Data collection took place in August 2025 via an electronic questionnaire using the validated Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study/Quality of Life-Symptoms (VEINES/QoL-Sym) instrument. A total of 70 participants were included, all of whom were in continuous use of hormonal methods, distributed among combined oral contraceptives (n=38), hormonal IUDs (n=20), oral progestin-only contraceptives (n=5), and other methods (n=7). Most participants (74.3%) reported a “good” or “excellent” quality of life, indicating mild or absent venous symptoms. The combined oral contraceptive group reported slightly more cases of venous discomfort, possibly related to the estrogenic effect on coagulation and peripheral hemodynamics. In contrast, users of progestin-only methods did not report a significant worsening of symptoms. It is concluded that the use of hormonal contraceptives in healthy young women is not associated with a significant increase in venous symptoms, reinforcing the safety of these methods in this group. However, the importance of individualized selection and clinical monitoring in cases of additional thromboembolic risk factors should be emphasized.