Topical testosterone creams (which are actually more like gels) are used to treat the male body's inability to create enough natural testosterone, which is called hypogonadism. Testosterone is a hormone that stimulates the growth and development of male sexual organs and maintains secondary sex characteristics, such as a deep voice, muscle mass, and body hair. Testosterone cream/gel can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription and you need to be careful when using this drug.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Using Testosterone Cream
Step 1. Choose your product
Once your doctor has determined that your body is not producing enough testosterone, ask him which product (and strength) is best suited for your condition. Androgel and Fortesta can be purchased in individual packages and in multidose pumps. Vogelxo is available in individual packs, multidose pumps and tubes.
- If you are using the pump for the first time, “fish” it before measuring the first dose by holding the product over the sink and pressing the pump all the way down at least three times for the Androgel and Vogelxo pumps or eight Fortesta pumps.
- Individual packages (Androgel, Fortesta and Vogelxo) are easier to use because they are divided into portions and are easily accessible; You don't have to tear the package to open it.
Step 2. Measure the correct dose
Once the gel pump has been "hooked," place your palm under the pump and press down for the amount your doctor prescribes. The strength of the gel and the number of pumps needed will depend on your baseline testosterone levels and your size. If you are using Vogelxo gel, simply measure the recommended amount onto your hand, usually the size of a coin.
- AndroGel is available in two strength doses: 1% and 1.62% concentration. Both are applied to the skin, but in different amounts.
- The recommended starting dose of Androgel 1% is 50 mg and is applied once to the skin.
- If you're using an individual pack, tear the packet open along the perforated edges, and squeeze the entire contents into the palm of your hand or directly onto the skin your doctor recommends.
Step 3. Apply the cream/gel to the body
Apply testosterone cream/gel to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen (stomach), unless your doctor recommends another location. The stronger concentration of AndroGel (1.62%) is usually only applied to the shoulders and upper arms. In general, creams/gels are applied to areas that are easily covered by clothing so that they are not touched by children, women, and pets.
- Fortesta cream/gel is usually applied to the skin on the front or inner thighs (upper legs).
- In contrast, Vogelxo cream/gel is only applied to the shoulders or upper arms, but not the abdomen or abdomen.
- Testosterone cream/gel is never applied to the scrotum and penis. Do not apply to broken or blistered skin.
Step 4. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream/gel
Immediately after applying testosterone cream/gel on clean and dry skin, it is important to wash your hands with warm water and soap afterwards. The danger of using testosterone gel that needs to be considered is the transfer of some of the hormone to children, women, or pets before it is fully absorbed by the skin of the hands.
- Although testosterone is beneficial for men (in reasonable doses), it can disrupt the hormonal balance in children, women, and pets, such as dogs and cats.
- Do not touch people or pets after using testosterone cream/gel. Wash and dry your hands completely (with a clean towel) before doing anything else.
Step 5. Cover the smeared area with clothes
After you've washed and dried your hands, it's time to put on clothes to cover the smeared area. This step is done to protect other people and pets from your cream. Leave the testosterone cream/gel for at least 10 minutes so that it is absorbed by the skin before putting on clothes and pants.
- Depending on the health and hydration level of the skin, it usually takes 10 minutes before most of the gel is absorbed, or sometimes up to 20 minutes.
- It's a good idea to wear breathable cotton clothes so that the testosterone gel can continue to be absorbed by the skin even after you've put on the clothes.
Step 6. Try not to shower for two hours or more
Just in case, it is best not to moisten the skin for at least two hours after applying the testosterone cream/gel. More specifically, wait at least two hours if you are using AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta or Vogelxo, but you will need to wait up to five hours if you are using AndroGel 1% before you can shower or swim.
- You should also avoid activities that make you sweat a lot for a few hours after using the testosterone cream/gel.
- While the gel/cream may appear to be completely absorbed by the skin after about 10 minutes, it actually takes longer to penetrate all layers of the skin and reach the bloodstream.
Part 2 of 2: Precautions in Using Testosterone Cream
Step 1. See a doctor regularly
You should schedule an appointment with your doctor (say every few months) so he or she can check your progress, take a blood sample, and see if the medication is working as expected. Usually you will need to apply a gel/cream daily for 3-6 months before hormone levels return to normal; sometimes even longer.
- Signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels include: decreased sex drive, difficulty getting an erection, hair loss, lack of energy, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood swings (depression).
- Testosterone gels/creams should not be used to treat the symptoms of testosterone deficiency due to normal aging.
Step 2. Keep this cream/gel away from women and children
While it can significantly improve the health of men with low and abnormal hormone levels, testosterone drugs can be harmful to women and children. For women, this drug can create an imbalance with estrogen and trigger more masculine secondary sex characteristics, such as a deep voice, increased body hair, etc. For children, sexual development can be too triggered or make sex characteristics appear too quickly.
- Testosterone therapy can cause birth defects in pregnant women.
- In fact, if your skin just rubs against the skin of someone who has just applied testosterone gel, the effect is harmless. However, repeated exposure to testosterone can certainly cause harm to women, fetuses, and children, as well as pets
- Children and women should also avoid contact with the clothes of someone using testosterone gel, especially if they have not been washed.
Step 3. Recognize negative side effects
Testosterone is a steroid hormone and prolonged application to the skin (months or even years) increases the risk of negative side effects. The more common side effects include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating and frequent urination because hormone therapy can affect the prostate gland in men. Report any side effects seen to the doctor immediately.
- Other common side effects are: bloating and swelling in the body (face, hands, feet), acne on the face and back, blurred vision, dizziness, facial flushing, headache, aggressive behavior, sweating, hair loss, and increased heart rate. If you have sleep apnea, the condition can get worse and you need to consult a doctor regarding the treatment of the CPAP machine.
- Men taking testosterone creams are also at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism due to the increase in red blood cells that comes from testosterone therapy. It's best to talk to your doctor about these side effects and watch out for leg/calf pain or shortness of breath.
- Using testosterone drugs usually shrinks the testicles due to atrophy (no longer working as hard at producing natural testosterone).
- On the other hand, testosterone gel therapy can enlarge the penis in men, and the clitoris in women.
Tips
- Testosterone gel is flammable to dry on the skin so do not apply near heat sources, flames, or while smoking.
- Store testosterone gel in a closed container at room temperature, away from sources of heat, moisture and direct light. Never freeze this gel.
- If your skin starts to become irritated and itchy from using the testosterone gel, change the location but make sure you check with your doctor first.
- Try wearing it on the other side of the body. For example, use testosterone gel on the right shoulder, and the left shoulder the next day.
- If you notice that you have low testosterone levels when you have a fracture or fracture, it's a good idea to have a bone density test every two years.
- It is recommended that you get a blood test to determine the total red blood cell volume in your body (or hematocrit) before starting testosterone therapy.
