Testosterone gel.... how much is a dose, and how do you apply it?

[Dorje]

Hi all, so my GP recommended I try out some testosterone gel from a sachet.
The gel is prescribed off license to me, as it's formulated for men.
It comes in a sachet, which amounts to 5g, a single daily dose for a man. There used to be a testosterone for women but they don't make it anymore.
I'm on a bioidentical hrt and don't want to take triblone, as I'm happy with the regime I'm on.

My GP recommends a small amount every day. But how small is a small amount? It sort of melts to a liquid when I squeeze it out on my finger, and it's difficult to see how much is there. She recommends I rub it onto my lower abs, but it's all drippy by then...

So, my questions are:

If you use it, how do you do it?

How much do I use.... should this sachet last me a week or 10 days? Obviously I won't need a sachet a day, but how do you measure your amount? Have you a handy spoon, or measure?

Where do you put yours!?

What are the time scales when I could see a difference in energy levels?

Has anyone had any side effects?
Beards, acne, bulging muscles, speeding tickets, toyboys, an appreciation for sports cars
You know, am I going to be able to join a barbershop quartet with my new basso profundo voice, or will I still be able to hit the high notes of Celine Dion not that I want to sing her stuff but you get the picture

Is there a long term higher risk of cancer.... if so what kind, and does anyone know any stats?

TIA fellow vipers ladies

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If you've found this page in your search of orgasm gels and orgasm lubes that have been recommended by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best orgasm gels useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

[Emerald13]

Hi Diana! I am afraid to try testo by my own, my endocrinologist did not agree with my suggestion. I asked for DHEA and said that I can try it with his prescription but with my own responsibility. In general I feel that most docs are not keen on prescribing hormones.

[Bellaciao]

Hey Noess - just to say that Androgel is not available here - we have Testogel but I think it's the same - made by Besins. However Testogel is available as 1 % sachets (although were unavailable for some time. Sachets contain 50 mg T in 5 g gel. The other preparation is the 1.62% gel (as with Androgel) which only comes in a pump pack withTestogel. This contains 1.62 mg T per g gel. 1 pump of 1.25 g gel contains 20.25 mg T so this is where the two pumps of 40.5 comes from. Anyone using this concentration should probably start with a very small ( petit-pois) sized blob of T (unless with hysterectomy + ovary removal presumably when more would be required).

If your libido is good then this is an indication that T levels are probably OK. Women would not take T for muscle tone etc as you would not want to tip the balance in favour of T over O.

[Noess]

Thank you, Bellaciao! It was a bit confusing, the difference between Testogel sachet or Testogel pump. But I understand now; 1% versus 1,62 %.
Muscle strength or libido are not my main concerns now although it would be a great bonus :-) I'm just very tired and can't seem to think straight.
Also anxiety and depressed feelings.
My free testosterone is not calculable and my SHBG is very high so I think I need it. I have a feeling my estrogen is also very low so hoping some
testosterone will be converted to estrogen too. I'm not sure but does estrogen increase libido too?

[Theladyisok]

If used correctly male pattern baldness etc are not a problem if the gel is used sparingly. As my menopause consultant says trying to increase levels a bit but nowhere near male levels. I have just started tostram gel . A pump 3 times a week, varying application site on upper leg( otherwise will get increased hair growth in one spot) .

[Nezaket]

Can somebody please tell me how much to use of the testogel 16.2 mg/g gel pump ..
The Dr has prescribed 1 pump once a day 20.25 mg ..I’m worried this is way too much as never tried before ...what are your thoughts please.
Feeling so stressed about it ,but want an end to the fatigue and lack of libido, so willing to try ,I’m using vagifem 10 micro grams 2x week

[Theladyisok]

If you are wary or worried why not try one pump 3 times a week. If you have no side effects gradually increase to once a day. Work out what is good for you. I was advised to do 3 times and see if any adverse side effects. If not increase.

[Noess]

Nezaket, in my opinion 1 pump of Testogel a day is way to high for a women to start with. From what I' be read on this forum and elsewhere most women start with
5 mg a day ( or less) . That would roughly mean 1/4 of a pump of Testogel every day. One pump or 20,25 mg of Testogel a day is the lowest dose for a men.
Someone on this thread suggested using a seringe. Or maybe you can start with a petit-pois amount every day and go from there. You can find a lot of information
when you read the experiences of other women on this thread. It's very helpful. Good luck!

