[Proposal for an informed consent form for hormonal replacement therapy in ambulatory care]

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) represents a valid therapeutic approach for menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Nevertheless, an informed consent, after a complete information, must be obtained from the patient. This procedure is generally adopted in any medical activity, but the modality of the consent in the HRT administration is not well established (verbal or written?, timing of administration?). The authors propose an informed written consent model to be utilized in menopausal centers; this model synthetically informs about HRT benefits and risks and must be red and signed by the patient. The written consent should be explained through a verbal detailed discussion about it, during which the patient's comprehension must be assured. The informed consent procedure should be renewed every year in long term-users. The influence of the HRT informed consent in menopausal centers must be analyzed in particular as far as women compliance is concerned.