Testosterone cream is a form of hormone replacement therapy utilizing a transdermal delivery system, meaning the medication is absorbed through the skin. It is commonly prescribed to treat male hypogonadism, or “low T,” characterized by low testosterone levels. Topical application allows for the steady introduction of the hormone, helping restore testosterone to a normal physiological range. Testosterone cream is available only by prescription and requires strict adherence to a healthcare provider’s instructions.
Measuring and Applying the Cream
Accurate measurement of the prescribed dose is the first step in using testosterone cream safely. If the product is supplied in single-use packets or tubes, they contain the exact amount needed. If using a multi-dose pump for the first time, it must be primed by depressing the pump several times to ensure a full, consistent dose is dispensed. The initial expelled cream must be discarded safely.
The cream should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin, usually in the morning to mimic the body’s natural circadian rhythm of testosterone production. Common application sites include the shoulders, upper arms, or the abdomen; specific brands may direct application to the thighs. Rotating the application site daily or weekly is recommended to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Once the prescribed amount is dispensed, rub the cream gently into the selected application site until it is dry. The goal is to spread the medication in a thin layer across a relatively large area; it is not necessary to forcefully rub it deep into the skin. Immediately after application, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent accidental hormone transfer.
Preventing Accidental Transfer to Others
Preventing accidental transfer of the hormone to others is necessary, as secondary exposure can lead to health consequences. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to these effects. In women, exposure can cause virilization, such as the development of body hair, a deepening voice, or changes in the menstrual cycle. In children, accidental exposure has been reported to cause premature puberty and genital enlargement.
To minimize this risk, the application site should be covered with clothing once the cream has completely dried. Allowing the cream to dry fully before dressing is necessary for both proper absorption and transfer prevention. Users must also avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with others, including intimate partners and children, until the application area has been washed.
It is recommended to wait two to six hours before showering, swimming, or bathing to allow for maximum absorption of the medication. If skin-to-skin contact is anticipated sooner, the application site must first be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Care must also be taken to ensure that pets, which can be affected by testosterone exposure, do not rub against the unwashed application site.
Dosage Schedules and Medical Follow Up
Adhering to the prescribed dosage schedule, typically a single application each morning, is necessary to maintain stable testosterone levels. If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as possible, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule, never attempting to double the dose to compensate.
Regular medical check-ups and laboratory testing are necessary for long-term safe use, ensuring the dose is effective without causing adverse effects. Healthcare providers require blood tests periodically, often every three to six months once a stable dose is achieved. For topical products, testing can occur at any consistent time, which differs from injections that require specific timing.
Monitoring includes measuring total testosterone levels to confirm they are within the target range. Healthcare providers also perform tests to screen for potential systemic side effects.
- A complete blood count is performed to check hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, as testosterone therapy can increase red blood cell production.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are monitored, particularly in men over 40, to assess prostate health.
- Liver function tests are checked periodically.
- Lipid panels may also be checked periodically.