[Theladyisok]

You are right if that's a man's dose it's far too high for a woman. I have tostran 2% gel. Apparently a man uses 5 pumps . So I am using one. Will let you know it makes any difference to energy levels and who knows my non existent libido.

[Nezaket]

can it be split like that...I thought it would be every day like Hrt....
Forgot to add I’ve had full hysterectomy
Also when did you start and any reactions yet ..good or bad

[Theladyisok]

Only started Mon! I have also had partial hysterectomy at 52. Now 58. I am lethargic, forgetful, lack concentration and lose words. Have no libido. This all crept up gradually .so a once dynamic, intelligent person becomes a shell of former self. I gave up my job as couldn't perform properly in 2016. Now seeing private menopause consultant thanks to my partner. As there is no testosterone treatment for women splitting doses is how it has to be done for testosterone. Not a perfect science unfortunately.
Good luck with yours. Take advice about dosing or go back to Dr to check out what you have heard.

[Theladyisok]

I found this on British Menopause Society web site

"In the meantime, off license use of testosterone gel can be used as an alternative – Testim and Tesostogel can be used at a dose of 0.5 to 1.0 ml per day such that each tube/sachet lasts for approximately 1 week (a large pea sized blob applied to the lower abdomen) or Tostran gel, 1 pump every 2-3 days. As with any off label prescribing, responsibility lies with the health professional rather than the manufacturer/supplier.

Androgenic side effects are uncommon with these female physiological doses and reversible if they do occur, with dose reduction or cessation."

Does that help anyone?

[Bellaciao]

Noess : "My free testosterone is not calculable and my SHBG is very high so I think I need it. I have a feeling my estrogen is also very low so hoping some testosterone will be converted to estrogen too. I'm not sure but does estrogen increase libido too?"

I haven't been on this forum for a while but aren't you taking oestrogen as well? You shouldn't be taking T without oestrogen first. oestrogen can increase libido yes - some women find their libido improves even without adding the T. Not sure whether T does actually convert to oestrogen when added exogenously though - otherwise there would never be a problem with taking it (re androgenic effects).

[Bellaciao]

@Theladyisok - that's helpful but BMS is out of date as Testim is discontinued, and the Testogel sachets were out of stock alhtough may have come in again. If not there is no longer a 1 % dose nor a preparation of T in sachets. Chelsea and Westminster menopause clinic have produced a leaflet but their's is out of date too re Testim and not mentioning the new pump pack. God help us if these docs are prescribing such large doses of T to women. In my view I'm coming to the conclusion that actually this should not be prescribed except by qualified gynae - I dread to think how many women are been given large (male-sized) doses and not visiting forums!

[Bellaciao]

Also - making one sachet last a week is actually quite a high dose and no woman should start with it that high! I'm amazed BMS suggest this - the C & W is lower from what I recall. Using a small pea-sized blob a sahcet would maybe last a fortnight - quite a low dose but better to start low and slow and also the hormones can take up to several months to take effect. It is also recommended that blood levels should be tested after 6 months to ensure no overdosing - but measuring Total T and SHBG and then calculating free T - despite testing T levels in women not being very accurate.

[Theladyisok]

It's all a bit hit and miss with hormones. I found that on BMS dated 2018. However it's the specialists advise . All woni are different . I have eastradiol patches and pessaries. Using testosterone gel every other day. I am waiting for a response lol. My bladder control better on the pessaries which is brilliant but haven't put it under too much stress yet. But I can actually locate my pelvic floor muscles now!

[Noess]

Hi Bellaciao, I'm currently on BCP which contains estrogen but it doesn't seem to work. Even when my gynaecologist gave me extra ethinylestradiol no response
whatsoever. In men exogenous testosterone ( or TRT ) can be converted into estrogen ( men boobs are a sign I believe) So I suppose it can happen to women too.
I've read about testing Testerons levels in women isn't very accurate but I don't know why. Do you? Excuse my grammar, not a native English speaker.

