Reasons for the change in HRT therapy from the perspective of women. Results of the German Cohort Study on Women's Health

Abstract

Acceptance and reasons for changing the HRT play an important role against the background of the efficiency of the therapy and increasing life expectancy. Women in developed, industrialized countries live about one-third of their lives in the peri- and postmenopausal phases.--The frequency of switching and the reasons were examined in an interim analysis of the German cohort study on women's health. This historical analysis was based on over 10,000 women (i.e. about 300,000 man-years of observation), of whom 2,002 women (aged 40-65) were constant users of HRT.--The prevalence of use and the frequency of switching to other HRT preparations were somewhat higher in women above 60 as compared to those aged 40-59. The duration of use had no impact on the prevalence of use or the frequency of switching or cessation. Neither education nor the past use of oral contraceptives showed a clear association with the frequency of switching. The most frequent reasons for switching or cessation were adverse events, i.e. reasons independent of age. Women aged from 40 to 49 more frequently reported weight gains, menstrual disturbances, headaches, and impaired well-being than did older women. A recurrence of menstruation was more frequently reported by women over 60 as the reason for switching or discontinuing HRT.--The knowledge of the reasons for women switching or discontinuing HRT underlines the importance of close collaboration between women and their gynaecologists, as well as that of intensified research for optimal products.