Women's health. Trends in the use of hormone replacement therapy in eastern France between 1986 and 1993

Abstract

Background: In 1986, 8% of the women examined at a centre for preventive medicine in eastern France used hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Our objective in 1993 was to re-examine this prevalence and to analyse the trends in HRT use and the factors that might have influenced changes. Methods: The 1986 population consisted, by coincidence, of 1,986 post-menopausal women aged 45–55 years and the 1993 population included 1,576 such women. The women in each period were compared for various characteristics, which were determined from questionnaire responses. In addition, current HRT users were compared with non-users for both periods. The influence of time and of the women's characteristics on the changes in the prevalence of HRT use were analysed. Results: In both years, users were more frequently born in France, had a higher level of education and were more often employed than non-users. Between 1986 and 1993 the prevalence of HRT use rose from 8% to 38%. This marked increase seemed mainly associated with the time period. The increase in HRT use across subgroups showed no evidence of heterogeneity. While the use of HRT increased, it remained more common among women who were younger, better-educated and born in France. Conclusion: The trend towards a high prevalence of HRT use makes it all the more important to understand as thoroughly as possible the effects of HRT, both protective (e.g. for cardiovascular risk) and negative (e.g. the possible risk of breast cancer).