How to avoid venous thromboembolism in women at increased risk – with special focus on low-risk periods

• The proportions of VTE during high- and low-risk periods are similar.
• Lifestyle changes may be the only option at low-risk periods to lower the VTE risk.
• The following lifestyle changes might be useful risk in high-risk situations too.
• Women should relax, eat dark chocolate, and sleep well, but not snore.
• We suggest: sun, wine (in moderation) and dance, but no smoking.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of mortality during Western women’s fertile life. Although half of thromboembolic events occur during times of low-risk situations, almost all our knowledge is focused on medical thromboprophylaxis during high-risk situations. Thus, since we only use medical thromboprophylaxis at high-risk periods, lifestyle advice could be an attractive complement both during high- and low-risk situations. The knowledge of how lifestyle factors affect VTE risk has grown in recent years, and women at high risk are often highly motivated to make changes in order to reduce their risk. This review is focused on modifiable risk factors for VTE and advice that may be given to women at increased risk of VTE.