Awareness Of Hormone Replacement Therapy Research Articles

(072) What Kind of Specialists Should Know About HRT?

Abstract Introduction Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) use has recently been a topic of debate amongst clinicians. The discussion has been most prevalent in the fields of gynecology, urology, and endocrinology. Current research suggests HRT can prevent the development of lethal diseases such as myocardial infarction, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Objective To raise awareness of HRT as a prophylactic measure to treat a variety of diseases in multiple organ systems, we recommend providing this information across multiple medical specialties to warrant the use of HRT amongst patients. Specialists including obstetricians and gynecologists, urologists, cardiologists, neurologists, dermatologists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, orthopedics, wound care specialists, sexologists, sex therapists, psychologists, rheumatologists, immunologists, infectious disease specialists, cosmetic surgeons, endocrinologists, and geriatricians should be aware of the benefits of HRT and how they can incorporate it into patient care. Methods Based on our own experience, for more than 40 years and the continued management of postmenopausal women, we have realized the importance that physicians, in specialties other than obstetrics and gynecology must be aware of the use of this therapy in their specific field. For example, approximately 60% of depression diagnoses in perimenopausal years can be treated with greater efficacy with hormone replacement therapy rather than antidepressants prescribed by psychiatrists. These findings have been confirmed in the current literature, however awareness amongst the various specialties is very poor. Results HRT plays a significant role in treating silent killers such as myocardial infarction, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Conclusions Previously, the role of HRT was not clearly established. Current data suggests HRT provides many benefits including a reduction in mortality. Through recent research and published literature, the consensus of the benefits and strategies of HRT have been established. However, the use of HRT is currently under-prescribed. This creates an opportunity to bring awareness to clinicians, thereby improving the lives of patients. Disclosure No

Awareness of breast cancer incidence and risk factors among healthy women in Germany: an update after 10 years.

Early breast cancer detection programs depend for effectiveness on the participation rate, which is affected by risk factor awareness. This study investigated changes in women's risk factor awareness between 2004 and 2016. Results from a 2004 survey of 2107 healthy women were compared with new data obtained using the same questionnaire in 2016, with 866 participants indicating their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer incidence, risk factors, risk perceptions, and levels of concern. Logistic regression models assessed the influence of time point (2004 vs. 2016) on correct recognition of risk factors such as age at first childbirth, childlessness, lack of breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and family history. Regression models were adjusted for common sociodemographic characteristics. Reproductive risk factors were regarded as influencing breast cancer risk less often. In 2004, age at first birth, childlessness, and lack of breastfeeding were regarded as risk factors by 24, 32, and 37%, respectively, in comparison with only 15, 18, and 23% in 2016. All changes were statistically significant. Awareness of HRT as a risk factor increased significantly (36-57%), and family history was recognized as a risk by 75 and 73% in 2004 and 2016, respectively. Most women recognized family history as a breast cancer risk factor. This did not change, reflecting the topic's media prominence. Awareness of HRT as a risk factor increased, probably owing to public information after the large HRT studies. It is unclear why reproductive risk factors are less frequently recognized; educational programs should address this information deficit.

Awareness of hormone replacement therapy in medical care personnel in Jiaxing, China: a questionnaire survey

This study was aimed to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of medical personnel on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in treating perimenopausal syndrome. A total of 2580 self-administered questionnaire forms were sent to medical care professionals and the responses collected were anonymous. The questionnaire included information on levels of awareness, benefits, and potential risks of HRT. A total of 2158 questionnaire forms were filled and used for statistical analysis; 61.4% of gynecologists believed that it was necessary to conduct HRT in suitable patients, 89.1% would like to recommend the therapy to patients with perimenopausal syndrome, and 83.2% of the participants were willing to take training on HRT. The mean score of awareness of HRT among the respondents was 3.14 out of 10. The main reason for them to avoid HRT was fear of cancer (43.8%), weight gain (30.4%), addiction (21.9%), and thrombus (3.9%). These results indicated that a large proportion of gynecologists are willing to recommend HRT to a woman complaining of climacteric disorders. However, awareness of HRT among the health workers (including gynecologists) is relatively low. They are also worried about the risks. A more concerted effort should be made to better disseminate information on HRT.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Chinese Women

