Unequal access to menopause treatment in Sweden

The proportion of women over the age of 45 who obtain systemically acting estrogens, such as tablets, patches or sprays, has increased from 5.1 percent in 2021 to 8.4 percent in 2025.

"The need to relieve menopausal symptoms has not changed; however, knowledge about hormone therapy has increased," says Maja Österlund at the National Board of Health and Welfare in a press release.

However, access varies greatly. In areas with very good socioeconomic conditions, 12.1 percent received treatment in 2025, while in areas with major socioeconomic challenges, the figure was 3.2 percent.