Testosterone gel is the newest type of testosterone replacement for men. Gels are applied to and absorbed through the skin so they produce consistent serum testosterone levels. The skin acts as a reservoir that releases testosterone steadily into the bloodstream over a twenty-four hour period.
Testosterone gel is a clear, colorless mixture with an alcohol and water base that dries quickly. Currently, there are three brands available, Testim, AndroGel and Fortesta.
Advantages of testosterone gels:
- Once-a-day dosing
- Normalizes testosterone levels in 24 hours
- Convenient application sites
- Less skin irritation than patches
Disadvantages of testosterone gels:
- Potential for transfer to partner or child
- More expensive than other forms of therapy
Testosterone gel products and websites:
| Product | Manufacturer | Dosing | Administration |
| Testim™ | Auxilium Holdings, Inc. | 5-10 g per day (50 mg testosterone) | Applied daily to upper arms or shoulders |
| AndroGel® | Solvay Pharmaceuticals | 5-10 g per day | Applied daily to abdomen, upper arms or shoulders |
| Fortesta™ | Endo Pharmaceuticals | 10-70 mg per day | Once daily to thighs |
See also: FAQs about testosterone gels
References
Brawer, Michael K., MD. Androgen Supplementation and Prostate Cancer Risk: Strategies for Pretherapy Assessment and Monitoring. Rev.Urol. 2003;5 (suppl 1):S29-S33.
Caruthers, Malcolm, MD. The Testosterone Revolution. London: Thorsons; 2001.
Heaton, Jeremy, P.W., MD. Hormone Treatments and Preventive Strategies in the Aging Male: Whom and When to Treat? Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S16-S21.
Matsumoto, Alvin M., MD. Fundamental Aspects of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S3-S10.
McCulloch, Andrew, MD. Case Scenarios in Androgen Deficiency. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S41-S48.
Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M., Nieschlag, S. Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitution. Berlin: 1998.
Steidle, Christopher P., MD. New Advances in the Treatment of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S34-S40.
Notes
1. Matsumoto, Alvin M. Fundamental Aspects of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Urology. Vol. 5, Supplement 1. 2003;S3-10.
2. Morley, JE. J Gend Specif Med. 2001;4:49-53.
Posted February 2004
Updated September 2011
