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Use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: estimates from a nationally representative cohort study
1NCHS/Division of Epidemiology, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 15, 1997
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use in US menopausal women increased significantly between 1970-1992, particularly among white, educated women. Many women discontinued HRT within several years.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Women's Health
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Understanding HRT usage trends is crucial for public health initiatives and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in HRT use among US menopausal women.
- To identify demographic, lifestyle, and heart disease risk factors associated with HRT utilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Epidemiologic Followup Study to the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I).
- Analyzed a nationally representative cohort of 5,602 women followed from the mid-1970s to 1992.
- Examined HRT use duration and associated factors.
Main Results:
- An estimated 45% of menopausal women used HRT, with 20% using it for 5+ years.
- HRT use increased by 32% (ever used) and 54% (5+ years) between 1987-1992.
- Higher HRT use was observed in white, highly educated women, those in the West, and those with surgical menopause.
- Overweight women and alcohol abstainers were less likely to use HRT.
Conclusions:
- HRT use is significantly associated with sociodemographic factors.
- Women tend to discontinue HRT use within several years.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted HRT education and interventions.