All types of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) work to increase T levels. Yet they aren’t all the same. Some are easier to use while others are more effective.
Here’s what to know about Testogel, aka testosterone gel for men.
Key insights
- What is it: Testosterone gel
- How it’s used: Applied to upper shoulders or arms once per day
- Who it’s for: Men with confirmed low testosterone
- Pros: Avoids needles
- Cons: Can cause skin irritation, risk of transferrance
- Availability: NHS or private prescription
What is Testogel?
Like all forms of TRT, Testogel is a synthetic version of testosterone. It’s a gel that you apply to your skin.
Testogel is a prescription-only medicine for men with clinically low testosterone.
How does Testogel work?
It delivers T through your skin.
The gel contains alcohol, which allows testosterone to be absorbed into your skin’s outer layer. It then gradually diffuses into your bloodstream over the course of several hours.
How long does testosterone gel take to work?
Men usually notice improvements in their low T symptoms within 3 to 6 months. Though it can take up to 12 months to see the maximum benefits.
Typically, energy, mood, and libido levels are the first symptoms to improve. Muscle mass and bone density are some of the slowest.
Head’s up: it’s important to check in regularly with your provider while using TRT, so they can monitor how you’re responding to the medicine.
Who is Testogel for (and who should avoid it)?
Testogel is for men who have confirmed low testosterone. But you shouldn’t use it if you have prostate or breast cancer.
Before starting Testogel, tell your provider if you have:
- An enlarged prostate
- Bone cancer
- High blood pressure
- Severe heart, liver, or kidney disease
- Blood clotting issues
- Epilepsy
- Migraines
- Difficulties breathing while you sleep
They’ll consider this when deciding whether the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks for you.
Testogel can be a good option for people who want to avoid needles. But you have to apply it once (sometimes twice) per day, compared to a few times a week or month for injections. Plus, with gels, absorption of T tends to be low. They aren’t as effective as injections at driving up T levels.
Testogel formats and dosages
In the UK, Testogel comes in sachets or a pump dispenser.
For sachets, the recommended dose is 5g of gel (which contains 50mg of T) once per day. Your clinician might suggest increasing it to 10g (100mg T) daily.
And with pumps, the standard dose is two pumps of the medicine applied once per day (40.5mg T). Again, your clinician might increase this to three (60.75mg T) or four pumps (81mg T) per day.
How and where to apply testosterone gel
Applying the gel is pretty straightforward. Here’s how:
- Choose when you’ll take it. This should be roughly the same time each day.
- Apply the gel in a thin, even layer over both shoulders or upper arms (absorption is better in those areas). No need to rub it in. Your skin should be clean, dry, and healthy.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. This prevents you from transferring the medicine to others.
- Let the gel dry for about 3-5 minutes before putting clothes on.
- Keep the area dry for at least an hour.
This is important: if you come into contact with others after applying the gel, there’s a risk that it will be transferred onto their skin and cause side effects. To avoid that, wash the application site with soap and water at least an hour after applying and then cover the area with clean clothes.
Testogel side effects
Most men tolerate testosterone replacement therapy with minimal side effects. But Testosterone gel side effects can include:
- Breast tissue growth
- Blood becoming thicker
- Mood changes
- Acne
It might also cause skin irritation. And there’s the risk of Testogel being unintentionally transferred to someone else’s skin.
Buying testosterone gel in the UK
Testogel is available on the NHS, though you may need to be referred to a specialist. You can also get it via private prescription. Make sure you get your TRT from a registered provider: otherwise, there’s no guarantee it’s genuine and safe to take.
At MANUAL, we use a TRT cream that absorbs more effectively than gels.
Alternatives to Testogel
If testosterone gel isn’t a fit for you, there are also patches, creams, nasal spray, and injections. Other medicines like Clomiphene could help with low T, too.
But so you know: injections are usually recommended for most men as they’re the most effective.
Find out if you’re eligible for TRT by taking our quiz and doing our quick, at-home testosterone blood test.
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