Population-based survey on menopausal symptoms and treatment use

Objective This article aimed to study the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) among Spanish perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, the presence of menopausal symptoms and the sources of information. Methods The epidemiological study using a survey included Spanish perimenopausal or postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 70 years in August 2021. Results A total of 1254 women were included. In the postmenopausal group, 86% reported one or more menopausal symptoms; the most frequent was vulvovaginal dryness (57%). Among the symptomatic women, 15.2% used some treatment. Vasomotor symptoms (p = 0.001), vulvovaginal atrophy (p < 0.001) and symptoms related to sexuality (p < 0.001) were associated with greater use of treatments; 2.5% of postmenopausal women used MHT. In the perimenopausal group, 75.1% were symptomatic, hot flashes being the most frequent. Only insomnia was related to greater use of some treatment (p = 0.021); 1.6% of perimenopausal women used MHT. The most common reason for women's rejection of MHT was the fear of side effects, especially cancer. The gynecologist was the most frequently used source of information. Conclusions Although there is a high prevalence of symptoms, the use of MHT in Spanish perimenopausal and postmenopausal women is very low.

Automated summary

Despite the high prevalence of symptoms, the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) among Spanish perimenopausal and postmenopausal women is very low. The fear of side effects, especially cancer, is the most common reason for women's rejection of MHT. Gynecologists are the most frequently used source of information.