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Women's perceptions of hormone replacement therapy: risks and benefits (1980–2002). A literature review
- Source :
- Climacteric. 8:24-35
- Publication Year :
- 2005
- Publisher :
- Informa UK Limited, 2005.
-
Abstract
- Many postmenopausal women are reluctant to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and those who do are likely to discontinue within 1 year. Setting aside the beliefs and prejudices of the prescriber, women's own perceptions of risks and benefits may influence their willingness to accept and then persevere with HRT. We conducted a systematic literature review relating women's beliefs about HRT to acceptance and adherence.Using standard guidelines for systematic search procedures, we identified 112 papers (published during 1980-2002) from databases such as Medline, PsycINFO and the NHS and Cochrane libraries.Women hold both positive and negative beliefs about HRT. Their perceptions of benefits are often countered by concerns over potential adverse effects, beliefs that are sometimes at odds with the clinical evidence. The use and discontinuation of HRT are influenced more by short-term symptom relief than by considerations of long-term benefits. Many women who refuse HRT believe that the menopause is a natural event that does not warrant 'chemical' intervention. Doctors and nurses are not used to their full capacity as an education and information resource to counter the possibility of unbalanced stories in the media.Addressing women's preconceptions about HRT should be an important part of the process of prescribing and review. Such an approach will help ensure that a woman's decision to start or continue HRT is informed by an understanding of the known risks and benefits, rather than by myths or mistaken beliefs about the menopause or HRT.
- Subjects :
- medicine.medical_specialty
genetic structures
Hormone Replacement Therapy
business.industry
Decision Making
Alternative medicine
MEDLINE
Obstetrics and Gynecology
General Medicine
PsycINFO
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Risk Assessment
Discontinuation
Odds
Systematic review
Transgender hormone therapy
Family medicine
medicine
Physical therapy
Humans
Female
sense organs
Menopause
Willingness to accept
business
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 14730804 and 13697137
- Volume :
- 8
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Climacteric
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....2854e5c74ab31d34daacfb8c84b19aa0