Objective: To explore the knowledge and prevalence of menopausal symptoms as well as the use and attitude toward hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Chinese women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2011 and April 2012 in Shanghai, China. The structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and prevalence of menopausal symptoms, and knowledge and attitude towards HRT and its use were investigated. Results: 3,619 women aged 40-65 years were included in the analysis. The majority of the women had knowledge of menopause. Symptoms were prevalent in 16.1% of premenopausal women and in 49.3% of peri-, post- and surgical-menopausal women. Back and joint pain, sleeplessness, fatigue and sweating/hot flushes were frequently reported. HRT awareness among women was 3.5% and was related to menopausal, working and marital status; 75 (2.1%) women had used or were using HRT, of which 57.3% used HRT with a doctor's prescription and 29.3% experienced side effects from the use of HRT. Conclusion: Most Chinese women had knowledge of menopause and thought menopausal symptoms should not be treated. The awareness of HRT was poor and influenced by menopausal, working and marital status. Chinese health care providers have to assume responsibility for educating women about menopause and HRT use.

Treatment Preferences And Awareness Of HRT Among Nigerian Menopausal Women

To determine treatment preferences and awareness of HRT amongst Nigerian Igbo women, a two-year cross-sectional study of consecutive eligible menopausal women seen by the author in Enugu South East Nigeria was undertaken .Data for the study were obtained with the aid of researcher-administered, semi-structured questionnaires which captured the socio-demographicdata, age at menopause, menopausal symptoms experienced, treatment received for menopausal symptoms, sources of the treatment and awareness of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The common menopausal symptoms were body and joint pains (58%), hot flushes (49.8%), urinary symptoms (28.7%), insomnia (16.7%), crawling sensation (14.8) and depression (14.4%). 176 respondents (84.2%) had received some form of treatment for the menopausal symptoms while 33 (15.8%) had not. Their sources of treatments were herbal medicine practitioners 156 (74.6%), patent medicine dealers and medicine vendors 125 (59.8%), priests, pastors and prayer houses 89 (42.6%), and health care facilities (hospitals and health centres) 39 (18.7%). Only 2 (0.96%) of the women were aware of HRT and none had ever receive HRT. It is concluded that although Nigerian Igbo women experienced most known menopausal symptoms, they prefer herbal therapies for these symptoms. They have very low awareness of HRT.

Are women who are taking Hormone Replacement Therapy doing so with informed consent?

Just over half the population in Britain today are women, and each is likely to spend over one-third of her life in the post menopausal state. The number of post-war ‘Baby Boomers’ is having a profound effect on interest in the menopause and increasing awareness of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Patients are no longer prepared to passively accept the advice of their doctor, and should make an informed decision over its use, after having been given up-to-date information. Some of the claimed benefits of taking HRT are not fully proven and the risks and disadvantages must be considered, notably the increased risk of breast cancer and the effect on the sensitivity and specificity of the mammographic image. The long-term benefits are still uncertain. Available information needs to be comprehensible, credible, and up to date. Whether to initiate the taking of HRT is one of the most important decisions a woman entering mid-life will make, so she needs to be given information she can understand in order to make an informed decision. HRT and informed consent are topics relevant to mammography, which was the rationale in writing this paper as part of a Post Graduate Certificate in Mammographic Studies.

