We provide prescription services as part of both initial and follow-up consultations. Please note that there is an additional pharmacy charge of $15 per subsidised item. Non-subsidised medications, such as Androfeme, will incur full pharmacy costs. We offer repeat prescriptions for a fee of $30 per script or $70 annually for all menopause prescriptions.

In New Zealand, testosterone is approved for treating low libido. We prescribe testosterone when deemed appropriate following a comprehensive consultation. The process involves:

• Initial blood test to establish baseline testosterone levels

• Follow-up consultation to review results and determine suitability

• If prescribed, a repeat blood test after 3 months to adjust dosage as necessary

Androfeme Testosterone Cream

Androfeme testosterone cream is not funded and is exclusively available through Bays Pharmacy, which offers nationwide courier service. For more information, please visit the Bays Pharmacy website.

Pre-Appointment Testing

The necessity for pre-appointment tests will be discussed during your consultation. Alternatively, you may consult with your GP to arrange appropriate tests based on their assessment. If you have undergone blood tests or scans in the Wellington region, please inform us of their location prior to your appointment, particularly regarding mammograms. For private imaging, please arrange for the reports to be sent to us or bring them to your appointment.

Blood tests may be necessary to investigate symptom causes or monitor treatment efficacy, such as absorption levels of estrogen patches. For testosterone therapy, an initial blood test is required to establish baseline levels, followed by a test after 3 months of treatment to guide dosage adjustments.

Additional Testing Requests

Blood tests and other diagnostic procedures are valuable tools that require proper context and interpretation by trained professionals. This approach helps minimise false negatives and false positives, which could lead to unnecessary concerns or further invasive investigations. If you wish to undergo specific tests, we recommend discussing this during your appointment to ensure the most appropriate and relevant tests are requested.

Test Results Communication

We typically share test results with your GP, allowing you to access them through the "Manage My Health" online portal via your GP's practice. Our standard procedure is to contact you directly in the event of any abnormal results.

For your convenience, we recommend using a blood testing facility near you. Local laboratories include Awanui Labs. Please note that fasting tests require abstaining from food and drink (except water) from midnight until the 8am blood draw.

For imaging services such as X-rays, mammograms, CT scans, MRI scans, and DEXA bone density scans, we recommend Pacific Radiology or Affinity Imaging. For mammograms or breast ultrasounds, please use either Pacific Radiology or Breast Institute to ensure high-quality imaging. For breast MRI, we recommend Pacific Radiology, as Affinity Radiology does not currently offer this service in the Wellington region. For consistency in DEXA bone scans, we advise using the same machine for future scans.

Due to the comprehensive nature of our consultations, the typical turnaround time for clinic letters to reach you and your referring doctor is approximately two weeks. This timeline may be extended during periods of high administrative workload or when additional information, such as lab results or specialist opinions, is required to finalize treatment plans. If you require your letter urgently, please inform us, and we will prioritize your request to the best of our ability.

We strive to provide comprehensive verbal and written information during your consultation. You will receive a copy of your GP letter to ensure you understand the information provided. In some cases, we may offer guidance to your GP regarding interim steps between appointments.

If you require medical advice between appointments, you have the following options:

• Consult your GP: We maintain a shared care arrangement with your GP, who remains responsible for your overall medical care and should be your primary contact for concerns between appointments.

• Request an early phone or in-person appointment with us.

• For general inquiries, email us at hello@menopauseandme.co.nz, and we will provide guidance as appropriate.

Certain vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D and B12) and minerals (e.g., iron or selenium) may be medically indicated, typically under a doctor's supervision, to ensure proper dosing.

We approach non-prescription supplements and herbal remedies with caution due to the limited evidence base. As practitioners of conventional Western medicine, we consider the following factors:

• Pharmaceutical medications contain pure active compounds that have undergone extensive clinical trials to determine effective and safe dosages.

• Supplements and herbal remedies often reach the market without rigorous testing.

• Herbal remedies typically contain blends of ingredients measured by weight, making it difficult to determine the exact amount of active ingredients.

• We generally do not recommend these products because of the uncertainty surrounding their contents, efficacy, and safety (including potential interactions with medications).

While we respect your right to make informed decisions about your health, we encourage you to discuss any supplement or herbal remedy use with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your overall treatment plan.