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A recently published original article has described the results of an online survey taken in 2007 and compared the results with those of repeat survey in 2014 [1]. The aim was to illustrate women’s views on HRT, and how they have changed over time, with respect to the availability of reliable information on the safety of, and access to, treatments for the symptoms of the menopause. Whilst the decreased use of HRT, following the unbalanced reporting of the Million Women Study, has been hailed by some as economically beneficial [2], there are others who describe these years as a lost decade, with missed opportunities to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Despite increasing recognition of the flaws in some studies, concerns remain that the information available to women is still insufficient to allow them to make informed decisions regarding treatment. Reassuringly, the results from 2014 indicate that 69.9% of respondents had used or would use HRT, fewer women viewed HRT less favorably, and an increased number of women felt that they were able to make an informed choice regarding HRT. More women are using alternative therapies, yet there has been an increase in those who are unconvinced of their efficacy or safety. It was concluded that pharmacists should provide good-quality evidence on over-the-counter remedies, information from all health professionals must be clear and consistent and, with over one-third accessing their information online, web literacy must be improved.

Author(s)

  • Jen Sassarini
    Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

Citations

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