Zdravniški Vestnik (Dec 2008)
QUALITY OF LIFE, COUNSELLING AND HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomedical discourse dominates research literature and media accounts of menopause.Symptoms of menopause and psychosocial, cultural and interpersonal interactions inevitably influence the quality of life.In this article, different views on menopause are presented: from the standpoints ofwomen, men, and medical experts. Treatment decisions can be made between hormonalreplacement therapy and other, less researched remedies. Shared decision makingsignificantly improves adherence to treatment and facilitates better treatment outcomes.This can be made possible if the patient is adequately informed about the benefits and risksof the therapy. A trusting relationship between the doctor and patient and excellentcommunication between them is a key to better outcomes. The article brings an overviewof some of the research on quality of life in menopause, and counselling concerninghormonal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS Quality of life in menopause is a result of many factors and therefore it is very individual.Hormone replacement therapy is one of the possibilities of improvement. Therefore, it isessential that a woman is adequately informed about all the advantages and risks of thehormonal replacement therapy. Only an informed patient can be a partner in shareddecision making about the improvement of quality of life