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

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 ReviewWhat is HSDD?Australian Paper on HSDDTestosterone has been treating women since 1940'sTestosterone for women: what you need to knowThank you for listening to my show! Join the conversation on Instagram

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