Many Women Skip Menopause Treatment, Find It Too Costly

Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes — sound familiar?

Menopause symptoms are often dismissed as a normal part of aging but left untreated, they can lead to more serious health problems. Despite the availability of effective treatments, especially hormone therapy, many women manage symptoms on their own.

A new survey by GoodRx finds that many women skip or delay menopause treatment due to cost. About 21% say they’ve postponed care, and 12% report cutting back on other essentials to afford treatment. This comes as experts emphasize that menopause care is not only safe but increasingly vital to long-term health.

Use of hormone therapy, which remains the most effective treatment for hot flashes, has declined from 4.6% of women in 2007 to 1.8% in 2023. Although research shows that hormone therapy is safe for most women when started at the right time and used correctly, that message hasn’t reached all patients or providers.

Access to menopause-focused care remains limited. Many women report that their primary care doctors or OB-GYNs are not well-versed in menopause management. Some are even told their symptoms are something they simply must live with.

Women shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their household budget. Have you had to make difficult decisions between medical care and other essentials? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health.