Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust

Menopause is not a niche issue; it’s a universal reality impacting 50% of the world’s population. In New Zealand alone, over 200,000 women endure severe menopausal symptoms each year. Yet, access to high-quality and effective treatments remains out of reach for many, exacerbated by Pharmac’s recent decision to fund only Mylan estradiol patches, excluding the highly effective Estradot patches.

Why This Matters

Estradiol patches, like Estradot, are a lifeline for women managing menopause, whether natural, surgical, or due to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). These patches deliver consistent symptom relief, helping women combat debilitating symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, chronic pain, and fatigue. Many women have shared their struggles with inferior alternatives like Mylan patches, which are reported to have poor adhesion, inconsistent dosing, and skin irritation. For women unable to tolerate oral or gel forms of estrogen, estradiol patches are often the best or only option.

Pharmac’s decision sacrifices quality for supply, forcing women to accept subpar options that fail to meet their needs. This approach ignores the critical fact that hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Removing effective options like Estradot not only threatens the health and wellbeing of thousands but also places unnecessary financial burdens on those already struggling to afford specialist care and GP visits.

Key Concerns

• Quality and Choice: Mylan patches are widely regarded as inferior to Estradot, leading to ineffective symptom relief for many women.

• Financial Impact: Women now face the possibility of paying $30–$40 per month out-of-pocket for Estradot—if it even remains available in New Zealand.

• Health Consequences: Poor symptom management risks worsening mental health, physical wellbeing, and quality of life for affected women.

• Lack of Consultation: Pharmac made this decision without consulting women’s health advocacy groups or considering the lived experiences of those directly affected.

What We’re Calling For

We urge the New Zealand government and Pharmac to:

• Reinstate Funding for Estradot: Ensure women have access to the gold-standard estradiol patch.

• Fund Multiple Options: Provide a variety of effective menopause treatments to address the diverse needs of women.

• Engage with Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with women’s health organizations to make informed, equitable decisions.

How You Can Help

• Sign the Petition: Sign the petition here to demand funding for multiple HRT patch options, including Estradot.

• Share Your Story: Raise awareness of the impact this decision has on real lives.

• Contact Your MP: Advocate for equitable healthcare funding for menopausal women.

• Speak Out to Pharmac: Submit a complaint here.

• Report Side Effects: Register any adverse reactions to Mylan with CARM (Centre of Adverse Reactions Monitoring) here.

Join the Movement

The Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust is committed to fighting for the health and wellbeing of all women. We believe in individualised care and equitable access to effective treatments. Together, we can ensure no woman is left to suffer in silence.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Team at Surgical Menopause NZ Trust