testosterone gels

by Chris Steidle, MD.

The newest testosterone therapy, in gel form, can produce consistent serum testosterone levels. The hormone is absorbed into the skin, which 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 two brands available, Testim and AndroGel.

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: 

  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 May 2009

  Next article in this series: testosterone contraindications