A multicentric study regarding the use of hormone therapy during female mid-age (REDLINC VI). (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blümel, J. E.; Chedraui, P.; Barón, G.; Benítez, Z.; Flores, D.; Espinoza, M. T.; Gomez, G.; González, E.; Hernández, L.; Lima, S.; Martino, M.; Montaño, A.; Monterrosa, A.; Mostajo, D.; Ojeda, E.; Onatra, W.; Robles, C.; Saavedra, J.; Sánchez, H.; Tserotas, K.; Vallejo, M. S.; Vallejo, C.; for the Collaborative Group for Research of the Climacteric in Latin America (Redlinc)
• Is Part Of: Climacteric. Volume 17:Number 4(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 433
• Page End: 441
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: Menopause -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Hormone therapy -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Estrogen Replacement Therapy -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 612.665
• DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2014.882305
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7137

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic> Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) has shown benefits for women; however, associated drawbacks (i.e. risks, costs, fears) have currently determined its low use.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic> To determine the prevalence of current HT use among mid-aged women and describe the characteristics of those who have never used, have abandoned or are currently using HT. In addition, reasons for not using HT were analyzed.</p> <p> <italic>Method</italic> This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed a total of 6731 otherwise healthy women (45–59 years old) of 15 cities in 11 Latin American countries. Participants were requested to fill out the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and a questionnaire containing sociodemographic data and items regarding the menopause and HT use.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic> The prevalence of current HT use was 12.5%. Oral HT (43.7%) was the most frequently used type of HT, followed by transdermal types (17.7%). The main factors related to the current use of HT included: positive perceptions regarding HT (odds ratio (OR) 11.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.41–14.13), being postmenopausal (OR 3.47, 95% CI 2.75–4.36) and having a better socioeconomic level. A total of 48.8% of surveyed women had used HT in the past, but abandoned it due to symptom improvement or being unconcerned; fear of cancer or any other secondary effects were also reported but in less than 10%. Among women who had never used HT, 28% reported the lack of medical prescription as the main reason, followed by the absence of symptoms (27.8%). Among those reporting lack of prescription as the main reason for not using HT, 30.6% currently had severe menopausal symptoms (total MRS score > 16); 19.5% of women were using alternative 'natural' therapies, with 35.1% of them displaying severe menopausal symptoms as compared to a 22.5% observed among current HT users.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic> The use of HT has not regained the rates observed a decade ago. Positive perceptions regarding HT were related to a higher use. Lack of medical prescription was the main reason for not using HT among non-users, many of whom were currently displaying severe menopausal symptoms.</p> </abstract>