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.