Attitude towards health and hormone replacement therapy among female obstetrician–gynecologists in Israel

Objective: To assess Israeli women gynecologists toward their own health, their health related behaviors and to assess attitude towards and the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods: Ninety five actively employed hospital and community women gynecologist completed a questionnaire on attitude towards self-health, way of life, smoking habits, and regular breast, blood, pap smear examinations and HRT. Results: Mean BMI was 25.3 Kg/m 2±4.2, 61% considered themselves above average weight, and only 39% estimated their weight as appropriate. Fifty six percent were on active weight-loss diets, and 35% were current smokers. Blood tests, pap smears and breast evaluations were regularly done by 73.4, 91.5, and 64.1%, respectively. Overall, 74% of the gynecologists had a positive opinion about HRT; 70% of the menopausal subgroup had ever used HRT, and 93.3% of the perimenopausal subgroup intended to use it. The main reason for starting HRT was climacteric symptoms, and for stopping or avoiding HRT were equally bleeding, fear of cancer and adverse reactions towards HRT. By far the oral HRT mode was the most popular and 90% of users expressed satisfaction with treatment. Conclusions: Israeli women gynecologists are aware and maintain carefully their health, excluding cigarette smoking. The high rate of use and awareness of HRT among this group is encouraging considering that gynecologist serves as role model for the public and maintains the main source of HRT in the community.

Hormone replacement therapy in women with diabetes mellitus: A survey of knowledge of risks and benefits

AbstractWomen considering postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) require an adequate knowledge base to make an informed choice. To assess knowledge and beliefs about HRT we surveyed 200 consecutive diabetic women in our clinic; 182 completed questionnaires were returned. The age range of respondents was 22–90 years (median 58 years). One hundred and thirty women said they were perimenopausal or menopausal (71%) and 25 were on HRT (19%). Respondents were analysed by age: premenopausal <45; perimenopausal 45–65 and postmenopausal >65 years. Sixty five per cent had heard of HRT and 31% of these thought their knowledge adequate. Significantly fewer older women had heard of HRT.Those with knowledge of HRT were asked to respond to statements concerning risks and benefits and, overall, 49% answered at least one question. There was a clear age‐related trend with significantly fewer postmenopausal women answering any questions. Overall, 35% of respondents thought HRT was safe in diabetes; 15% thought that it could improve diabetes control; 27% thought it improved cholesterol levels; 76% thought it could reduce the risk of brittle bones; 11% thought it had an adverse effect on blood pressure; 48% thought it might decrease the risk of heart disease; and 37% thought that HRT increased cancer risk. Consistent trends suggested that perception of risk was higher and perception of benefit lower with increasing age.Our survey, in a patient group regularly receiving health promotion advice and in whom the impetus for HRT is greater, reveals a poor awareness of HRT a perception of inadequate information and a perception that HRT is not safe in diabetic women.

WOMEN'S AWARENESS OF, AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: ETHNIC DIFFERENCES AND EFFECTS OF AGE AND EDUCATION

SUMMARYTo investigate ethnic differences and the effect of age and education on awareness and attitudes of women towards hormone replacement therapy (HRT), we conducted a questionnaire survey of 180 women attending a gynaecology clinic, of whom 152 (84.4%) responded. Seventy‐one of the women had heard of HRT. Awareness of HRT was higher in the 50‐59 year age group and in women with higher education, but lower in Indo‐Asian women than in white and black/Afro‐Caribbean women. Friends, relatives and the media were important sources of information (apart from the doctor), especially among the younger age groups. The women themselves ranked their overall understanding of HRT as ‘low’; 78% felt they did not know enough about the subject. A distorted perception of benefits/risks associated with HRT was also noted – cardiovascular protection was not appreciated, whereas there was an excessive fear of breast cancer. Twenty‐eight per cent of the menopausal, postmenopausal and hysterectomised women surveyed were current HRT users. We conclude that factors such as ethnicity, age and educational level have an impact on women's awareness of and attitudes towards HRT. Some confusion about the real benefits/risks still exists, which probably accounts for low acceptance of this treatment, and suggests that clinicians prescribing HRT need to be aware of these problems.