HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN REFERED TO IRAN UNIVERSITY CLINICS DURING 2000-2001

Regarding to preventive effect of HRT in many menopausal complications such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporsis and genital atrophy, and insufficient consideration to HRT in our country, in this cross sectional study the prevalence rate of use of HRT and related factors was determined in 860 menopausal women refferred to Iran university clinics during 1999-2000. Only 15% of these women use of HRT. Use was more common among those who were younger and had higher education or history of Hysterectomy and oophorectomy(31.8% vs 7.3%). The mean period of use was 26±5.24 months. In that group who didn’t use HRT during the study. 17.2% used HRT in the past and the most common reason for discontinuation was HRT side effects specially vaginal bleeding. In that group who never used HRT, the most common reason was lack of knowledge about HRT. With regard to these findings for extensive use of HRT, increasing knowledge of women and physicians and changing their attitude is important.