The menopause and hormone replacement therapy: Australian general practitioners' self-reported opinions, attitudes and behaviour

We describe the attitude and views of general practitioners towards the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in metropolitan Brisbane, Australia.

A total of 216 general practitioners were nominated by a random sample of urban-dwelling women aged 45–54 years who formed the Brisbane Women's health study. A 20–30 minute face-to-face questionnaire with the general practitioners was administered and analysed by demographic characteristics.

There was a 93% response rate. Management of the menopause and HRT was routinely undertaken by general practitioners for their own patients. After deciding to in itiate HRT, >60% of general practitioners ordered five investigations or more. They may have confused the risk of thrombo-embolism from oestrogens used in the post-menopause with that for contraception. There were differences between male and female practitioners in some areas. Male general practitioners, in particular, reported more difficulty with tailoring and adjusting regimes.

Specific areas for further education are explored to meet the educational needs of general practitioners.