Hormonal contraception is the most effective method of family planning. In the Czech Republic, it is the most commonly used method, used by a high number of women of different ages - from puberty to perimenopause. This fact opens up the clinical problem of women at risk. What are the real risks of hormonal contraception and in which cases are they unfounded myths? What are the principles of safe practice? This publication seeks to answer this question in a review of hormonal contraception in specific clinical situations (contraception in adolescent girls, contraception in the menopause, contraception and cardiovascular morbidity, contraception and cancer). The review also includes a reflection on the positive non-contraceptive effects of hormonal contraception (hyperandrogenic conditions, cancer prevention, menorrhagia, cycle-related difficulties). The book seeks to provide information for physicians who, in the context of their specialty (gynaecology and obstetrics, internal medicine, paediatrics, endocrinology, etc.), are confronted with the fact that their patient is already using hormonal contraception or have to make an informed opinion on the safety of contraceptive use. It is not a question of giving hormonal contraception to every woman. The contraindications must be observed, as exceeding them would harm not only the woman but also the method itself. What are the benefits, but also the risks, of hormonal contraception in a given situation? The answers to these questions reflect the scientific evidence available to modern medicine.