[scottishdaisy]

Hoping I'm not too late to the party... I'm 47 and have been on HRT for a couple of years, but I still feel a bit rubbish. Was at the menopause clinic a couple of months ago and we discussed raising my oestrogen dose before considering testosterone. I've upped it a bit (too much and the side effects were not good) but while I'm coping, I still am lacking in energy and I'm pretty achy. I exercise a lot but am struggling to keep up the levels I used to do.... My question is - for anyone one testosterone - do you feel energy/stamina/mood benefits or is it just libido? I don't have much of a libido - go though the motions once or twice a week while frequently thinking about other things - so it would be nice to feel up for it a bit more frequently but to be honest, it's not my main focus. I'm just tired and a bit sore (and currently feeling very sorry for myself)

[Theladyisok]

Hello Scottish daisy. My libido is marginally better. However I do have more energy and more importantly for me it seems to have brought back my confidence and ability to get out there and do things. My menopause specialist felt my estrogen was too low and has upped that. As I have said the vagifem has helped my bladder control lots. So 3 weeks into testosterone gel I am doing much better. Hoping to get a balance of my hormones that gives me a much better life. I gave up my job as I just couldn't do it any more and haven't found another yet

[Noess]

Hi Scottish daisy,, just started Testogel a week ago, 5 mg a day but no results yet. Will let you know if anything changes. Can't wait...

Found these posts;

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512213000121

www.restartmed.com/low-testosterone-women/

tctmed.com/resource/symptoms-of-low-testosterone-in-women/

Not sure about this one but who knows..:-)
www.biobalancehealth.com/women-physical-signs-testosterone-deficiency/

[Noess]

@Theladyisok, found this regarding bladder issues/ incontinence:

www.renalandurologynews.com/aua-2017-annual-meeting/low-t-ups-ui-risk-in-women/article/661477/

[Theladyisok]

Noess
I've read through them and wish more doctors would learn about womens health related to hormones and the impact of the menopause. However not sure about the bio balance article lol. If I looked like the woman he describes bald, flabby and with lots of wrinkles oh not forgetting flaccid beasts.... I don't think I would want to leave the house... 😂

[Theladyisok]

Oh and I was seeing another gynecologist in the clinic whose response to lack of libido was well just do enough to keep him happy! Wasn't interested in my bladder problems told me to get referral to a urologist! So glad I decided to go back and see another Dr. This has cost a fortune mind. However GP now prescribes teston gel, patches and pessaries so I am happy with current improvements.

[scottishdaisy]

Thanks so much! Noess.. it'll be fascinating to see how you get on... How did you manage to get it? I have to say I've seen Heike Gleser at Ninewells in Dundee - she seems fabulous. Although she did focus on the libido benefits of testosterone. After I stopped crying yesterday I gave the clinic a call and am going to see them on the 20th Feb. Just not sure if I can say I'd like testosterone to see if helps with energy or if I need to bang on about sex. I'd prefer to be honest but I'll fib if it's the only way!!

I had no idea how difficult this stage would be... am convinced that hormones are the reason for pretty much every issue I have. Apart maybe from my achilles injury. But even then I wouldn't be surprised if hormones have something to do with it!!!

[scottishdaisy]

Oh!! Just starting to read the articles, Noess.. marvellous... just at the list of benefits in the science direct article. Perfect!! I hope you find it as life changing as it sounds it could be...

[Wellhellothere101]

Good articles linked. I need to spend some time on these. I posted much further down the thread but my GP referred me to the local menopause clinic to discuss testosterone replacement therapy and the consultant there was happy with me starting testosterone. She initially suggested tibilone to replace my current HRT as there is evidence this increases libido but I was less krem on this as my current HRT suits me really well. I felt the consultant at the clinic wasn't too knowledge about testosterone therapy in post menopausal women which is a shame as I think the benefits are overwhelming! Anyway I started testosterone gel (1-2 sachets per week) abour 6 weeks ago and I feel good on it. My libido has definitely increased, I have more energy and I feel generally happier. My GP will check my testosterone levels every 3 months initially then 6 monthly.
We need to educate ourselves on medical treatment as not all doctors are experts in these matters.