HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY - KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND WELL-BEING AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AUSTRALIAN WOMEN

Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is increasing, yet little is known of women's perceptions of HRT. A telephone survey examined relev ant knowledge and attitudes, and psychological well-being, in 258 wome n aged 51 to 60 (111 HRT users, 47 previous users, and 100 never-users ). Although HRT users were better informed than nonusers, knowledge wa s generally low. Half the HRT users could not name any hormone used in HRT, and one third could not give any reason for using HRT. Current u sers, however, had more positive attitudes to HRT. Groups defined by H RT usage did not differ on well-being or current symptomatology, altho ugh current and previous HRT users reported having previously experien ced a higher level of symptomatology than never-users, suggesting that HRT may have provided symptom relief for those women who chose to use it. In contrast to previous research, women with a history of hystere ctomy did not show more emotional distress than others. Results sugges t that Australian women frequently make choices concerning HRT without adequate knowledge, and that HRT may reduce symptoms but may have lit tle impact on psychological well-being. Optimal usage of HRT by middle -aged women will rely on a clearer understanding, both of its effects and of women's attitudes toward its use.