November 2003

Study finds women are confused about hormone therapy options

Results of a nationwide online survey released by the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) found that almost 70 percent of women are confused about the safety of menopausal hormone therapy. The survey validates the aftermath of more than a year of negative news reports and demonstrates the need for a new era of menopause therapy tailored to each woman's specific needs, according to NWHRC.

"More than a year after the first news reports of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study questioning the safety of one form of postmenopausal hormone therapy, women are still confused and misinformed about the role of an entire class of drugs for relieving the symptoms of menopause," said Amy Niles, president and CEO of the NWHRC, which conducted the survey.

For women who suffer unmanageable menopausal symptoms abandoning treatment is not an option. "Many women are looking for new methods and clear advice on how to manage the medical consequences of menopause. About 20 percent have even started taking vitamins, over-the-counter products or herbal remedies thinking that they might be safer alternatives, despite their lack of medical research. Women surveyed said they want more information on new options, with more than 70 percent indicating that they would consider an alternative natural hormone preparation if it were approved by the FDA."

More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed that it is important to discuss individual therapy with your healthcare professional. "This finding is important because it indicates that women are getting the message -- treating menopausal symptoms is not a 'one size fits all' proposition," said Niles.

However, while women understand the importance of individualized therapy, we know that almost 50 percent of the women surveyed received most of their information about hormone therapy from a combination of media sources (TV, radio, newspapers and magazines), with 31 percent having turned to their healthcare professional for advice.

The survey was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Source: National Women's Health Resource Center, http://www.healthywomen.org.

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