In recent years, the landscape of menopause care has experienced a remarkable shift. A growing number of women are opting for hormone therapy to manage the challenging symptoms associated with menopause, with the number of treatments doubling over the past decade. This uptick marks a significant change from the historical reluctance toward hormone therapy, a change driven by both evolving research and a deeper understanding of the long-term health benefits.
As of 2025, nearly 380,000 women in Sweden aged 45 and over are receiving hormone therapy for oestrogen deficiency, a staggering increase from just ten years ago. This shift in treatment patterns, reflected in recent statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare, underscores a broader trend in both Nordic and global healthcare systems: women are increasingly seeking relief from the often-debilitating symptoms of menopause. Yet, despite this increase in hormone therapy use, it is clear that many women still forgo treatment.
A Growing Disparity in Menopausal Care
While the use of hormone therapy is on the rise, access to care remains uneven. “Menopause care is very unequal. In vulnerable groups, there is clear undertreatment,” says Angelica Lindén Hirschberg, a distinguished gynaecologist and professor at the Karolinska Institute. This gap in care is particularly concerning given the significant benefits that hormone therapy can offer.
The disparity in treatment access points to larger systemic issues in healthcare, including the need for better education for healthcare providers and more targeted interventions for underserved populations. While some women experience comprehensive menopausal care, many others—especially those from marginalized or lower-income groups—still struggle to receive timely and adequate treatment.
The Changing Perspective on Hormone Therapy: From Scepticism to Support
Hormone therapy has had a complicated history. In the 1990s, it was widely prescribed as a primary treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, following the release of a major study that suggested an increased risk of health complications—such as heart disease and breast cancer—prescriptions plummeted. The study, which focused on older women, revealed that the health risks associated with hormone therapy were more significant than previously believed.
But the tide is turning. In recent years, new research has helped shift the narrative surrounding hormone therapy, particularly regarding its timing and long-term benefits. More recent studies suggest that when initiated near the time of menopause, hormone therapy can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and enhance overall quality of life. As Dr. Lindén Hirschberg explains, starting hormone therapy close to the last menstrual period has numerous benefits, including reducing mortality rates—not just from cardiovascular conditions but also from certain types of cancer.
“While we must always consider the potential risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use, we now know that for many women, the benefits of early hormone therapy far outweigh the risks,” Lindén Hirschberg states. “Not only can it improve the quality of life, but it may also extend life expectancy.”
Dr. Lindén Hirschberg is currently leading a pivotal research study at the Karolinska Institute, examining the differences between two major types of hormone treatments. This research will offer invaluable insights into which type of therapy is potentially safer, specifically in terms of its impact on breast and uterine tissue.
Menopause: A Critical Health Event for Women
Menopause, which marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, is a natural biological process triggered by a decline in oestrogen production. For many women, this period of transition is accompanied by a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, mental fatigue, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido. According to the National Board of Health and Welfare, nearly all women between the ages of 50 and 59 will experience some form of discomfort related to menopause. For a third of these women, the symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment.
The question then becomes: How can healthcare systems better support these women? The National Board of Health and Welfare recommends that hormone therapy should be offered to healthy women under the age of 60, or those within 10 years of their last menstrual period, when symptoms are negatively affecting quality of life. However, there is a significant gap between guidelines and the care women actually receive.
The Path Forward: A More Inclusive Approach to Menopausal Healthcare
As we look to the future, it is essential for healthcare systems to address the inequalities that still exist in menopause care. More comprehensive training for healthcare providers, a deeper understanding of menopause’s diverse impact on women, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations are needed to ensure that all women have access to the care they need.
Moreover, while hormone therapy offers promising benefits, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For many women, a combination of lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and individualized treatments may be necessary. Therefore, ongoing research and patient education will be key in empowering women to make informed decisions about their health during menopause.
Looking Ahead
In our next article, we will explore the growing trend of non-hormonal therapies for menopause and their potential to complement or even replace hormone treatment for certain women. We’ll also dive into the latest innovations in menopause management and how healthcare systems in the Nordic region are adapting to these emerging needs.
We encourage our readers to connect with us and share their own experiences with menopause care. Your insights will help shape future discussions and drive positive change in this crucial area of women’s health.
For ongoing updates, expert insights, and more, stay tuned to the Nordic Business Journal.
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