The use of hormones in Norway has exploded, with nearly 350,000 women receiving such treatment now compared to only 200,000 in 2019, according to major media reports. Pharmacies in Norway have been empty of a hormone spray that many Norwegian women use, and deliveries of various hormone products have long been failing, major media reports indicate. The use of hormone spray in Norway has increased tenfold over the same period, major media reports show. Most women in Norway pay for hormone treatment themselves, and the medications are quite expensive, according to major media reports. It remains unclear how many women are currently unable to access hormone treatment due to cost or supply issues.
Menopause is associated with a wide range of symptoms including hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, sleep problems, headaches, joint pain, weight gain, and fatigue, according to multiple reports. Studies show that women experience menopause earlier and are more affected by it than previously thought, major media reports indicate. Most women have menopause (last menstrual period) at age 51 or 52, but it can vary from 45 to 57 years, according to multiple reports.
We know that if the treatment is started close to the last menstrual period, it has great benefit, which in most cases outweighs the risks.
Hormone treatment for menopausal symptoms is debated, with research showing it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease if started early but may increase the risk of breast cancer with long-term use, according to multiple reports. A large study in the 2000s showed increased health risks with hormone treatment, but the results were misleading because the study was conducted on women older than those who typically receive treatment, official sources said. According to Aftonbladet, Angelica Lindén Hirschberg described that if hormone treatment is started close to the last menstrual period, it has great benefit that in most cases outweighs the risks. The specific long-term health risks and benefits of hormone treatment for different age groups and treatment durations are not fully established, and it is unknown how the effectiveness and safety of hormone spray compares to other forms of hormone treatment.
Angelica Lindén Hirschberg, a gynecologist and professor at Karolinska Institute, attributed the doubling of hormone treatment to increased knowledge.
There is growing demand in political parties for hormones to be covered by prescription (blue prescription) in Norway, major media reports indicate. There is explosive growth of private providers in women's health and menopause care in Norway, according to major media reports. What specific measures are being taken to address the supply shortages of hormone products in Norway, and the exact timeline for when hormone treatment might become covered by prescription, remain uncertain.