Trends in middle-aged women's reports of symptoms, use of hormone therapy and attitudes towards it

To investigate changes in middle-aged women's attitudes towards hormone therapy (HT), use of HT and reports of symptoms between 1995 and 2003. Methods: All women (n = 2209) in two primary health-care districts received a questionnaire, when aged 45, 50, 55 or 60. The questionnaire consisted of quality of life instruments and items concerning menopause, health, symptoms, attitudes towards HT and use of it. Results: A total of 1681 women (76%) responded to the questionnaire. Thirty-one percent had used HT, with a mean duration of 4 years. A shift from mainly positive attitudes towards HT and increasing use of HT in the 1990s to largely negative attitudes and decreasing use became evident in 2002-2003. In comparison, Current HT users in 2002-2003 were older and had used HT for longer than users in previous years. The number of general symptoms reported tended to increase successively and satisfaction with health to decrease during the period. Women with a history of HT continuously reported a greater number of symptoms than those women who had never used it. Reports of vasomotor symptoms did not change over time. Conclusions: The changes that have occurred in beliefs regarding HT have had an impact both on attitudes towards HT and on use of HT among the women we surveyed. The increase in number of general symptoms is discussed in relation to perception of menopause, prescription patterns of HT and changes at the societal level. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.