25/01/2026
Testosterone therapy can be genuinely life-changing for some women in perimenopause and post-menopause — I’ve seen it first-hand many times.
It can help improve libido and s*x drive - but women also often report it helps their energy, motivation and overall sense of wellbeing.
Yet testosterone therapy remains one of the most misunderstood areas within menopause care and continues to create controversy and confusion.
Here in New Zealand, women currently have access to two testosterone options:
• Androfeme — the only testosterone product designed specifically for women. It is licensed by Medsafe for use in women, but is not funded by PHARMAC. It costs around $150 - $200 every 3 months.
• Testogel — a testosterone gel designed for men, but prescribed off-licence in small doses to women both here in NZ and internationally. Testogel is fully funded by PHARMAC for men and women.
Male testosterone products like Testogel have been prescribed to women for many years around the world. Using such products is also supported by international guidelines, including those from the British Menopause Society.
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08-BMS-TfC-Testosterone-replacement-in-menopause-DEC2022-A.pdf
Women often respond differently to different testosterone products – which is why choice is so important. Some do brilliantly on Androfeme. Others feel much better on Testogel.
PHARMAC is reviewing whether they should fund Androfeme. I recently found out that they are seeking feedback from women here in NZ who have used testosterone — now or in the past.
So they can make the right decision, PHARMAC need to hear a balanced and representative range of views from women in NZ who have used Androfeme, Testogel or both.
So if you have used any of these testosterone products, please share your feedback with PHARMAC via the website address below – And please do it soon! Because the feedback closes on 30th January!
Https://Pharmac.govt.nz/testosterone
