[Reflections on compliance in menopause hormone replacement therapy]

Compliance with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is discussed. Although accurate quantitative evaluation is difficult, estimates in French women are provided. Thirty percent of postmenopausal women are under HRT, but data are lacking on the age groups in which HRT is most prevalent. Given the benefits of HRT in terms of public health, physicians should make every effort to educate their patients, in particular regarding differences between oral contraception and HRT. Other targets for HRT education include general practitioners, health insurance agencies, and the media. Better information provided by physicians and drug companies would allow to increase the use of HRT.