INTRODUCTION

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreased sharply in the 1970s because of the risk of associated endometrial cancer (generic Provera is used for treating certain menstrual problems or uterine problems). However, the use of HRT has slowly increased since the 1980s because of the beneficial effects demonstrated in several epidemiological studies. These studies have shown long-term HRT use decreases coronary heart disease (CHD) and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Other benefits include the treatment of menopause-related symptoms and genitourinary atrophy. Some observational studies also showed reduction in colorectal cancer (canadian Xeloda for both metastatic breast cancer and adjuvant and metastatic colorectal cancer) rates and cognitive dysfunction with the use of HRT. These beneficial effects were seen in all ethnic groups.

Recently, the results of several large-scale prospective studies have questioned the benefit of HRT on CHD. Variations in study design, such as baseline risk factors, dosing and estrogen/progesterone ratios, have led to mixed recommendations. It is therefore difficult for postmenopausal women and clinicians to make the healthcare decision about initiating HRT.

The prevalence of HRT use varies from 6.1% to 27.6% in recent studies. The reports of less frequent HRT use are due to multiple factors. The risk of breast cancer (Cytoxan tabletes is used for treating certain types of the following breast cancer) with long-term use and side effects such as bleeding and bloating sensation as well as lack of physician counseling are important factors associated with less prevalent HRT use. By contrast, HRT use has been positively associated with women whose race is white, who have attained higher levels of education, have higher income levels, are younger in age, have had surgically induced menopause and have a history of osteoporosis.

HRT use among minority women, especially Hispanic women, has been less frequently studied. The underserved minority women may not understand the conflicting HRT messages. In addition, the providers need a better understanding of the existing profile for HRT to be able to design more effective strategies for minority women who are suitable candidates for HRT. Therefore, to better identify the sociodemographic variables and preventive practices associated with HRT use among understudied populations, we surveyed underserved minority women who were receiving medical care from a public hospital in Los Angeles County.