[Hormone replacement therapy--women's expectations and fears].

INTRODUCTION

To investigate attitudes, knowledge and fears concerning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among women aged 50 to 70 years in Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a representative survey of 1038 women aged 50 to 70 years including face-to-face interviews and written, comprehensive questionnaires in 1997.

RESULTS

Current use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was 26%. Female gynecologists were more likely to prescribe HRT compared with their male counterparts. A majority of sampled women associated HRT with many benefits, the most significant of which is the improvement of climacteric symptoms. Specific knowledge was dependent on the level of education. Perceived negative side-effects of HRT stated by two thirds of women were weight increase due to HRT, uterine bleedings (one quarter), and fear of breast cancer risk (17%). Approximately one third of all women objected against the use of HRT because this intervention would be "against nature". Major reasons to discontinue therapy within the first two years after initiation were either cessation of climacteric symptoms or negative side-effects.

CONCLUSION

Women's expectations and fears related to HRT are primarily associated with the improvement of well-being and appearance by HRT. Prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular protection are of lesser importance in this context.