Insurance Type and Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use Among US Women
By
Arina Chesnokova
Sunni L. Mumford
Allison Schachter
Rebecca F. Hamm
Scott Lorch
Matthew Klebanoff
Sarah Lindley
Erika Harness
Makeba Williams
Marilyn M. Schapira
July 17, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Menopausal Hormone Therapy Utilization in US Women Based on Insurance Coverage
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Menopause Key Mechanisms Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the first-line treatment for bothersome vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause. Target Population Women aged 45 to 64 years experiencing menopause. Care Setting Retrospective cross-sectional study using NHANES data.
Key Highlights
Up to 80% of individuals undergoing natural menopause experience bothersome VMS. MHT initiation and prevalence decreased dramatically after the Women’s Health Initiative trial results. Black or African American individuals report more severe VMS but receive less MHT treatment compared to White counterparts. Insurance coverage significantly influences access to MHT among menopausal women. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Self-reported history of ever having used female hormones is the primary outcome measure. Management
MHT is considered the first-line treatment for bothersome VMS. Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess treatment disparities based on insurance type and race/ethnicity. Risks
Concerns regarding safety of MHT have led to decreased initiation rates. Patient & Prescribing Data
Women aged 45 to 64 years with insurance coverage (Medicaid or private insurance).
Disparities in MHT treatment rates exist among different racial and ethnic groups.
Clinical Best Practices
Consider insurance status when discussing MHT options with patients. Address treatment disparities by understanding the impact of race and ethnicity on MHT utilization. Related Resources & Content
