| Abstract [eng] |
Background: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the principal treatment modalities for climacteric symptoms; however, its use remains surrounded by ongoing debate due to potential therapy-related risks and the persistence of conflicting perceptions within the public domain. Aim: To conduct a review of the literature from the past ten years on HRT prescribing guidelines, indications, administration methods, patient selection, and treatment-related controversies, as well as to perform a survey assessing the knowledge and attitudes of Lithuanian women toward HRT and to identify factors influencing their awareness and treatment choices. Objectives: 1. To analyze the principles of HRT prescription, including indications, contraindications, patient selection, methods of administration, and treatment-related controversies, based on literature from the past decade; 2. To evaluate Lithuanian women’s knowledge and attitudes toward menopause and HRT by assessing their level of awareness regarding symptoms, therapeutic benefits, risks, and forms of administration; 3. To identify factors influencing women’s awareness and decision-making regarding the use of HRT; 4. Selection of a patient for whom HRT is an appropriate treatment option. Methods: A literature review was conducted using articles, systematic reviews, cohort studies, and other relevant publications retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. Selected articles were published between 2016 and the present. The empirical component consisted of a quantitative study—an anonymous online survey created using Google Forms—in which 92 Lithuanian women participated. Statistical analysis was performed using a significance level of p < 0.05, and associations between variables were assessed using Pearson’s chi-square (χ²) test. Results and Conclusions: HRT is an effective method for treating climacteric symptoms, and its prescription should be based on individualized patient selection and an evaluation of the benefit–risk ratio. Lithuanian women generally perceive menopause as a natural stage of life and possess basic knowledge about HRT; however, more in-depth understanding remains fragmented and influenced by misleading information. Knowledge about menopause and HRT is most strongly influenced by women’s level of education, sources of information, contact with healthcare professionals, and personal experience of menopause. A patient most likely to accept HRT is one who experiences climacteric symptoms that negatively affect quality of life, has received comprehensive information about menopause and HRT from a healthcare professional prior to perimenopause, and has no absolute contraindications, or when the risks associated with relative contraindications are outweighed by the expected benefits of therapy. |
