Determinants of hormone therapy uptake and decision-making after bilateral oophorectomy (BO): A narrative review

Abstract

Objective Early surgical menopause (≤45 years) can have significant short- and long-term health consequences. Hormone therapy (HT) is recommended for women with no contraindications. However, HT is greatly underutilized among these women due to their fear of the associated risks. The objective of this study is to identify and describe determinants of HT uptake and decision-making in women after surgical menopause. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL, from inception to April 2018, to identify relevant literature. Inclusion criteria included studies that assessed factors affecting the uptake of HT and decision-making about HT after surgical menopause. Studies including both women with natural and surgical menopause were included. Search terms were derived from 3 main concepts: surgical menopause, hormone therapy, and decision-making. Papers included in the review had to be in the English language and to report human studies. Results Of the 1952 articles identified, 23 were eligible for inclusion. Studies were mostly published before the WHI (61%) and had a quantitative cross-sectional study design. Only 22% focused on surgical menopause per se. The mean age at time of surgical menopause was 43.6 years (range 29-68). HT uptake was associated with younger age, higher level of education, higher income and adopting positive lifestyle behaviors. Factors affecting decision-making were mostly perceptions, beliefs, and values women associate with HT, as well as knowledge of and experiences with HT and surgical menopause. External factors related to physicians' recommendations and information sources also influenced HT decision-making. Conclusion Our review highlights the complex nature of decision-making about HT after surgical menopause and the numerous factors involved. Women tend to rely on subjective perceptions and inferences from information sources, which may hamper the ability to make informed treatment decisions. There is a need for tailored decision-aid interventions to help support women and guide informed treatment decisions.

Keywords: Decision-making; Factors; HT; Hormone therapy; Surgical menopause.