An individualized approach and shared decision-making are essential components of menopause hormone therapy (MHT). However, there is an urgent need for additional research in this area.
Key Findings on Menopause Hormone Therapy
Recent research underscores the importance of a tailored approach to menopause hormone therapy (MHT), revealing a pressing need for further investigation into how menopause affects women across diverse backgrounds.
Conducted by a team of Australian researchers, the study acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of MHT for alleviating menopause symptoms and offering skeletal advantages for many women in midlife.
Importance of Shared Decision-Making
The study emphasized that shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients is crucial, as systemic MHT is recognized as the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.
Current guidelines for MHT highlight the necessity of customizing the type, route, dosage, and duration of therapy based on individual needs and the associated risk-benefit evaluation through shared decision-making.
MHT may be continued as long as the benefits surpass the risks, contingent on effective communication and agreement between healthcare providers and patients.
Need for Comprehensive Research
The findings also pointed to a lack of clinical evidence supporting the long-term use of MHT among some modern cohorts of women, particularly those from various demographic backgrounds.
This comes at a time when women’s health, especially regarding menopause and MHT, is gaining overdue attention.
New Developments in MHT Access
Recently, the Federal Government announced the addition of three new MHT options to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, effective from March 1: estradiol (available as Estrogel), progesterone (known as Prometrium), and the combination of estradiol and progesterone (Estrogel Pro).
Calls for Enhanced Training
Last year, the RACGP informed the Federal Parliament about the necessity for better support and care access for individuals experiencing menopause and perimenopause.
They emphasized that there is an immediate need to upskill clinicians in the indications for prescribing MHT for midlife patients.
Disparities in Research Representation
The researchers also pointed out significant gaps in understanding the effects of MHT on women from diverse backgrounds, stating that there is limited available data for underrepresented groups.
The majority of existing MHT research predominantly features white, socially advantaged women with low rates of underlying medical conditions. Extrapolating findings from these trials to different demographic groups may not accurately reflect their experiences.
Need for Real-World Evidence
The authors of the study called for the urgent collection of real-world evidence to assess quality of life and health outcomes for women receiving MHT outside of clinical trials, which is vital for addressing health disparities among different populations.
Collecting such evidence will help shine a light on the unique experiences of women undergoing MHT and ensure that care is equitable and tailored to their needs.
menopause hormone therapy MHT perimenopause women’s health
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