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Predictors of difficulty when discontinuing postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Deborah Grady1, Bruce Ettinger, Anna N A Tosteson
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA. dgrady@itsa.ucsf.edu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 10, 2003
Summary
Many postmenopausal women struggle to stop hormone therapy due to withdrawal symptoms. Research is needed to develop effective strategies for managing these symptoms and aiding discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Menopause Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormone therapy is commonly used for menopausal symptom relief.
- Discontinuation of hormone therapy can be challenging for some women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe postmenopausal women's experiences attempting to stop hormone therapy.
- To identify factors associated with the inability to discontinue hormone therapy.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews were conducted with 377 women aged 50-69.
- Participants had used hormone therapy for at least one year and attempted to stop between July 2002 and March 2003.
Main Results:
- 74% of women successfully stopped hormone therapy, while 26% resumed use.
- Troublesome withdrawal symptoms were the primary predictor of resuming hormone therapy.
- Hysterectomy, non-gynecologist prescription, and perceived high fracture risk were linked to unsuccessful cessation.
Conclusions:
- About a quarter of women are unable to stop postmenopausal hormone therapy, mainly due to withdrawal symptoms.
- Developing effective methods to reduce hormone therapy withdrawal symptoms is crucial for future research.