Factors affecting Compliance to Hormonal Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

Koh, Eun Mi; Park, Seung Kyu; Lee, Kyung Hee; Park, Man Chul; Lee, Yong Woo

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to evaluate effects of patients' age, amenorrhea duration, motivation, purpose, regimen, side effects on compliance to hormone replacement therapy(HRT)
Methods
Compliance to HRT was assessed in 258 postmenopausal women who began HRT in the Menopause Clinic of Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym university. One hundred sixty nine women who had intact uterus received continuous combined therapy with 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and 100 mg of micronized progesterone. Eighty nine women who were hysterectomized received only 0.625 mg of CEE. RESULTS: A total of 103 women (39.9%) reported that they continued HRT at least for one year. Continuation of HRT was significantly more common among women who started HRT becuase of recommendation by gynecologist after hysterectomy in our department (p< 0.05). A greater percentage of women who received only CEE without uterus continued HRT than women who received continuous combined therapy (p< 0.05). Duration of amenorrhea, reasons for taking HRT and side effects such as irregular bleeding or breast tenderness were not related to the continuation of HRT. CONCLUSION: Education of menopausal women about the benefit/risk and side effects of HRT may be critical in improving compliance.