Summary of Findings

A new study reveals a startling decline in the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) among postmenopausal women in the United States from 1999 to 2020.

Research Background

Published online on September 27 in the JAMA Health Forum, the research highlights significant shifts in treatment trends that could impact millions of women.

Study Details

Led by Dr. Lin Yang from Cancer Care Alberta in Calgary, Canada, the investigation analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included a sample of 13,048 American postmenopausal women.

Key Findings

The findings are particularly eye-opening: the prevalence of MHT use plummeted from 26.9% in 1999 to a mere 4.7% by 2020.

Age Group Trends

Interestingly, MHT was historically more popular among women aged 52 to 65 years until 2002. However, since 2005, younger women under 52 have increased their use of MHT, suggesting a shift in treatment preferences.

Demographic Analysis

In the breakdown by age groups, the decline was significant: a staggering 23.5% drop among women under 52 years, a 31.4% decrease for those aged 52 to under 65, and a 10.6% decline among women aged 65 and older.

Racial and Ethnic Differences

The decline in usage was not uniform across all demographics. There was a significant drop among Hispanic women (from 13.8% to 2.6%), non-Hispanic Black women (from 11.9% to 0.5%), and non-Hispanic white women (from 31.4% to 5.8%).

Sociodemographic Factors

Notably, non-Hispanic white women had the highest prevalence rates throughout the study period. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that MHT use also varied significantly based on family income relative to poverty levels and health insurance coverage.

Implications of the Study

The authors of the study emphasized the importance of addressing sociodemographic factors—including age, race, ethnicity, income, and education—in discussions and policies regarding MHT usage.

Calls for Increased Awareness

As more women seek alternatives to traditional hormone therapies, experts suggest that increased awareness and education about menopausal health are necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the cause of this decline could lead to renewed efforts in advocacy and improved health outcomes for women navigating this pivotal life stage.

Next Steps

Stay tuned! You won't want to miss our next deep dive into the latest trends in women’s health and what they mean for your well-being!