Consultation rates, comorbidities, and prescriptions for menopausal disorders among Japanese working women: a...

This study estimated annual consultation rates for menopausal complaints among insured women in Japan and examined trends in comorbidities and medication use.

This descriptive study analyzed administrative claims data for women insured by the Japan Health Insurance Association, Japan's largest health insurer. Between the fiscal years 2016 and 2022, 5,833,765 insured women aged 45-57 years were identified. Menopausal disorders and comorbidities were defined using the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, and women with at least one diagnostic code for menopausal disorders during each fiscal year were identified.

The annual consultation rate per 100,000 person-years increased from 6848 in 2016 to 9532 in 2022, and was consistently higher among women aged 50-57 years than those aged 45-49 years. Among those diagnosed, 58% had at least one comorbidity. Sleep disorders were the most common (approximately 26%), consistent across age groups, followed by hypertension (approximately 21%), more frequent in the older group. Among patients with menopausal disorders, 75% received at least one prescription. Kampo medications, which are traditional Japanese herbal formulations, were most used (40%), especially by the younger group. Hormone therapy was second (30%), prescribed more frequently in the older group. For hormone therapy, conjugated estrogens and estradiol were most prescribed, and their usage remained stable. Conversely, prescriptions for progestins and combined estrogen-progestin therapies increased annually.

Consultation rates for menopausal disorders among Japanese working women increased over time, with frequent comorbidities and distinctive Kampo use.