From the Guidelines
Yes, there are testosterone gel supplements available for women with low testosterone levels, but they are typically formulated for men and require significantly reduced doses. The most commonly used testosterone gels for men, such as AndroGel 1% and Testim 1% gel, can be used off-label for women, but at much lower doses, typically 1/10th of the male dose 1. These gels are applied daily to the skin, usually on the upper thigh or buttocks, and come in various concentrations and formulations, including AndroGel 1%, AndroGel 1.62%, Axiron 2% solution, Fortesta 2% gel, and Testim 1% gel. Some key points to consider when prescribing testosterone gel supplements for women include:
- Starting with low doses and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated
- Monitoring testosterone levels regularly, typically every 3-6 months, to ensure target levels are within the upper range of normal female values (20-45 ng/dL)
- Being aware of potential side effects, such as acne, hirsutism, and male pattern baldness, and adjusting the dose or formulation as needed
- Considering alternative formulations, such as transdermal patches or subcutaneous implants, if skin irritation or other side effects occur. It's essential to individualize treatment and carefully monitor women using testosterone products to minimize potential risks and maximize benefits, as the evidence for testosterone therapy in women is still evolving 1.
From the Research
Testosterone Gel Supplements for Women
- There are no FDA-approved testosterone gel supplements specifically available for women with low testosterone levels 2.
- Testosterone treatment is controversial for women, and long-term outcome data are not available, but prescriptions for testosterone are becoming more common 3.
- Testosterone can be administered by injection, patch, topical gel, pill, or implant, and potential benefits for women include improved libido, increased bone mass, and increased sense of well-being 3.
Available Testosterone Gel Formulations
- Several testosterone gel formulations are available for men, including Tostrex, Androgel, Testim, Axiron, and Testavan, which have a favorable efficacy and safety profile 4.
- These formulations are not specifically approved for women, but some studies have investigated the use of testosterone gel in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) 5.
Research on Testosterone Gel for Women
- A study developed a testosterone film-forming gel for the treatment of HSDD in women, which showed promising results in vitro and in vivo 5.
- The optimized formulation contained Transcutol P, a penetration enhancer, and had good uniformity and release of testosterone in vitro 5.
- The safety of this formulation was evaluated with a skin irritation test, which showed that it could effectively improve skin irritation observed with a marketed transdermal patch 5.