Uses for testosterone gel

Testosterone has roles in sexual desire and other body functions, but a low blood result alone does not establish that gel is needed. A clinician considers distress, relationship and medication factors, menopause-related changes, pain, sleep and other health conditions before recommending treatment.

The gel is absorbed through the skin and is used in a carefully measured amount. It is not a treatment for every type of tiredness, weight concern or mood change. Benefits and side effects are reviewed because excess androgen can cause acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, voice changes or menstrual changes.

Use testosterone gel only when prescribed and apply it exactly to the instructed skin area. Wash your hands, allow the gel to dry and cover the site to reduce transfer. Keep it away from children and avoid contact with a partner until the area is safe according to the product directions.

Keep a note of changes in desire, distress, skin, hair, voice and periods so your prescriber can judge whether it is helping. Do not increase the amount because improvement is slow or use someone else’s product. See [Testosterone Therapy for Women](/treatments/menopause-and-hormone-therapy/testosterone-therapy-for-women/) for treatment context and [Testosterone Gel](/materials/testosterone-gel/) for the material.

Contact the prescribing clinician about new voice deepening, rapid hair growth, severe acne, significant mood change or unexpected bleeding. Seek urgent help for facial swelling or breathing difficulty after application.

Ask what problem the treatment is intended to address, how benefit will be measured, which tests are needed, when the dose will be reviewed and what to do if pregnancy is possible.