Home / Health / Menopause Hormone Therapy Use Hits New Low
Menopause Hormone Therapy Use Hits New Low
4 Jun
Summary
- Hormone therapy use dropped from 4.4% to 1.7% between 2007 and 2023.
- Misconceptions about risks and poor clinician education hinder therapy use.
- Rates are at their lowest since the early 2000s, following past study concerns.
Hormone therapy use among women experiencing menopause has fallen to its lowest levels in nearly two decades, according to a new study. Between 2007 and 2023, the percentage of women aged 40 and older using hormone therapy decreased from 4.4% to just 1.7%.
This decline occurred despite increased awareness of menopause and available treatments. Researchers suggest that lingering concerns from the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002, which initially raised safety alarms, continue to influence prescribing practices. Later re-analyses showed hormone therapy to be safe for many women, particularly those in their 50s.
Persistent misconceptions about the risks associated with hormone therapy, coupled with insufficient education for healthcare providers on menopause management, are believed to be key factors. The study also noted higher usage among white women compared to other demographic groups.
Experts emphasize the need for improved education for both patients and clinicians to address these knowledge gaps and ensure women have accurate information to make informed decisions about their treatment options.
