[Analysis of prescriptions associated to hormone replacement therapy in Midi-Pyrénées region].

The aim of the present study was 1- to describe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescription in Midi-Pyrénées region (South West France) and 2- to compare the prescriptions of associated drugs to those of women who took HRT with prescriptions to women who did not take HRT. From 2004 to 2008, HRT prescription decreased for women aged 50 to 59 years in Midi-Pyrénées: 13.95% to 10.33% estradiol/progestin association consumers. During the first 6 months of 2008, 20,161 women took the association estradiol/progestin. Transdermal/percutaneous forms of estradiol (71.21%) and natural progesterone were mainly prescribed. The number of different dispensed drugs was significantly higher in the HRT group: 5.18 versus 2.82 in the control group (p < 0.0001). All classes were concerned except antineoplastic drugs and immunomodulators, drugs for diabetes and raloxifene which were more prescribed to controls. In the period of the study, 7,035 patients took estrogen alone (25.87% of HRT consumers). The same phenomena were observed in this group. Women exposed to HRT in Midi-Pyrénées, great consumers of drugs, represent a population who require particular medical supervision, because of the risks of HRT and pathologies and/or numerous associated drugs.