Related Experiment Videos
Are women using postmenopausal estrogens? A community survey
R B Harris1, A Laws, V M Reddy
1Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford University, CA.
American Journal of Public Health
|October 1, 1990
Summary
In a 1986-87 survey, 32% of postmenopausal women aged 50-65 used hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy users were younger, thinner, and less likely to be widowed, indicating distinct demographic profiles.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Hormone therapy (HT) is commonly used by postmenopausal women.
- Understanding demographic correlates of HT use is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of estrogen and progestin use in a California community.
- To identify demographic and social factors associated with hormone therapy utilization among postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Telephone survey conducted in 1986-87.
- Inclusion of 954 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years.
- Analysis of self-reported current use of estrogen and estrogen + progestin therapy.
Main Results:
- 32% of surveyed women reported current hormone therapy use.
- Estrogen therapy alone was used by 26%, while 6% used estrogen + progestin.
- Estrogen therapy users were significantly younger, thinner, lived in smaller households, and were less likely to be widowed compared to non-users.
Conclusions:
- Significant demographic and social differences exist between hormone therapy users and non-users.
- Estrogen therapy use in this cohort was associated with specific lifestyle and social network characteristics.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted health communication regarding hormone therapy.