Care reality of menopausal women in Germany: healthcare research using quantitative (SHI claims data) and qualitative (survey) data collection

Purpose The transition from the fertile phase of life to menopause is associated with numerous physical changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the most effective and efficient form of drug treatment, involves the use of oestrogens and progestins with the aim of increasing health-related quality of life through symptom reduction, sleep improvement and affect enhancement. Methods The medical care situation and disease burden of menopausal women was investigated by means of a survey of 1000 women aged 45-60 years on the topics of quality of life, menopause and HRT and a quantitative, longitudinal healthcare study based on an anonymised and age- and sex-adjusted Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) routine data set with approximately four million anonymous insured persons per year. Results Out of more than half a million women aged 35-70 years, and with statutory health insurance, (n = 613,104), 14% (n = 82,785) had climacteric disorder documented as a first diagnosis in 2014. The proportion of women with the climacteric disorder, who were prescribed HRT on an outpatient basis, was 21%; according to the forsa survey, 50% of the women surveyed felt moderate to poorly/very poorly informed about treatment options. Conclusion Findings from the health insurance research conducted with different data sources (survey and SHI claims data) indicate the need for increasing awareness and providing an early and informative education on HRT and its risks and benefits.

Automated summary

This study investigates the healthcare situation and disease burden of menopausal women, and finds that a significant number of women suffer from climacteric disorder but have low awareness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Therefore, there is a need to increase awareness and provide early and informative education on HRT.