[Patterns of use of hormone replacement therapy in 2 Italian populations]

We analysed the pattern of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, over the period 1990-92, in a random sample of 76,537 women (45-74 years old) resident in the province of Rome, and in 1994 among all women (45-74 years old) resident in the Umbria region; data were collected through the regional drug prescription monitoring systems. During the three-year period an estimated 3.8% of women were prescribed HRT, among these 42% received estrogen with concomitant progestin therapy. The prevalence of use increased from 1.5% in 1990 to 2.2% in 1992 mainly because of an increased use of skin patches. In the Umbria region, out of the 166,112 women, 2.1% received at least one estrogen prescription. The prevalence of use increased in younger age classes but is almost unchanged over the sixties.