Results of an Electronic Mail Survey on Hormones and Telangiectasias

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the development of telangiectasias and hormonal intake has not been well studied and is empirically managed by phlebologists. OBJECTIVE: To understand the behavior of the international phlebologic community regarding the treatment of leg telangiectasia in patients taking oral contraceptives or receiving postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. METHODS: Simple questions concerning the causal effects of hormones, their influence on treatment, and general behavior were asked by an electronic mail questionnaire sent to 131 phlebologists in my personal database. RESULTS: The 61 answers received show the existence of two opposite "parties" concerning the influence of hormones on telangiectasia: cause and treatment. CONCLUSION: Opposite opinions without any scientific basis underline the ignorance surrounding a subject that concerns 50% of our patients.