Menopausal women's current impressions of hormonal therapy.

October 11, 2004--The following abstract was accepted and presented as a poster during the North American Menopause Society meeting held in Washington, D.C. on 10/9/04. It highlights the finding that women are seeking information about hormone therapy and alternative options for hormone therapy, including medical patches and/or creams. A significant concern of total dose of hormone used was identified, while diminished libido, sleep problems, hot flashes and night sweats were very common, despite using oral hormone therapy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine menopausal women's insight and perception about hormone therapy in general and topical hormone therapy specifically via an internet survey at a menopause educational website.

Design: Thirty three hundred and sixty one women visiting MenopauseRx.com, a menopause educational website, were surveyed over 6 weeks during January and February 2004 regarding topical hormone use. This survey was designed to ask questions about hormone use and provide information on treatment options.

Results: While 69% of respondents were pleased with their current hormone therapy, 56% were 'tired' of taking oral hormone therapy. Forty two percent of women had a hysterectomy. Fifty eight percent were concerned about their total hormone dose, while 53% were having hot flashes, 58% were having night sweats and 79% were having sleep disturbances despite their oral hormone therapy. Seventy four percent noted decreased libido and 69% noted mood disturbances. Only 27% of women had used a medical patch and only 22% had used progesterone cream in the past.

Conclusions: Using a menopause education website to survey women about hormone therapy and topical hormone therapy, it appears that women are searching for education about alternative routes of administration for hormone use and are concerned about the total dose of hormone used. More than two thirds of respondents noted decreased libido, mood and sleep disturbances and over half of respondents noted hot flashes and night sweats despite their oral hormone therapy regimen. Less than one third of women have used a medical patch or cream. Therefore, educating women about topical hormone therapy alternatives may be underutilized.

John A. Sunyecz, M.D.
A.J. Drexler
Pittsburgh, PA

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