The Menopause Society Reports Alarming Low Rates of Hormone Therapy Usage
In a striking revelation from the recently concluded 2024 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society, the usage of hormone therapy (HT) among women in the United States remains perplexingly low, despite a wealth of evidence supporting its benefits. The study showcased alarming statistics that highlight the disconnect between available treatments and their actual application in clinical practice.
The Impact of the Women’s Health Initiative
The narrative surrounding hormone therapy began to shift dramatically after the publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002. This pivotal study raised concerns about potential risks associated with HT, including an increased chance of breast cancer and stroke. Following the WHI report, many women, informed by the findings, opted to forgo HT, leading to a pronounced decline in its prescribing rates.
However, in the years since, a series of trials have emerged, painting a more balanced picture of HT. Evidence suggests high safety and efficacy levels, particularly in the management of menopausal symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes. Leading health organizations have since recommended HT as a first-line therapy, sparking hope for increased implementation among women experiencing menopause.
The Benefits of Hormone Therapy
Despite the initial fears surrounding HT, recent studies have identified various benefits that make a compelling case for its usage. Notably, HT has been associated with reduced biological aging—a particularly encouraging development for many women navigating menopause. A recent trial even linked a history of HT use with an impressive 0.17 years reduction in aging discrepancy, independent of socioeconomic status.
These advancements highlight the critical need for women and healthcare providers to engage in informed discussions about the potential benefits of hormone therapy, especially for those dealing with challenging menopausal symptoms.
A Stagnant Landscape: HT Usage Rates
Despite the positive findings and ongoing conversations about the advantages of HT, the rates of prescription remain alarmingly low. Researchers conducted a study evaluating systemic HT usage among women aged 40 and older from 2007 to 2023, meticulously defining HT use as having filled prescriptions for systemic estrogen-containing menopausal HT for at least 180 days within any given year.
The study revealed that, while the population of women in this age group nearly doubled—from approximately 2 million in 2007 to 4.5 million in 2024—the adoption of hormone therapy has not seen a similar trajectory. HT usage plummeted from 4.6% in 2007 to just 1.8% in 2023.
When broken down into age brackets, those who benefited from HT included 3.2% of women aged 45 to 49 years and 6% of women aged 50 to 54 years in 2007, but by 2023, those figures had nosedived to 1.5% and 3.6%, respectively. Intriguingly, even within age groups more likely to experience severe menopausal symptoms, HT usage rates have remained stubbornly low.
Barriers to Hormone Therapy
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director for The Menopause Society, expressed concern over the stagnation in HT rates, particularly noting that less than 4% of women under 60—a demographic often grappling with significant menopausal symptoms—are utilizing HT. Her remarks underscore a critical point: the persistence of substantial barriers to HT use, alongside an urgent need for educational outreach targeting both women and clinicians about effective menopause management strategies.
Moving Forward
The findings presented at the 2024 Meeting of The Menopause Society substantiate a need for persistent advocacy in the realm of menopause transition care. The continued underutilization of hormone therapy—despite its established benefits—is a call to action for healthcare providers and organizations alike.
In conclusion, while the landscape surrounding hormone therapy continues to evolve, the low rates of its usage signal a pressing need for education and outreach. Increasing awareness of the benefits and addressing the misconceptions rooted in past studies will be crucial for empowering women to make informed choices about their health during this pivotal stage of life.
References
- Hormone therapy usage rates still low despite proven benefits. The Menopause Society. September 10, 2024. Accessed September 12, 2024.
- Krewson C. Hormone therapy linked to reduced biological aging. Contemporary OB/GYN. August 30, 2024. Accessed September 12, 2024. Available at: Contemporary OB/GYN.
