Use of testosterone gel

The gel delivers testosterone through the skin. The amount and application site depend on the product and your prescription, so another person’s instructions or sachet should not be copied. Treatment may be considered when a clinician has assessed symptoms, hormonal context and other possible causes.

Too much testosterone can cause oily skin, acne, unwanted hair growth, scalp hair thinning, voice changes or mood changes. Some effects may not fully reverse, which is why dose reviews and any requested blood tests matter. Testosterone is not a general energy booster and is not suitable during pregnancy.

Apply the prescribed amount to clean, dry, intact skin and let it dry before dressing. Wash your hands afterwards, cover the area with clothing and follow the product instructions about bathing. Avoid skin-to-skin transfer until the application area has been washed as directed.

Keep the container out of children’s reach. If another person touches wet gel, wash the contact area with soap and water. Keep follow-up appointments and report new acne, coarse hair, voice deepening, menstrual changes or marked irritability. Read more about [Testosterone Therapy for Women](/treatments/menopause-and-hormone-therapy/testosterone-therapy-for-women/).

Contact your prescriber promptly if side effects develop, you may be pregnant, or the gel repeatedly gets onto another person. Seek urgent help for severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing.

Ask where to apply the gel, what to do after a missed dose, which blood tests are needed, when improvement should be reviewed and how long treatment should continue.