Women in New Zealand deserve better access to safe, evidence-based treatment for all stages of life — including midlife and menopause.

There are currently four fully funded testosterone treatment options for men in New Zealand - yet AndroFeme, the only approved option for women remains unfunded.

Many women are unable to afford the cost of AndroFeme - making the safest and most effective testosterone treatment for women out of reach. This is an equity of access issue.

The current alternative

While Testogel is available as a lower-cost option for women, this is problematic as Testogel is a product designed for and studied in men. As a result, a large number of specialists and GP's are unwilling to prescribe Testogel for women due to the lack of safety data and the risk of irreversible side effects. 

AndroFeme is the only testosterone treatment formulated and dosed specifically for women. Women deserve access to safe and effective treatment options, so we are calling on Pharmac make that happen by funding AndroFeme.

Testosterone treatment & HSDD

AndroFeme is currently prescribed for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) - distressing low libido, known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Low libido is the most common sexual complaint in women.

Funding AndroFeme supports patient choice and addresses a long-standing gap in women’s healthcare. Restoring healthy sexual function through appropriate testosterone therapy not only improves a woman’s confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life it also strengthens relationships and family stability.

HSDD affects partners too, men often experience the emotional and relational strain that accompanies loss of intimacy and connection. Supporting women’s sexual health is therefore not only a women’s issue, but a shared wellbeing issue that benefits couples, families, and communities alike.

What we are asking for

New Zealand men have access to four funded testosterone treatment options. We are asking for one. 

We urge Pharmac to prioritise this funding decision in line with its principles of equity, improved health outcomes, and recognition of the broader social and relational impact of sexual wellbeing.

We’re calling on Pharmac to fund AndroFeme in New Zealand now.

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💛 This petition was created in response to the need I’ve seen both professionally and personally. Over the past 18 months of running a menopause clinic (Cala Clinic), I have spoken with a number of patients who are unable to afford the cost of AndroFeme — leaving them without access to the safest and most effective testosterone treatment for women. 

On a personal level, the inclusion of AndroFeme (alongside HRT) has been life-changing. For me it was the missing piece of the puzzle, and I believe it is only right that women have equal access to this safe and effective treatment.