From the Guidelines
Testosterone gel should be applied to the skin of the back, abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. When applying testosterone gel, it is essential to follow the prescribed instructions to ensure proper absorption and minimize the risk of transferring the medication to others.
- The application site should be clean, dry, and intact, and the gel should be applied once daily, typically in the morning.
- The prescribed amount should be applied and allowed to dry completely before dressing.
- Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after application.
- Showering, swimming, or activities causing excessive sweating should be avoided for at least 2-5 hours after application to ensure proper absorption.
- The application site should be covered with clothing to prevent transferring the medication to others through skin-to-skin contact. Different testosterone gel brands, such as AndroGel, Testim, or Fortesta, may have slightly different application instructions, so it is crucial to follow the specific product's directions, as indicated in the study 1. The gel works by being absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, providing a steady release of testosterone throughout the day to maintain proper hormone levels, which is essential for minimizing the risk of morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
Testosterone gel 1.62% should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin of the upper arms and shoulders. Do not apply testosterone gel 1.62% to any other parts of the body, including the abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits (axillae), or knees The prescribed daily dose of testosterone gel 1.62% should be applied to the right and left upper arms and shoulders as shown in the shaded areas in Figure 1. Testosterone gel 1. 62% should only be applied to the upper arms and shoulders. The area of application should be limited to the area that will be covered by a short sleeve t-shirt.
The placement of testosterone gel on the body is on the upper arms and shoulders. The application site should be limited to the area that will be covered by a short sleeve t-shirt.
- Key areas to apply: upper arms and shoulders
- Areas to avoid: abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits (axillae), or knees 2
From the Research
Testosterone Gel Placement
- The provided studies do not specifically address the placement of testosterone gel on the body 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, it is generally known that testosterone gel is typically applied to the skin, usually on the arms, shoulders, or abdomen, and is absorbed through the skin to increase testosterone levels in the body.
- The exact placement of testosterone gel may vary depending on the specific product and individual patient factors, but this information is not provided in the given studies.
Administration and Monitoring
- Testosterone therapy, including gel administration, should be initiated only after two morning total serum testosterone measurements show decreased levels, and all patients should be counseled on the potential risks and benefits before starting therapy 3.
- Patients receiving testosterone therapy should be monitored to ensure testosterone levels rise appropriately, clinical improvement occurs, and no complications develop 3, 5, 7.
Potential Risks and Benefits
- Potential benefits of testosterone therapy include increased libido, improved sexual function, improved mood and well-being, and increased muscle mass and bone density 3, 5, 7.
- However, there are also potential risks associated with testosterone therapy, including cardiovascular complications, rising prostate-specific antigen levels, worsening lower urinary tract symptoms, polycythemia, and increased risk of venous thromboembolism 3, 6, 7.