MEDizzy - A 34-year-old woman complained to her physician of swelling

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Drugs for Gonadal Disorders

A 34-year-old woman complained to her physician of swelling and pain in her left ankle. The woman was otherwise healthy, and the only medication she had been taking was a combined oral contraceptive. Further exams confirmed the diagnosis of venous thrombosis that the physician believed to be caused by the contraceptive pill. Which of the following actions most likely contributed to the adverse effect of the drug in this patient?

ExplanationEstrogens enhance the coagulability of blood because they • Increase plasma levels of coagulation factors II, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XII (the main action) • Decrease plasma levels of antithrombin III • Increase platelet production and aggregation These act ions augment the risk of thromboembolic disease in women taking combined oral contraceptives about threefold compared to women taking no hormones.