Factors associated with climacteric symptoms and the use of hormone replacement therapy

BACKGROUND: To investigate factors associated with climacteric symptoms and the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHODS: A random sample of women aged 46, 50, 54, 58 and 62 years resident in Goteborg, Sweden (n=5,990) were invited by letter to complete a postal questionnaire concerning the menopause and HRT use. RESULTS: The response rate was 76% (n=4,504). Women with a higher education, who exercised regularly and who had regular spare-time activities felt better and had fewer climacteric complaints (p<0.001) compared to lower educated women, women who exercised infrequently and women who had no spare-time activities. Climacteric symptoms were associated with dryness symptoms (dry eyes, skin, hair and mouth), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (SOE), use of psychotropical drugs and use of alternative remedies, previous hysterectomy and full-time occupation. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed significant correlations between vasomotor symptoms and various dryness symptoms, no menstrual periods and use of alternative remedies. Current HRT-users (13%) had used estrogens for 4.0 years and past users (14%) for 4.3 years. A correlation (p<0.005) was found between HRT use and previous use of contraceptive pills, use of alternative remedies and hysterectomy. Education, occupation and the frequency of exercise did not influence the prevalence of HRT use. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the experience of climacteric symptoms and well-being is associated with many different factors. Women with a higher education and those who exercised regularly were more often symptom-free. HRT use was associated with previous use of contraceptive pills, use of alternative remedies and hysterectomy.