Julia A Files1, Lisa N Kransdorf2, Marcia Ko1, Juliana M Kling1, Paru S David1, Sandhya Pruthi3, Richa Sood3, Douglas Creedon3, Yu-Hui H Chang4, Anita P Mayer1. 1. Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, North 92nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA. 2. Division of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 7501, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Electronic address: LKransdorf@mednet.ucla.edu. 3. Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 1216 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA. 4. Department of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is available in the United States in formulations that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but also in formulations that have not been so approved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs, and prescribing practices of BHT among healthcare providers. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional self-selected responder survey was conducted of health care providers attending primary care Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences in the United States from May 2012 to April 2013. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items assessing knowledge, beliefs, and current practice around BHT. RESULTS: A total of 366 survey responses were analyzed. Though 69.8% of respondents accurately identified the definition of BHT, only 45.3% were aware that BHT is available in FDA-approved products and 34.2% of respondents incorrectly identified that BHT is available only in custom-compounded formulations. Of those who had prescribed CC-BHT, less than half agreed with the statement "I am comfortable prescribing BHT" (45.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that many practitioners are unaware that bioidentical hormones are available in FDA-approved products. Knowledge gaps identified by this survey highlight the need for and importance of education to further dispel misinformation surrounding the topic.
OBJECTIVES: Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is available in the United States in formulations that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but also in formulations that have not been so approved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs, and prescribing practices of BHT among healthcare providers. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional self-selected responder survey was conducted of health care providers attending primary care Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences in the United States from May 2012 to April 2013. The questionnaire consisted of 26 items assessing knowledge, beliefs, and current practice around BHT. RESULTS: A total of 366 survey responses were analyzed. Though 69.8% of respondents accurately identified the definition of BHT, only 45.3% were aware that BHT is available in FDA-approved products and 34.2% of respondents incorrectly identified that BHT is available only in custom-compounded formulations. Of those who had prescribed CC-BHT, less than half agreed with the statement "I am comfortable prescribing BHT" (45.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that many practitioners are unaware that bioidentical hormones are available in FDA-approved products. Knowledge gaps identified by this survey highlight the need for and importance of education to further dispel misinformation surrounding the topic.