Abstract
Combined hormonal contraceptive methods are one of the most commonly used methods of planned parenthood. They show high contraceptive eff ectiveness, reasonable cycle control and bring several non-contraceptive benefi ts.
A limitation of the widespread use of combined hormonal contraception is the risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with specifi c risk factors. The risk of cardiovascular complications is related to the used estrogen component.
Currently, the most common use of estrogen in combined hormonal contraception is ethinyl estradiol and estradiol valerate. The good estrogenic part of combined oral contraceptives is estetrol, a hormone produced exclusively by the fetal liver.
Estetrol exhibits a tissue-selective receptor activity. Unlike previously used estrogens, it does not negatively aff ect the production of liver proteins and blood clotting parameters.
Estetrol is not a perspective for combined hormonal contraception only. It is also promising for treating and preventing osteoporosis, hormonal therapy of menopausal syndrome, and vulvovaginal atrophy syndrome.