Less educated not given full facts on HRT
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Women who are less well educated are more likely to be prescribed hormone replacement therapy than their more qualified sisters, according to a new study.
A survey of more than 1,200 women found that those with no formal qualifications were more likely to be given HRT because they are often given the treatment without really understanding the risks involved.
HRT has been shown to protect against osteoporosis, heart attacks and strokes, but it has also been linked to higher risk of breast cancer.
Better educated women may be more able to discuss the pros and cons of HRT with their doctors and subsequently are less likely to end up being prescribed it, said Rona Rubin, senior lecturer in behavioural sciences at Christ Church College Canterbury. "It highlights a worrying inequality in healthcare for those who are less well educated."
Although women with no qualifications looked for information just as much as the educated women, they were less successful at finding it and were unaware of the right questions to ask. Ms Rubin said this was an area GPs need to address.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments