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

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.