Testosterone cream is a transdermal hormone therapy prescribed to females, often to manage symptoms associated with reduced androgen levels, such as a persistent lack of sexual desire that causes personal distress. The hormone is delivered through the skin, aiming to restore levels that may decline naturally with age or following surgical procedures like an oophorectomy. Although often considered a male hormone, testosterone plays an important part in female health, influencing energy, mood, and sexual function. Since the doses used for women are significantly smaller than those for men, precise application is necessary to maintain hormone levels within the target premenopausal female range.
Preparing the Dose and Treatment Area
Preparing the Dose
Accurately measuring the prescribed amount of cream is the first step, which is critical due to the low-dose nature of female testosterone therapy. Healthcare providers often prescribe a very small daily amount, such as a pea-sized portion. Patients must use the specific measuring tool provided, such as an applicator, a metered pump dispenser, or a syringe marked with precise volume increments. Applying more than instructed can result in excessive hormone levels, increasing the likelihood of unwanted side effects like acne or unwanted hair growth.
Preparing the Treatment Area
Before application, the chosen area of skin must be properly prepared to ensure consistent and optimal absorption. The skin should be clean and free of lotions, oils, or perfumes that could interfere with absorption. It is important that the skin is completely dry, as moisture can alter how the cream penetrates the skin barrier. Avoid applying the cream to irritated, broken, or freshly shaved skin, as this may lead to excessive absorption or local skin reactions.
Application Sites and Technique
Transdermal testosterone is typically applied to specific body areas that offer thin skin and good blood flow for effective absorption into the bloodstream. Acceptable application sites for female use include:
- The outer thighs.
- The upper arms.
- The buttocks.
- The lower abdomen.
The exact site may vary based on the specific formulation and prescriber’s instructions. Rotating the application site regularly is recommended to prevent localized side effects that can occur with daily use.
To rotate sites, alternate between areas, such as switching between the left and right thigh or the upper arm and the abdomen on successive days. Spread the measured dose thinly and evenly over the designated area using a gentle, circular rubbing motion. Rub the cream into the skin completely until it has fully disappeared and the area feels dry to the touch. This ensures the medication is properly absorbed rather than sitting on the skin’s surface.
The application site must be left uncovered for a specified period to allow for maximum absorption and complete drying. This drying time typically ranges from two to five minutes, depending on the cream’s base. Allowing the cream to dry fully minimizes the risk of the medication being rubbed off onto clothing or transferred to other surfaces. After the drying period, put on clothing that covers the application site to protect the area from accidental contact.
Preventing Accidental Hormone Transfer
Protecting others from accidental exposure is critical when using transdermal hormone creams. The most important immediate step after application is the thorough washing of hands with soap and water to remove any residual medication. Failure to wash the hands can result in the transfer of the active hormone to surfaces or other people through contact. This secondary exposure is especially risky for children and pets, as even small amounts of the hormone can have unintended biological effects.
Once the cream has dried and hands are washed, the application site must be covered with clothing before any close physical contact with adults or children. Testosterone can be absorbed through skin-to-skin contact, potentially causing a rise in hormone levels in the exposed person. In women, this transfer could lead to androgenic effects like increased body hair or voice changes, and in children, it carries the risk of premature puberty. Covering the treated area with clothing acts as a physical barrier to mitigate this risk.
A waiting period is required between application and activities that involve skin contact or water exposure. Patients are typically advised to wait at least two to six hours after application before showering, bathing, swimming, or engaging in intimate physical contact. Water exposure too soon can wash the cream away, reducing the effectiveness of the dose. Intimate contact before the recommended waiting period should be avoided unless the application site is washed thoroughly with soap and water immediately prior.
Managing Treatment Logistics
Handling Missed Doses
Managing the treatment logistics helps ensure consistent therapeutic benefits once the daily application routine is established. If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as the omission is remembered, provided it is not close to the time for the next scheduled dose. If it is nearing the time for the next dose, skip the missed application entirely and resume the regular schedule. Doubling the dose to compensate is not recommended, as this can lead to an undesirable temporary spike in hormone levels.
Storage and Safety
Proper storage of the testosterone cream is necessary to maintain its efficacy and ensure home safety. Store the medication at room temperature, away from direct heat, moisture, and light, as these conditions can degrade the active ingredients. Keep the product in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. This precaution prevents unsupervised access to a potent hormone treatment.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Routine monitoring is essential to ensure the prescribed dose achieves the desired hormonal balance without causing excessive levels. Healthcare providers typically request follow-up blood tests three to six weeks after starting treatment or after any dose adjustment. These tests confirm that the patient’s total testosterone level remains within the normal physiological range for premenopausal women. Regular monitoring allows the provider to make informed decisions about adjusting the dose based on symptoms and laboratory results.