Hormone replacement therapy: women's decision-making process.

Making an informed decision about whether to take hormone replacement therapy to offset short- and/or long-range effects of decreased estrogen due to menopause is particularly important because of the health-related risks and benefits associated with hormone replacements. A qualitative study was conducted in which a cohort of menopausal women were interviewed for the purpose of investigating their decision-making process regarding HRT. Findings illuminate the major factors contributing to the decision, the kinds and sources of information used in arriving at a decision, the decision-making process followed, and whether the decision was informed. Clinical and research implications of the findings are examined.