Due to a variety of contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits and the critical role in family planning, hormonal contraception is known as "guardian" of female reproductive health. Special importance of hormonal contraception is reflected in the growing number of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies in young women and adolescent girls who end up making a large percentage of intentional abortions; causing very high maternal mortality in developing countries. The main mechanism of action is the central, inhibitory and synergistic effect in preventing ovulation at the level of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Peripheral effect manifests slow proliferation and reduced endometrial receptivity, changes in cervical factors and motility of the fallopian tubes. Oestrogens increase plasma concentrations of factors II, VII, VIII, X and fibrinogen, decrease concentration of protein S and antithrombin III and influence resistance in the activation of protein C. Some gestagens increase the level of factors VII, VIII and X and decrease levels of protein S and antithrombin III. The absolute risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) expressed per 10.000 women-years is: 4-5 for nonusers, women using progestin-only pills or progestin intrauterine devices; 10 for users of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) with second-generation gestagens; 20 for users of OCPs with third-generation gestagens, vaginal rings and transdermal patch. Taking into account that the absolute risk of VTE in pregnancy is 29/10.000, or in the postpartum period 300-400/10.000 women a year; clear conclusion is that the risk of VTE for most hormonal contraceptives is two to four times higher than among non-users, but at the same time significantly lower than during pregnancy, especially postpartum period. Following the international guidelines on use of hormonal contraceptives in high-risk groups, a small percentage of woman in which the use of these drugs is contraindicated stands out. For all other women contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits of hormonal contraception, as well as dramatically reduce of unwanted pregnancies and intentional abortions far exceed the potential risks and side effects.