There are many unique risk factors for stroke in women, such as pregnancy, hormonal contraception, and hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. Pregnancy and the puerperium have been recognized as increasing the risk of stroke, particularly in the few days around delivery. The causes of stroke during pregnancy or the puerperium are multiple, preeclampsia/eclampsia being by far the most common cause specific of pregnancy. Cerebral venous thrombosis and postpartum reversible vasoconstriction syndrome should be searched for in the event of headache, seizures, or focal deficits after pregnancy. The use of oral contraceptives is a risk factor for stroke in young women. The absolute risk is low but some subgroups of women, particularly those who are older, smoke, or have hypertension, are at higher risk. Postmenopausal hormone use has been associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of stroke in randomized controlled trials. Although the absolute risk of a vascular event associated with hormone replacement therapy is low, the current recommendation is that postmenopausal hormone therapy should not be used in the primary or secondary prevention of vascular disease.