What is peri-menopausal women's knowledge base and perceptions of the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

Abstract

Menopause, the total cessation of menstruation, is a normal part of the aging process of all women. It occurs naturally (non-surgical onset) when women are between 40 to 50 years of age. Many physical and psychological changes occur during and after menopause. Prior to menopause women enter what is termed the peri-menopausal phase, a time just prior to menstruation cessation and a time of great change in a woman's physical and psychological systems. It is at this time that women are faced with decisions of how to manage some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. These decisions can have a profound effect on the rest of a woman's life and health throughout the remainder of her lifetime.This study will examine the sources from where women gain knowledge of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), an often-prescribed method for managing menopausal side effects. The aim of the questions will be to elicit information on each woman's perceptions of the risks and benefits of HRT.This will be a qualitative study based on interviews of a convenience sampling of 20 women ages 40-50. The interviews will consist of open-ended questions related to perceptions of risks and benefits of HRT as well as exploration into the sources of information that formed the basis for the knowledge and perceptions of HRT.All data collected will be confidential and participants will remain anonymous. Participation is voluntary and without compensation. No risks have been identified related to this study. This study will be significant in providing information to the nursing and medical communities regarding women's knowledge and decision-making processes of whether or not to partake in HRT. It will also offer insight into women's health issues and women's knowledge gathering practices.