Abstract
BackgroundThe use of hormone therapy (HT) by menopausal women has declined since the Women's Health Initiative randomized trial (WHI) in 2002 demonstrated important harms associated with long-term use. However, how this information has influenced women's knowledge and attitudes is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions towards HT use, as well as specific concerns and information sources on HT since the WHI trial.Method/ResultsWe did a systematic review to assess the attitudes and knowledge towards HT in women, and estimate the magnitude of the issue by pooling across the studies. Using meta-synthesis methods, we reviewed qualitative studies and surveys and performed content analysis on the study reports. We pooled quantitative studies using a random-effects meta-analysis. We analyzed 11 qualitative studies (n = 566) and 27 quantitative studies (n = 39251). Positive views on HT included climacteric symptom control, prevention of osteoporosis and a perceived improvement in quality of life. Negative factors reported included concerns about potential harmful effects, particularly cancer risks. Sources of information included health providers, media, and social contact. By applying a meta-synthesis approach we demonstrate that these findings are broadly applicable across large groups of patients.ConclusionsAlthough there are clear hazards associated with long-term HT use, many women view HT favorably for climacteric symptom relief. Media, as a source of information, is often valued as equivalent to health providers.
Highlights
Hormone therapy has been one of the most broadly prescribed medications in recent memory
Conclusions: there are clear hazards associated with long-term hormone therapy (HT) use, many women view HT favorably for climacteric symptom relief
Initially recommended for climacteric symptom control, there was a widespread understanding in the medical community that HT offered many favorable additional effects including cardiovascular and neurological protection [1,2,3]. because menopause naturally occurs when the ovaries begin decreasing production of estrogen and progesterone, and induced menopause occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed by bilateral oophorectomy or damaged by radiation or drugs, it usually takes 10 years for women to experience symptomatic changes
Summary
Hormone therapy has been one of the most broadly prescribed medications in recent memory. Because menopause naturally occurs when the ovaries begin decreasing production of estrogen and progesterone, and induced menopause occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed by bilateral oophorectomy or damaged by radiation or drugs, it usually takes 10 years for women to experience symptomatic changes This is typically in a woman’s late forties or early fifties, a time when lifestyle and other progressive diseases may become apparent. The use of hormone therapy (HT) by menopausal women has declined since the Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial (WHI) in 2002 demonstrated important harms associated with long-term use. How this information has influenced women’s knowledge and attitudes is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions towards HT use, as well as specific concerns and information sources on HT since the WHI trial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
