Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body. It contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of male sexual organs. They also help the body to develop and maintain sexual characteristics like body hair, deep voice, and masculinity. Testosterone belongs to a class of drugs called androgens. Testosterone is a controlled prescription drug that comes in these forms:

  • Topical gel
  • Nasal gel
  • Transdermal patch
  • Bucaal tablet
  • Topical gel

It is also available as an implant that is inserted under your skin.

Testosterone is used to treat hypogonadism in males. Males with this problem can’t make enough hormone testosterone. Testosterone is used for men who have low testosterone levels that are the result of some medical conditions. These include disorders of:

  • Testicles
  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary gland

Uses of Testosterone Transdermal

The type of testosterone transdermal you use affects how much you use and where. In all the cases, it must be applied directly to the skin.

The doctor will conduct some tests to check the level of testosterone. And if the count of testosterone level is low, they will recommend you to use testosterone transdermal patches or gel. These patches replace the testosterone that is produced by the body. You can apply these directly onto the skin in the morning. The patches are commonly applied to shoulder, back, upper arms and thighs. The dose range from 2.5 mg to 5 mg a day. It is imperative that your skin should be dry and clean before applying the patch.

Another way to use the testosterone transdermal is by using a testosterone gel. The gel contains testosterone that is absorbed through the skin to enter the bloodstream. This helps your body reach normal testosterone levels. Gels and creams are mostly used on the shoulders and upper arms of the abdomen. The doses mostly start at 5 mg a day and increase to 10 mg a day. It is advised to avoid contact with women and children for 12 hours. It is better to take a shower before a sexual contact with a female partner.

Side Effects of Testosterone Transdermal

Testosterone Patches

Some of the common side effects of using testosterone transdermal patches are:

  • Back pain
  • Redness, burning, and blisters at the applied area

If these side effects are mild, they may go away within few days. In case they are severe and don’t go away, you should consult with your doctor.

Some of the serious side effects along with their symptoms are:

  • Prostate Cancer
  • Heart attack or heart stroke
  • Swelling of body, feet, and ankles
  • Painful or enlarged breasts
  • Erections lasts longer than 4 hours
  • Sleep apnea (problems while you sleep)
  • Blood clots in lungs or veins of your legs. Symptoms include:
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Chest pain
    • Swelling, pain or redness in leg
  • Enlarged prostate. Symptoms may include:
    • Having trouble in starting urine stream
    • Urine accidents
    • Increase urination at night
    • Increased number of urination throughout the day
    • Weak flow of urine
    • Urge to go to the bathroom right away

Testosterone Gel

Common side effects of using testosterone gel are:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Hair loss
  • Dizziness
  • Having trouble in sleeping
  • Redness or swelling of skin
  • Change in sexual desire
  • Change of skin color
  • Acne

Serious side effects include:

  • Enlargement of breast
  • Breast pain
  • Swelling of feet or ankles
  • Tenderness or testicle pain
  • Yellowing of eyes or skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Weight gain
  • Urination problems
  • Mood changes like depression, hostility or agitation
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Unusual sweating
  • Weakness on one side of the body

Therefore, you must talk to your doctor about the risks of using testosterone transdermal. If you have any unusual problem, call your doctor.

DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.