(B-135) Trends in Menopausal Hormone Therapy dispensing in Australia between 2014 and 2023

Background: In recent years, international studies have shown that the use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) has increased again. However, it remains unclear whether similar trends are observed in other high-income countries, such as Australia.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe changes in subsidised MHT dispensing among Australian women aged 50-64 years between 2014 and 2023.

Methods: We utilised a 10% sample of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) database in Australia. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the annual prevalence of MHT using age-specific mid-year population estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The annual prevalence was expressed as percentage (per 100 individuals) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Relative average annual changes between 2014 and 2023 were assessed using linear regression model and stratified by different age groups, routes, and type of MHT.

Results: The overall prevalence of MHT use remained stable, from 10.95% (95% CI: 10.82-11.08) in 2014 to 11.35% (95% CI: 11.22-11.48) in 2023, with a relative annual change of 0.01% (95% CI: -0.76-0.78). The use of transdermal MHT slightly increased, from 2.38% (95% CI: 2.31-2.44) in 2014 to 3.84% (95% CI: 3.76-3.92) in 2023, with a relative annual change of 5.57% (95% CI: 3.64-7.49). Oral MHT remained stable from 1.96% (95% CI: 1.90-2.02) in 2014 to 2.10% (95% CI: 2.04-2.15) in 2023, with a relative annual change of 1.13% (95% CI: 0.15-2.11). Most age groups experienced an increasing trend in transdermal MHT use, with the highest relative increase among women aged 50–54 (relative annual increase: 7.67%, 95% CI: 5.27-10.08). Estrogen-only MHT was the most commonly dispensed, followed by combined MHT and progestin-only.

Conclusions: The overall prevalence of MHT use in Australia remained stable. The modest increase in transdermal MHT use may reflect growing acceptance due to its improved safety profile.