Decrease in MHT Use over Past 2 Decades: Daily Dose

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On September 27, 2024, we reported on findings from a study published in JAMA Health Forum that examined trends in and correlates of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use among postmenopausal women in the US from 1999 to March 2020.

The study

Researchers conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis using data from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 13 048 noninstitutionalized postmenopausal women from 10 NHANES cycles were included in the analysis.

Investigators examined data on prescription medications, menopausal status, sociodemographic characteristics (ie, age, race and ethnicity, income, education level), health insurance coverage, weight and height measures, and smoking status. The prevalence of MHT use was extracted from the prescription medication data collected during NHANES household interviews and MHT formulations were determined by hormone type.

The findings

The prevalence of MHT use decreased among women overall, going from 26.9% (95% CI 22.6%-31.7%) to 4.7% (95% CI 3.4%-6.5%). The use of MHT decreased among all age groups, with the greatest declines observed among women aged 52 years to younger than 65 years. The use of MHT also declined over the 20-year study period in each racial and ethnic group, however, prevalence was lower among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women compared with non-Hispanic White women.

Authors' comment

"Discussions and policy on MHT use need to take into consideration sociodemographic factors such as age, race and ethnicity, income, and education."

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