PHARMAC is now consulting on whether New Zealand women should have funded access to a testosterone treatment made for female physiology — not a modified male product.

"I would love for all wāhine to have access to AndroFeme® — a testosterone treatment designed for women for healthcare professionals to feel confident prescribing and recommending it.

Please read my letter explaining why funded access to AndroFeme matters and, if you agree, add your name by filling in the form below.

Lived experiences are powerful. Your stories help decision-makers understand the real-world impact of not having this treatment funded.\

If you’re comfortable, please share your experience so we can include your voice in our submission to PHARMAC."

- Dr Samantha Newman

PHARMAC
PO Box 10254
The Terrace 
Wellington 6143

13th October 2025

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Re: Consultation on Funding AndroFeme®1

Testosterone isn’t just a “male hormone.”

Women make testosterone too and it’s vital for sexual wellbeing and anecdotally energy, confidence, and connection. Androfeme®1 was registered (licensed) on the 24^th April 2025. 

In Australia, testosterone (AndroFeme®) is already licensed for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) a distressing, medically recognised loss of sexual desire that affects 40-50% of women. Over 13,000 Australians have already signed a petition calling for PBS funding, which has been successful.

In New Zealand, there’s still no funded option for women, yet 4 funded options for men (and access to Viagra over the counter)

The impact is real:

• Loss of intimacy and relationship strain
• Decline in confidence, motivation, and self-worth
• Increased anxiety, low mood, and social withdrawal
• More GP visits, more frustration, and higher out-of-pocket costs

The science is clear:

• Global medical consensus confirms the only evidence-based use of testosterone in women is for HSDD in postmenopausal women.
• When symptoms are present, guidelines recommend prescribing under medical supervision at physiological female doses.
• Treatment is safe, effective, and restores quality of life for many women.

The barriers are unfair:

• No funded product or formal education for clinicians
• Women turned away or told it’s “not available”
• Inappropriate use of male products - risking irreversible side effects
• Multiple unnecessary appointments, private costs and huge inequity.

Men have multiple funded testosterone options. Women have none.

This isn’t about luxury or lifestyle. It’s about health, dignity, and equity.

We’re calling on PHARMAC and the Ministry of Health to:

• Fund testosterone for women with HSDD
• Support clinician education and safe prescribing inclusive of wāhine Māori and Pacifica communities. 
• Bring fairness, evidence, and compassion back to women’s hormonal health

Because every woman deserves to feel whole, connected, and herself again.

Fund Testosterone for Women in Aotearoa - now.

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.

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.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Samantha Newman         
Specialist GP FRNZCGP MBChB BSc (hons) DipOMG

Honorary Lecturer at the University of Auckland

Adjunct Research Associate Univ. Monash

Jenna Scullin

Director Cala Clinic