Research Article Prevalence and Characteristics of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use Among Low-income Women Aged 40–65 Years in China: A Multi-district Cross-sectional Study
by Yang Zhou#1, Changbin Li#2, Yixuan Sun#1, Dongyao Zhang#1, Zhijie Wang3, Mei Wang4, Zhou Liu5, Fengyun Yang6, Minjun Su7, Xixia Pang8, Ruifu Jin9, Fengyin Xu10, Xuelian Chen11, Lin Zhang12, Yincheng Teng*1, Minfang Tao*1
1Doctor of Medicine， Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People’s Republic of China
2Changbin Li, Bachelor, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People’s Republic of China
3Doctor of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200235, China.
4Doctor of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
5Doctor of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
6Doctor of Medicine，Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Jiading District, Shanghai, China.
7Doctor of Medicine, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China.
8Doctor of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Kongjiang Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
9Doctor of Medicine， International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital of the China Welfare Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
10Doctor of Medicine， Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tinglin Hospital of Jinshan District, 80 North Siping Road of Tinglin Town, Shanghai, China.
11Doctor of Medicine， Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Jinshan District, Shanghai, China.
12Doctor of Medicine, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Putuo District, Shanghai, China.
#These authors contribute equally to the paper
*Corresponding Authors: Minfang Tao & Yincheng Teng, Doctor of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, People’s Republic of China
Received Date: 6 June 2026
Accepted Date: 18 June 2026
Published Date: 22 June 2026
Citation: Zhou Y, Li C, Sun Y, Zhang D, Wang Z, et al. (2026) Prevalence and Characteristics of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use Among Low-income Women Aged 40–65 Years in China: A Multi-district Cross-sectional Study. Gynecol Obstet Open Acc 9: 269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29011/2577-2236.100269
Abstract
Background: China faces a burgeoning demand for menopausal health care. Guidelines recommend Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) as the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, the prevalence of MHT use and its influencing factors remains largely unknown in China, especially for women with low socioeconomic status. Low-income midlife women may have limited access to evidence-based menopause counseling and MHT, and understanding MHT use in this group can inform equitable menopause care and community-based health services in China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, multi-district, large-scale study of 6068 women aged 40-65 years with low income from 10 health facilities in 7 districts of Shanghai supported by the Chinese government's public health benefit program. Data from a cross-sectional survey of women between January 2023 and September 2023 were collected from comprehensive and modified questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression for characteristics related to MHT use, adjusting for sociodemographic, reproductive, health and lifestyle factors. Results: Our study revealed the 1.75% MHT use in women with low socioeconomic status in Shanghai. Besides, our analysis revealed that undergoing a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, family history of osteoporosis, hospital-based sample source, regular physical activity, menopause, employment and higher educational level were the independent determinants for MHT use. Conclusions: Our study revealed the low prevalence of MHT use among economically disadvantaged women aged 40-65years in Shanghai. The findings underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to overcome barriers in menopausal healthcare.
Clinical trial number: not applicable.
Keywords: Menopausal hormone therapy, cross-sectional multi-center, DXA, regular physical activity
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