Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use has declined significantly since 1999, with a staggering 82% decrease in prevalence among women of all age groups. The data, published in the JAMA Health Forum journal, shows that MHT use was highest among white women but lowest among black and Hispanic women.
The decline in MHT use is most pronounced among postmenopausal women aged 52 to 65 years, with a 31.4% decrease between 1999 and 2020. The trend reverses for women younger than 52 years, where MHT use increased since 2005.
Hormone therapy accounted for more than half of all MHT prescriptions during most study periods. However, the use varied significantly among different demographic groups, including age, income level, health insurance status, weight, and smoking habits.
Researchers say that discussions on MHT use need to take into consideration sociodemographic factors such as age, race, ethnicity, income, and education. The decline in MHT use is likely attributed to the publication of negative findings from the landmark Women’s Health Initiative trial in 2002, which suggested that hormone therapy may increase cardiovascular disease and cancer risk.
The sharp decline in MHT use underscores the need for increased awareness and clinician education about current evidence-based practices in menopause management.
Source: https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20240927/menopausal-hormone-therapy-use-fell-82-since-1999-as-negative-perceptions-persist