[Use of estrogen replacement therapy and alternative therapies among Norwegian women aged 50-69].
BACKGROUND
Several large studies have showed higher risk and less benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) than assumed, and sales figures have been reduced by almost a half. Several non-hormonal treatment alternatives for climacteric complaints are available. The object of this study was to determine the occurrence of climacteric complaints, and to study the use and efficacy of hormonal and alternative therapies among Norwegian women.


METHODS
150 participants in the Norwegian Mammography Screening Programme in Trondheim were interviewed about climacteric symptoms, use of HRT, and of alternative therapies.


RESULTS
81% of the participants had experienced vasomotor symptoms. The prevalence was highest among women aged 55-59 years. 23% of the women were current users of HRT, 27% were past users. 75% of the HRT users reported good effect. 25% of the participants were current users of alternative therapies, while 17% were past users. Soy was most frequently used as an alternative therapy. 42% of the alternative therapies were reported to be effective.


CONCLUSIONS
Half of the participants had used HRT, and most of these reported good effect. A corresponding number of women had used various alternative therapies, but the perceived efficacy of these was significantly poorer.
Dahle
Elise Jofrid
EJ
Det medisinske fakultet, Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet, 7489 Trondheim. elisejof@stud.ntnu.no
Lydersen
Stian
S
Moen
Mette Haase
MH
D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D016896:Treatment Outcome