To: The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and the Australian Government

Women deserve equitable access to essential healthcare.

In December 2025, PBAC declined to recommend PBS listing for AndroFeme 1 — the only TGA-approved testosterone treatment specifically for post-menopausal women with distressing low libido.

That decision has now led to a Federal Court challenge.

But while the legal process unfolds, women are still paying the price.

The missing piece in menopause care
The recent PBS listing of Estrogel, Estrogel Pro and Prometrium was an important step forward in improving access to body identical estrogen and progesterone.

Yet one vital hormone remains unsubsidised: testosterone.

For some midlife women, estrogen and progesterone are not enough. Testosterone can play an important role in sexual wellbeing, energy, motivation and quality of life, particularly for those diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

The treatment exists. It is TGA-approved.
But without PBS listing, it remains financially out of reach for many.

This is about equity
In Australia today:

Men have eight subsidised testosterone products on the PBS for men.
Women have none. 

As a result, women prescribed testosterone can pay up to 14–16 times more than men for comparable treatment.

This is not a niche issue. It is a funding gap in women’s healthcare.

HSDD is real — and common
Distressing low libido affects up to one in three midlife women.

It can impact:

• Mental health and mood
• Relationship satisfaction
• Self-esteem and identity

This is more than libido.
It is about physical intimacy, connection, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Australia has the opportunity to lead
AndroFeme 1 is manufactured in Australia and is the only female-specific testosterone product approved anywhere in the world for this indication.

We are uniquely positioned to lead in hormone equity, not fall behind.

What we are calling for
We call on PBAC and the Australian Government to:

• Reconsider and approve PBS listing of AndroFeme 1
• Address the gender gap in testosterone funding
• Recognise sexual wellbeing as legitimate, evidence-based healthcare
• Commit to equitable access to menopause treatment

The science exists.
The treatment exists.
The need is real.

It is time.

Women should not have to self-fund essential care while equivalent treatments are subsidised for men.

We believe menopause care, including testosterone when clinically indicated, deserves fair recognition and fair funding.

Signed,

Healthy Hormones and the Australians who believe women’s health deserves equal treatment

 
About Healthy Hormones
This petition was started by Healthy Hormones, a doctor-led, community-powered initiative transforming menopause care in Australia.

Through the free Healthy Hormones app, we're empowering women with trusted information so they can understand their bodies and make confident decisions about their health. We also train and support clinicians to deliver better, evidence-based menopause care.

Advocating for equitable access to hormone therapy is central to our mission. Listing testosterone for women on the PBS is not just about one product, it is about closing a longstanding gap in women’s healthcare.

Learn more at healthyhormones.au or download the free app on the App Store or Google Play.