Hormone replacement therapy in Denmark, 1995–2004

Background. Recently, the Danish National Register of Medicinal Product Statistics (NRM) was opened for research purposes, and therefore, on an individual basis, can merge with other national registers. The aim of this study was to analyse the use of hormones based on the individual data of the entire Danish female population, with the focus on a detailed evaluation of specific hormone regimens and factors associated with systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods. All Danish female citizens, aged 15–70 years during the study period 1995–2004, were identified in the Civil Registration System, and their redeemed prescriptions for hormones and medication for diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and heart conditions were retrieved from the NRM. Information on habitation, education, employment and gynaecological surgery was obtained from other national registers. Results. After 2002, the use of HRT was reduced by 65%. In 2002, HRT was most prevalent in women aged 55–59 years, when an average ...