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

Abstract

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 Göteborg, 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 (ppConclusions. 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.