List of Testosterone Creams
Topical testosterone creams and gels are used to treat low testosterone levels in men. They are also less commonly used off-label for women experiencing low sex drive during menopause, notes MayoClinic.com. Two main testosterone creams exist, as of 2010; they are only available by prescription from a medical doctor. Other options marketed online or in health stores are available; however, the safety in use is questionable, since the products are not U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved.
Androgel
Androgel contains a synthetic version of the hormone testosterone. This cream is a daily use treatment for men who do not produce enough natural testosterone. Androgel is only available by prescription for adult males. According to Drugs.com, topical dosage strength depends on individual needs, however, adults typically apply 5 grams of cream to intact skin once a day. The dosage is increased as needed but not to exceed the maximum dose of 10 grams. Androgel is not recommended for use by females and can cause birth defects if pregnant women come in contact with the medicine. Androgel may cause side effects such as difficulty urinating, swelling of the extremities or blood in urine.
- Androgel contains a synthetic version of the hormone testosterone.
- Androgel is not recommended for use by females and can cause birth defects if pregnant women come in contact with the medicine.
Testim
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Testim is another brand of testosterone cream available by prescription. This cream is marketed by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals and is reportedly beneficial in improving muscle mass, sexual desire and sexual performance in men. Testim is applied directly to the skin and the starting dose is 5 grams, or one tube, used once daily. The dose is increased to 10 grams as needed based on physician recommendation. Side effects include inability to pass urine, lowered sperm count and sleep apnea.
- Testim is another brand of testosterone cream available by prescription.
- This cream is marketed by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals and is reportedly beneficial in improving muscle mass, sexual desire and sexual performance in men.
Homeopathic Testosterone Cream
Homeopathic testosterone cream is available without a prescription. NutraceuticsRX manufactures a 4-oz. dose and reports the 5 percent testosterone cream for men as helpful for increasing sexual energy and desire, decreasing fat and increasing lean muscle mass. This product is available online and contains natural ingredients such as saw palmetto, deionized water and natural omega oils. Homeopathic testosterone cream is not FDA approved and caution with use is suggested. First Testosterone is another cream available online. However, the prescription version is marketed as Androgel, which may be a safer version than the online option.
- Homeopathic testosterone cream is available without a prescription.
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References
- BHRT Resource: Testosterone Cream
- MayoClinic.com: Does Testosterone Therapy Help Increase Sex Drive in Menopausal Women?
- MedlinePlus: Testosterone Topical
- Testim: A Proven Treatment
- Drugs.com: Androgel
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Total testosterone. 2019.
- MedlinePlus. Testosterone injection. Updated March 15, 2019.
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- Kaiser Permanente. Testosterone results. Updated November 6, 2018.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Testosterone use and male fertility. 2015.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Testosterone - what it does and doesn't do. Updated August 29, 2019.
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- Test ID: TGRP; Testosterone, Total and Free, Serum. MayoClinic Medical Laboratories.
- Testosterone: Drug information. Lexicomp, Inc. UptoDate.com.
- Camacho EM, Huhtaniemi IT, O'Neill TW, et al. Age-associated changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular function in middle-aged and older men are modified by weight change and lifestyle factors: longitudinal results from the European Male Ageing Study. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;168(3):445-55. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0890
- Kolettis PN, Purcell ML, Parker W, Poston T, Nangia AK. Medical testosterone: an iatrogenic cause of male infertility and a growing problem. Urology. May;85(5):1068-72. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2014.12.052
- Samplaski MK, Loai Y, Wong K, Lo KC, Grober ED, Jarvi KA. Testosterone use in the male infertility population: prescribing patterns and effects on semen and hormonal parameters. Fertil Steril. 2014;101(1):64-9. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.09.003
- Spritzer MD, Daviau ED, Coneeny MK, Engelman SM, Prince WT, Rodriguez-Wisdom KN. Effects of testosterone on spatial learning and memory in adult male rats. Horm Behav. 2011;59(4):484-96. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.01.009
- van Honk J, Schutter DJ, Bos PA, Kruijt AW, Lentjes EG, Baron-Cohen S. Testosterone administration impairs cognitive empathy in women depending on second-to-fourth digit ratio. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108(8):3448-52. doi:10.1073/pnas.1011891108
Writer Bio
Aubri John has been a contributing researcher and writer to online physical and mental health oriented journals since 2005. John publishes online health and fitness articles that coincide with her licensed clinical skills in addictions, psychology and medical care. She has a master's degree in clinical social work and a Ph.D. in health psychology.