We are calling on the Australian government and the Therapeutic Goods Administration to make necessary healthcare and medication provisions for menopausal women. Current supply and manufacturing issues of the estradot patches (including imported substitutes) and TGA response to date has failed to recognize the importance of estrogen (gel and patches) which is a crucial part of menopausal health. Widespread nation patch shortage had meant increased reliance on estrogen gel, at great expense to consumers.

In New Zealand, estrogel is available at NO charge to patients (effective November 2024),and is fully funded by Pharmac, the TGA equivalent, proving that it is feasible!

Put estrogel on the PBS and fund it appropriately. Prioritise those on the safety net, and those in surgical menopause, but ultimately, make it available to all with a prescription!

Many people experience significant and debilitating menopausal symptoms, which can be mitigated safely by transdermal MHT, including estrogen gel and patches. By ensuring that estrogel is accessible, cost-free and on prescription, we can begin to enhance the quality of life for countless Australian women. This is not a luxury; it's a need and yet, we our most vulnerable women and AFAB individuals are paying an unnecessary pink tax again.

The Australian government must start to put its hands in its pockets to support women at all stages of life, and to give meaningful effect to closing the gender gaps. We have been plagued by shortages of estrogen in various forms since COVID19 with no end in sight. We have to pay whatever the price is, wherever we can source it. Women, particularly those in surgical menopause are put at increased risk of heart, bone and cardiac disease due to the current costs and supply issues associated with estrogen. 

Enough is enough. 

Please, sign this petition to increase the momentum of the Senate Inquiry into Perimenopause and Menopause Issues, and trigger much needed focus and ACTION on the health and well-being of menopausal women throughout Australia.