A study of women on long-term hormone replacement therapy and their attitude to suggested cessation

Objective The study was undertaken to determine the effect of advice to discontinue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on 100 women who were well established on treatment without side-effects. Method The study was retrospective from November 2003 to April 2004, in a single gynecological practice in London, UK. One hundred consecutive long-term estrogen and testosterone hormone implant users were assessed as to their knowledge of recent studies regarding risks of long-term HRT and whether they wished to discontinue hormones. Results All women receiving estrogen and testosterone implants, for a mean duration of 17.65 years (range 10-28 years), felt well informed concerning the Women's Health Initiative Study and the Million Women Study but only three women were happy to discontinue. The reasons given for the continuation of therapy were that they felt well and their quality of life had greatly improved. The mean estradiol and testosterone levels were 921 pmol/l and 1.91 nmol/l, respectively. Conclusions The high rate of continuation of hormone treatment indicates that, despite the recent adverse publicity, these women feel well informed and were not willing to discontinue with their hormone therapy if they felt well. A regular discussion of the risks and benefits of HRT remains mandatory.