Correlates of hormone replacement therapy use in former users of oral contraceptives

Abstract

Objectives: To explore what differentiates postmenopausal physicians who previously used oral contraceptives (OC) and now use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from those who used OC previously and are not now using HRT. Also to examine, among premenopausal physicians who have used OC, factors associated with intended future HRT use. Methods: The Women Physicians’ Health Study took a stratified random sample of U.S. women MDs aged 30–70 years (4501 respondents, a 59% response rate). We limited this examination to the 65% who had used oral contraceptives. Results: Among postmenopausal women who previously used OC, being younger, sexually active, or an ob-gyn, or having had a hysterectomy, were significantly associated ( P < .05) with a greater prevalence of current HRT use. Also associated ( P 0.05–0.10) were being a member of a married or unmarried couple, living in a non–East Coast region, and having a female personal physician. Conversely, those with a history of breast cancer were much less likely to take HRT. Women physicians taking HRT were significantly more likely to report counseling their patients about its use; 44% of HRT users counseled their older female patients about HRT at least yearly, while only 22% of nonusers did so. Factors associated with prior OC use and intended future HRT use also will be discussed. Conclusions: Identifying factors that influence transitions from OC to HRT use may help predict future use. Physicians’ personal HRT status was associated with patient counseling practices.