From the Research
Clinical benefits from topical testosterone therapy can be expected to occur as early as within 24 hours, with noticeable improvements in sexual function, mood, and energy levels within the first month, and full effects developing over 3-6 months. According to the study by 1, testosterone gel formulations can restore testosterone levels to mid-normal physiological levels within 24 hours. The study by 2 also reports that improvements in erections, libido, energy, and/or mood were reported by 70% of men by 3 months.
Factors Influencing Timeframe
The timeframe for clinical benefits to occur can vary between individuals based on factors such as:
- Age
- Baseline testosterone levels
- Absorption rates
- Adherence to therapy
Monitoring and Follow-up
Patients should apply the medication daily as prescribed and maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor testosterone levels, which should be checked after 2-4 weeks of therapy to ensure proper dosing. As noted in the study by 3, long-term testosterone treatment can have a strong safety profile, but regular monitoring is still necessary.
Importance of Long-term Therapy
It's essential for patients to understand that testosterone therapy is typically long-term, and discontinuation may result in the return of symptoms as hormone levels decline. The study by 4 demonstrates the beneficial effects of transdermal testosterone gel on sexual function, mood, muscle strength, and body composition parameters in hypogonadal men, highlighting the importance of continued treatment for sustained benefits.