[Use of hormone replacement therapy among female gynecologists and partners of male gynecologists in Norway].

In 1997 a questionnaire on hormone replacement therapy was sent to all 475 members of the Norwegian Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. There was an 80% response rate. Among the questions asked, were some concerning the members' personal use of hormones. 36 of the 153 female gynaecologists were menopausal or had climacteric complaints. 28 (78%) out of the 36 used oestrogen, four (11%) had contraindications, and another four (11%) were not in need of therapy. Of 228 male gynaecologists 96 had partners who had either climacteric symptoms or were menopausal, and 74 (77%) of these were receiving hormone treatment. The reasons given for not using oestrogen were lack of symptoms requiring therapy in 14 cases (15%) and contraindications in one case (1%). In seven cases (7%) no information was provided. In 1996 about 19% of Norwegian women aged 45 to 69 years used hormone replacement therapy. The use of hormones among female gynaecologists and partners of male gynaecologists is thus four times higher than in the rest of the population.