Trends in the use of hormone replacement therapy in eastern France between1986 and 1993

Background: In 1986, 8% of the women examined at a centre for preventive me dicine in eastern France used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Our object ive in 1993 was to re-examine this prevalence and to analyse the trends in HRT use and the factors that might have influenced changes. Methods: The 19 86 population consisted, by coincidence, of 1,986 post-menopausal women age d 45-55 years and the 1993 population included 1,576 such women. The women in each period were compared for various characteristics, which were determ ined from questionnaire responses, In addition, current HRT users were comp ared with non-users for both periods. The influence of time and of the wome n's characteristics on the changes in the prevalence of HRT use were analys ed. Results: In both years, users were more frequently born in France, had a higher level of education and were more often employed than non-users. Be tween 1986 and 1993 the prevalence of HRT use rose from 8% to 38%, This mar ked increase seemed mainly associated with the time period. The increase in HRT use across subgroups showed no evidence of heterogeneity. While the us e of HRT increased, it remained more common among women who were younger, b etter-educated and born in France. Conclusion: The trend towards a high pre valence of HRT use makes it all the more important to understand as thoroug hly as possible the effects of HRT, both protective (e.g. for cardiovascula r risk) and negative (e.g. the possible risk of breast cancer).