Key Takeaways
- Testosterone gels and creams are absorbed directly into the skin to boost hormone levels. It’s often used by people who prefer topical application over injections or oral medication.
- Testosterone gel side effects can include itchy or irritated skin, acne, mood changes, sexual dysfunction, and more.
- Follow the medication label and your doctor’s instructions when using testosterone cream, including washing your hands after application to avoid unintentionally transferring the medication to another person’s skin.
There are several ways to boost your testosterone levels, with one of the most popular treatments being testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Several types of TRT are available, from injections to topical gels and creams.
But can you get the same testosterone-boosting benefits from a topical TRT as you can from injections?
TRT gel or cream for men has its benefits. For example, there’s no need to deal with sharp needles if that’s not your thing. But there can also be questions of whether testosterone cream is effective…
If you’re trying to decide between topical testosterone and injectable TRT, let’s talk about everything you need to know, from benefits to side effects and more.
What is topical testosterone for men?
Compounded testosterone is often a topical gel applied directly to the skin to treat men with hypogonadism, or low levels of testosterone (T).
While testosterone naturally declines with age, men can experience low T at any time for several reasons. Your doctor can check your testosterone levels with blood tests and assess your symptoms to see if you should use testosterone cream. You may notice these signs of low T as well, including:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Mood changes or depression
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Increased body fat
But what can you expect from this product and how does topical testosterone vs TRT injections compare?
Benefits of topical testosterone gels and creams
As one of the primary male sex hormones, testosterone plays an important role in supporting sex drive, metabolism, reproduction, and other important functions that help you live a healthier life.
Among men with low T levels, using testosterone cream to optimize T levels may lead to several benefits, including:
- Increased libido or sex drive
- More energy
- Improved erections
- Better mood
- Increased muscle mass
If you’re not a fan of needles or oral TRT, topical testosterone cream may be the option for you.
Does testosterone cream work?
When applied to your skin’s surface, testosterone cream is absorbed through the skin to help your body boost its testosterone levels.
Studies have found that topical TRT in the form of a gel improved men’s body composition, mood, sexual function, and more after three months of regular use, with some experiencing improvements by the first week.
Side effects of testosterone gel
While TRT cream can be effective, there can also be adverse risks and side effects of topical testosterone, including:
- Breast enlargement
- Mood Changes
- Acne
- Increased blood thickness
- Skin irritation
However, with the right guidance, treatment, and approach, most of these side effects can be mitigated.
Another risk with testosterone cream is that the medication can be unintentionally transferred to someone else and change their hormone levels as well.
It’s advised that you talk to your doctor before using testosterone cream if you have breast or prostate cancer, sleep apnea, have had a heart attack, or are hypersensitive to testosterone.
How to apply testosterone gel
Testosterone creams and gels are often applied to clean, dry skin daily, around the same time every day. It’s important to follow instructions on the product label.
Remember, the thinner the skin, the better the absorption. Additionally, hair should be removed from the application area as well.
Where you apply topical testosterone may depend on the specific brand you’re prescribed. Some are recommended to be applied to the upper arms, shoulders, or abdomen while others may be applied to the inner thighs.
However, for best absorption the scrotum is the best site for application as the skin is thinnest there.
If you’re unsure about where to apply compounded testosterone creams of gels, or have questions about any instructions on your prescription label, talk to your doctor.
The bottom line on topical testosterone
Testosterone cream is one of several topical testosterone options that increases your hormone levels. Boosting your T levels can improve your health in many ways, from an improved mood and sexual function to more energy.
There are side effects to topical testosterone — like skin irritation, mood changes, acne, or headaches — and the medication can unintentionally be transferred to someone else.
You can learn more about testosterone replacement therapy as well as oral TRT vs testosterone cream to determine which you may want to try.
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