Trends in Government-Subsidised Menopausal Hormone Therapy Dispensing in Australia Between 2014 and 2023

Abstract

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a mainstay treatment for menopausal symptoms. While international studies report rising MHT use, trends in Australia remain unclear. Using a 10% random sample of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data from 2014 to 2023, we analysed the prevalence of MHT dispensing among women aged 45–64. Overall prevalence of MHT dispensing remained stable (relative annual change: 0.42%, 95% CI −0.50 to 1.35). Use of transdermal and intrauterine device (IUD) MHT increased (5.89%, 95% CI 3.88–7.91 and 10.22%, 95% CI 9.48–10.95, respectively), and vaginal MHT decreased (−1.47%, 95% CI −2.30 to −0.63), while oral MHT appeared stable (0.66%, 95% CI −0.04 to 1.36). This study offers a clearer understanding of how MHT use in Australia has changed over the last decade.