OBJECTIVES: To determine the availability in Canada of different types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and to compare the availability of HRT products in Canada to their availability in other countries. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of the availability of products indicated for treatment of menopausal symptoms in Canada, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Sweden, and Australia. Products indicated for the treatment of menopausal symptoms were determined for each country by using on-line drug product databases. Products administered by injection and androgen products, unless combined with estrogens, were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: There were 111 different brands identified in the 5 countries examined, with Canada having the lowest number of brands and active ingredients (28 and 22, respectively) compared to the other countries (Sweden and UK at 67 and 47 brands and 39 and 40 active ingredients, respectively). Not available in Canada are 34 active ingredients (either alone or in combination products) and 5 different types of formulations of HRT. There was a significant difference between the number of combination brand products available in Canada and in the UK (5 versus 29, P <.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Canadian women have comparatively few options available to them for the management of menopausal symptoms. The wide range of HRT products available in other developed countries provides alternatives for managing side

Australia↗

PubMed2003

International women's health issues, 2003-2004.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Domestic Violence↗

PubMed2002

The SOGC statement on the WHI report on estrogen and progestin use in postmenopausal women.

The recent Women's Health Initiative study report evaluated the long-term benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy among healthy postmenopausal women. The report showed that the risk-benefit profile of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy was not consistent with the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. The Women's Health Initiative study of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy is a landmark study and the results provide valuable information for patients and clinicians. However, the most common indication for hormone replacement therapy is menopausal symptoms, for which it is effective, not prevention of disease, and the most common use is for less than three years. Nevertheless, even short-term use has small effects on some outcomes. This statement discusses how the findings of the Women's Health Initiative study can be applied to reach appropriate clinical decisions.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Beyond Romanow: the future of women's health care in Canada.

In November 2002, the Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, headed by Mr. Roy J. Romanow, will deliver its final report to the Governor-in-Council of Canada. In October 2001 the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SOGC) submitted to Mr. Romanow concrete ideas and proposed actions to improve the health of Canadian women and their families, and to sustain and strengthen Canada's publicly funded health care system, in its report Ensuring Women's Health: Options for the Future of Canada's Health Care System. This Commentary brings to you the thoughts that the SOGC will continue to forward after the Romanow Commission's report is delivered next month.

Canada↗