119: The Testosterone Access Gap No One's Talking About

Dear Menopause

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13d ago 10:24

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We need to talk about the glaring inequity in Australian healthcare that's affecting millions of women. After 18 months on menopause hormone therapy, testosterone has transformed my life, restoring my vitality, sharpening my focus, lifting my mood, and reawakening my sexuality. Yet accessing this life-changing treatment reveals a troubling gender bias in our healthcare system.
While nine testosterone products for men are subsidised through the PBS, Androfeme - the only female-specific testosterone cream in Australia - remains unsubsidised, costing women over $100 per script. This forces many of us to use male-formulated alternatives that require daily careful self-measurement, an imprecise and frustrating workaround that no woman should have to endure.
The numbers are staggering: an estimated 1.34 million Australian midlife women experience Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD), yet face significant barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

Despite testosterone therapy being used safely and effectively for women since the 1940s, with Australian-made Androfemme recognised globally as a gold standard treatment, women continue to bear financial burdens that men don't face for essentially identical symptoms.
The solution is straightforward: include Androfemme on the PBS, just as other menopause treatments have recently been added.
Share this episode with friends, family, healthcare providers, and decision-makers.

Together, we can amplify women's voices and demand the equal treatment we deserve.

Women's health is not a luxury - it's time our healthcare system reflects that truth.

Links:

National Women's Health Advisory Council's Review

What is HSDD?

Australian Paper on HSDD

Testosterone has been treating women since 1940's

Testosterone for women: what you need to know

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Chapters

1. Welcome to Dear Menopause (00:00:00)

2. Testosterone Therapy: My Personal Story (00:00:50)

3. Gender Inequality in Healthcare Access (00:03:12)

4. Understanding HSDD and Its Impacts (00:04:53)

5. Time for Change: PBS Inclusion (00:07:20)

6. Beyond Libido: Testosterone's Broader Benefits (00:09:47)

120 episodes

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