testosterone at a glance
Medicine class
Androgen hormone replacement
Licensed use
Confirmed adult male hypogonadism
Form
Transdermal gel supplied in pumps or sachets
Key precaution
Prevent transfer from treated skin to adults, children and pets
What is testosterone used for?
These gels are licensed for testosterone replacement in adults with male hypogonadism confirmed by clinical features and blood tests.
Licensed: replacement of deficient testosterone in adult male hypogonadism.
Not licensed for women: specialists may prescribe testosterone gel for low sexual desire after menopause when standard HRT has not helped.
How does testosterone work?
Testosterone binds androgen receptors and is converted in some tissues to dihydrotestosterone or oestradiol. Replacing deficient hormone supports androgen-dependent functions including sexual characteristics, libido, muscle, bone and body composition.
testosterone preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 16.2 mg/g
Sachet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 40.5 mg
Transdermal gel
Route: Transdermal
Strengths: 20 mg/g
How to take testosterone
Follow the instructions supplied with the prescribed product because suitable sites and washing precautions differ between gels.
Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin at the product-specific site; do not apply to the genitals or damaged skin.
Tostran is applied to the abdomen or inner thighs. Selected Testogel products are applied to the shoulders or upper arms; the older sachet presentation also permits the abdomen.
Let the gel dry, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and cover the site with clean clothing.
Follow the leaflet’s product-specific waiting period before bathing or washing the site.
Wash the site before close skin contact once the required waiting period has passed.
Keep away from flames, smoking and strong heat until the alcohol-containing gel is dry.
testosterone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Application-site redness, itching, dryness, rash or irritation
- Mood or emotional changes
- Headache, dizziness or altered skin sensation
- Raised blood pressure
- Breast enlargement or tenderness
- Increased haemoglobin, haematocrit or red-cell count
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, including sudden breathlessness, chest pain or painful one-sided leg swelling
- Painful persistent erection
- Severe fluid retention, particularly with breathlessness
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction
- New inability or marked difficulty passing urine
testosterone in pregnancy
These gels are not indicated during pregnancy. Testosterone can transfer from treated skin and may virilise a developing fetus. Pregnant people must avoid contact; after accidental contact, wash the exposed skin promptly with soap and water and seek advice if concerned.
testosterone while breastfeeding
These gels are not indicated for someone who is breastfeeding. Avoid exposing the breastfeeding person or infant to the gel or treated skin. Wash accidental contact promptly and contact a healthcare professional if exposure is suspected.
testosterone interactions
Tell the prescriber about all medicines and relevant laboratory testing.
Oral anticoagulants
Testosterone may increase anticoagulant activity, requiring closer clotting and INR monitoring when treatment changes.
Corticosteroids or ACTH
Combined use may increase fluid retention, especially with cardiac, kidney or liver disease.
Common questions about testosterone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is testosterone gel used for?
Its licensed use is replacement therapy for adult male hypogonadism when testosterone deficiency is supported by symptoms and blood tests.
Where should testosterone gel be applied?
The correct site depends on the product: Tostran uses the abdomen or inner thighs, while selected Testogel products use the shoulders or upper arms. Follow the leaflet for the prescribed presentation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.