Attitudes and practices about postmenopausal hormone therapy among female gynecologists in Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and practices of Brazilian female gynecologists surrounding their personal use of menopausal/postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT).

Methods: This study was conducted in February 2001 using a mail survey. Three thousand eighty nine (n = 3089) female gynecologists over the age of 35 years and affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FEBRASGO) were sent a questionnaire inquiring about their demographic, professional, medical, and behavioral background as well as their personal use of HT.

Results: The response rate was 56.3%. Information on the menopausal status was available for 1655 respondents: 755 (45.7%) were postmenopausal, 172 indicated that they had irregular menses cycles (9.2%), and 728 (44.1%) underwent regular menses. Approximately, 47% of the postmenopausal respondents had been subject to a hysterectomy and were above the age of 50 years or had undergone bilateral oophorectomy. When asked about personal HT use, 61.1% and 10.3% of the respondents indicated that they were current or former users, respectively. 28.6% of the respondents had never used HT. The highest frequency of use occurred during their fifth decade. The main reasons for their use of HT included the attenuation of vasomotor symptoms, the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis, or the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Combined estrogen/progestin therapy was the preferred choice for postmenopausal gynecologists with an intact uterus. Family or personal histories of breast cancer or smoking were reported as deterrents against HT use for the female gynecologists.

Conclusion: Brazilian postmenopausal gynecologists engage in a high frequency of HT use. High levels of personal use may influence the general population towards HT prescription and compliance.