Duration of hormonal replacement therapy in general practice; a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES To assess the mean duration of use of HRT in general practice and to identify determinants of the duration of HRT use. METHODS A general population of 1689 women aged 45-60 years and enlisted in five group practices of general practitioners were followed for 9 months to trace first HRT prescriptions. All 103 women who were prescribed HRT were followed for a period of 2.25 years. Duration of HRT was assessed by using the data provided on the dispensing of HRT. Possible determinants of duration of use, such as attitude towards menopause, menopausal status and another six variables were measured by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS None of the 103 women received HRT for a preventive purpose; the main indication was menopausal complaints. More than 60% of the women stopped their HRT within 6 months and only 8% of the women remained on HRT for more than 2 years. The mean duration of use was 7 months. Determinants that significantly predicted the duration of HRT use were age, attitude towards treatment of the menopause and the group practice. CONCLUSIONS The mean duration of HRT use is very short, despite the fact that the most prevalent indication is the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Apparently, Dutch women are presently unwilling to take HRT for longer periods.