GPs in affluent areas write almost twice as many HRT prescriptions as GPs in poorer regions, a new report claims – exposing the postcode lottery for menopause treatments.
Researchers found that doctors in wealthy counties also spent twice as much on medications, appointments and complementary therapies for women between the ages of 45 and 60.
A stark example of this gap: last year in affluent Winchester, 1,636 items of HRT were prescribed per 1,000 women, compared to just 346 items per 1,000 women in deprived Sparkhill, Birmingham. The NHS spent £26,253 per 1,000 women in Winchester, but only £5,030 per 1,000 women in Sparkhill.
In wealthy Somerset West, 1,676 items of HST are prescribed and £26,221 spent per 1,000 women aged 45 to 60, compared to 275 items and £4,144 per 1,000 women in deprived Barking and Dagenham, east London.
Researchers found that doctors in wealthy neighborhoods also spend twice as much on medications (stock image)
More than 80 percent of women will experience debilitating menopausal symptoms for more than a year (stock image)
According to the study, women from ethnic minorities were the least likely to receive adequate treatment – although this may be due to cultural factors.
The report, commissioned by women’s health company Theramex, recommends more training for GPs on menopause, as well as community involvement to increase awareness of treatments and better access to prescriptions for women.
Some doctors interviewed by the researchers said offering evening, weekend and online appointments had removed many barriers women faced when trying to access treatment.
Janet Lindsay, from the charity Wellbeing Of Women, said: ‘As this report highlights, there are stark inequalities for women using HRT for the menopause.
‘Existing information and care resources are generally not designed to meet the specific needs of women from minority ethnic backgrounds, poorer communities or disabled people, and urgent action is needed to help them get the support they need to have.
‘More needs to be done to ensure that all women have the same access to care and treatment during the menopause, regardless of where they live.’ She said Wellbeing Of Women promotes grassroots groups that work with women from marginalized communities to improve their health outcomes.
In wealthy Somerset West, 1,676 items of HST are prescribed and £26,221 spent per 1,000 women aged 45 to 60, compared to 275 items and £4,144 per 1,000 women in deprived Barking and Dagenham (stock image)
Tina Backhouse of Theramex, who commissioned the research, said: ‘It is not right that women are faced with a cruel lottery for essential care. Despite positive steps, including the publication of the Women’s Health Strategy for England, progress is too slow.
“Every day that passes and every woman who goes without basic care has public health and economic consequences that policymakers must take into account.”
More than 80 percent of women will experience debilitating menopausal symptoms for more than a year, the report said, and many will still have symptoms seven years after their last period.
These symptoms can significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life and lead to an overall loss of productivity.
Education about these symptoms is lacking among the public and healthcare professionals. A 2021 Freedom of Information request, to which 32 medical schools responded, found that 41 percent of British universities have no compulsory teaching on menopause in the curriculum.