Prescribing of noncontraceptive estrogens and progestins in the United States, 1974-86.

This paper describes changes in the prescribing of noncontraceptive estrogens and progestins, using data from pharmaceutical marketing surveys. The number of estrogen prescriptions decreased from 1975 to 1980, and then increased through 1986. Progestin use has increased since 1982; concomitant use of estrogens and progestins increased over time and was common in 1986. The trends suggest that the use of estrogens, particularly the combined use of estrogens and progestins, will continue to increase.