Prescribing habits for hormone replacement therapy in Montana practitioners

Abstract

This study sought to examine the change in prescribing habits for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Montana practitioners since the publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). STUDY DESIGN: A random sample of 160 Montana physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in the field of women’s health were selected to receive a survey examining the effects of the WHI on their current and past prescribing habits. RESULTS: 53% of the sample returned the survey. Ninety-seven percent of the respondents were familiar with the WHI results, with 88% reporting that the results had a significant impact on their prescribing. Ninety-eight percent reported using HRT for menopausal symptoms, and only 4% currently use HRT for cardiovascular protection. This compares with 57% of respondents using HRT for cardiovascular protection prior to the WHI results. Ninety-four percent of the respondents report using other modalities for treating hot flashes and 96% use other modalities for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. Currently, most of the respondents are recommending that women use HRT for 1-5 years or for not set time. The results showed . that the WHI had the most impact on those in practice greater than 10 years. Finally, there were very few differences in results when the data was analyzed based on specialty area, gender, or professional designation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the Women’s Health Initiative results had a significant impact on participating Montana practitioners. It also showed that the providers in Montana are following national trends for HRT use and have quickly responded to new evidence in the women’s health arena.