Knowledge, attitude and prescribing practices of doctors in ten districts of Kashmir division towards hormone replacement therapy in pre- and post menopausal women

This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and prescribing practices of doctors in ten districts of Kashmir division towards hormone replacement therapy in pre- and post menopausal women. A total of 102 pre-validated questionnaires were distributed among practitioners at 31 public health facilities and 28 private clinics in these districts over a period of almost one year, out of whom 87 responded back.  Overall pattern of HRT prescribing was found to be dismal. Majority of the doctors did not prefer to prescribe HRT for several reasons and a majority of them did not possess adequate knowledge about the international trials favouring HRT using amongst select group of pre and post menopausal women.

 

Nowadays, HRT is being reserved by most of the gynaecologists for treatment of menopause symptoms and not as a preventive measure against future complications of heart disease and osteoporosis. Despite the results of many clinical trials against HRT use most gynaecologists who participated in this study continued prescribing HRT; however, some of those who continued prescribing HT later changed their prescriptions and now they are also in support of alternative therapies for menopause management. It has been observed that HRT is being prescribed for immediate relief of hot flashes and mood swings. However, in some cases of poor compliance with HRT, alternative therapy was considered a safer option. There is a need for greater awareness among gynaecologists regarding HRT use during early menopause for a short duration to counter some of the disorders associated with post-menopausal syndrome.