Health Centres - Testogel (testosterone)
How does it work?
Testogel contains the active ingredient testosterone, which is the same as the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone.
Testosterone is known as an androgen. It is produced by the testicles and is the main hormone essential for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and male sexual characteristics.
The natural production of testosterone is controlled by another set of hormones called gonadotrophins, which are released from the pituitary gland in the brain.
During adult life, testosterone is essential for the production of sperm, the maintenance of sex drive, erectile potency, and the functioning of the prostate gland and other reproductive structures. It also has functions in the skin, muscles, skeleton, kidney, liver, bone marrow and central nervous system.
Low levels of testosterone can cause decreased sex drive, impotence, infertility due to decreased sperm production, decreased mental and physical activity, fatigue and weakening of bones.
Testosterone is given as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels fall too low, causing symptoms such as those above. Natural testosterone levels fall with age and following surgical removal of the testicles (castration). They may also fall due to decreased functioning of the testicles (hypogonadism or eunuchoidism) caused by testicular disease, or by decreased gonadotrophin production by the pituitary gland, as a result of pituitary disease.
Testosterone replacement allows natural testosterone levels to return to normal, thus relieving the symptoms of the deficiency.
Testogel is applied in a thin layer to the skin. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
What is it used for?
- Replacement therapy of low testosterone levels in men.
Warning!
- This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.
- Testogel should only be applied by the man being treated. No-one else should apply it for you. The gel should be applied at about the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Apply the gel as a thin layer onto clean, dry, healthy skin over both shoulders, both arms or the abdomen. Do not apply to the genitals as this may cause irritation. Wash your hands after applying the gel. Allow the gel to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before dressing.
- Testosterone gel can be transferred to other people by close skin to skin contact. You should take precautions to avoid this, particularly to women, pregnant women and children, as the testosterone could have masculinising effects on them. This could cause symptoms such as growth of facial and/or body hair, deepening of the voice or irregularities of the menstrual cycle. To avoid transferring the gel to others, you should wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel.
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