The menopause and hormone replacement therapy: Australian general practitioners' self-reported opinions, attitudes and behaviour

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the attitude and views of general practitioners towards the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in metropolitan Brisbane, Australia.

Methods: A total of 216 general practitioners were nominated by a random sample of urband-welling women aged 45-54 years who formed the Brisbane Women's health study. A 20-30 minute face-to-face questionnaire with the general practitioners was administered and analysed by demographic characteristics.

Results: There was a 93% response rate. Management of the menopause and HRT was routinely undertaken by general practitioners for their own patients. After deciding to initiate HRT, > 60% of general practitioners ordered five investigations or more. They may have confused the risk of thrombo-embolism from oestrogens used in the post-menopause with that for contraception. There were differences between male and female practitioners in some areas. Male general practitioners, in particular, reported more difficulty with tailoring and adjusting regimes.

Conclusions: Specific areas for further education are explored to meet the educational needs of general practitioners.