THE VIEW OF WOMEN AGED 45-65 AND THEIR PARTNERS ON ASPECTS OF THE CLIMACTERIC PHASE OF LIFE

Objective: to make an inventory of the opinions and attitudes of the D utch female population (aged 45-65) and their partners on the climacte ric period. Design: Data were collected as part of a weekly computer a ssisted questionnaire filled in by a representative panel composed of 234 women aged 45-65 and their partners. Setting: A random sample of t he population of The Netherlands. Results: 12% of the women were curre nt users of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), 21% had been hysterecto mized, 32% were smokers. Although the prevalence of climacteric sympto ms was as expected, only 1 out of 3 peri- and post-menopausal women we re really troubled by the symptoms and had consulted a physician. The attitude towards HRT was neutral. Most women preferred a natural appro ach as a solution to the problems. Information on the climacteric was mostly obtained via the media, but in general the self-assessed level of knowledge was regarded by the panel as very low, even in current HR T users. Women on HRT were more positive toward treatment, and less co nfident about the spontaneous disappearance of the problems. Nearly al l women, including current HRT users, regarded the absence of menstrua tion as a relief. Partners of climacteric women had the same opinion a s their wives on all items. Conclusion: There is a lack of information on the climacteric and on the use of HRT. The Dutch female population tends to a natural approach of the climacteric without medication, bu t the general attitude can be regarded as neutral.