Evaluation: Fewer and fewer hormone preparations during menopause

27.07.2021 10:22

Fewer and fewer women are taking hormone preparations to combat menopausal symptoms. Last year, only about one in 16 working women between the ages of 45 and 65 were prescribed a hormone preparation by their doctor (6.2 percent) - a new low. This emerges from the current health report from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK).

20 years ago, more than one in three women in this age group (37 percent) took hormone replacement preparations to combat the side effects of menopause. In 2010, almost one in ten women was prescribed such a medication (9.6 percent).

The significant decline over the past 20 years is due to scientific studies that demonstrated side effects and risks. Accordingly, certain hormone preparations can, for example, increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, thrombosis and also cardiovascular diseases. Affected women with severe symptoms should carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of taking hormone preparations with their doctor and, if necessary, find out about alternatives.