Determinants of Hormone Replacement Therapy Knowledge and Current Hormone Replacement Therapy Use

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use for menopausal symptoms has declined since the early 2000s.
• Contemporary factors influencing HRT use in the United States remain understudied.
• Understanding women's knowledge and decision-making regarding HRT is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate women's knowledge of HRT for menopausal symptom management.
• To identify factors associated with current HRT use among women aged 45 and older.
• To explore reasons for HRT non-use.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted with 2,548 women aged ≥45 years between August 2019 and May 2020.
• Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze correlates of high HRT knowledge and HRT use.
• Data were analyzed to identify demographic, symptomatic, and attitudinal factors influencing HRT decisions.

Main Results:

• 82% of women experienced menopausal symptoms, but only 10.5% used HRT, and 33% had high HRT knowledge.
• Increasing age correlated with higher HRT knowledge; racial/ethnic minority women had lower HRT knowledge.
• Hispanic and other minority women were less likely to use HRT than non-Hispanic White women; women with irregular periods were less likely to use HRT.

Conclusions:

• Perceived knowledge level and various demographic factors significantly impact women's decisions regarding HRT use.
• Concerns about risks and side effects are key reasons for HRT non-use, particularly among never-users.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the primary determinants influencing HRT adoption for menopausal symptom relief.