Menopausal Hormone Therapy in the Netherlands: Prevalence, Use Patterns, User Experiences, and Reasons for Use and Non-Use

Background: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) has received renewed clinical and public attention but population-based prevalence estimates and detailed information on women’s experiences with MHT remain limited. This study examined the prevalence and socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics of MHT use among Dutch women aged 40-60 years as well as patterns of use, user experiences, and reasons for use and non-use. Methods: Data for population-based prevalence estimates were obtained from the Dutch Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) in 2024 (n = 924) and 2025 (n = 775), and data on MHT use patterns and user experiences were obtained from a convenience sample collected in 2026 (n = 1,653). Results: Estimated MHT prevalence increased from 5.1% in 2024 to 6.5% in 2025 and married participants were less likely to use MHT than non-married participants. The convenience sample showed that most users reported positive experiences with MHT and substantial improvements in sleep problems, irritability, exhaustion and depressive mood. Nevertheless, many women reported difficulties obtaining adequate information about MHT, optimizing their dosage, and having to consult multiple healthcare professionals before receiving appropriate care. Among non-users, preferences for non-hormonal approaches, concerns about side effects and health risks, and limited knowledge about MHT were common reasons for not considering treatment. Conclusions: MHT use in the Netherlands is increasing but remains relatively uncommon. Users appear to seek and experience benefits from MHT that extend beyond vasomotor symptoms, highlighting the need for longitudinal research on symptom trajectories and treatment outcomes across the menopausal transition.