Testogel is a hormone replacement therapy that contains the hormone testosterone, a naturally occurring male hormone that is also found in females. Testosterone has many important functions for women such as maintaining:

• bone density and muscle mass
• cognition (thinking, learning, and understanding information)
• mood
• energy
• sex drive

Testogel can be prescribed to women for the treatment of low sex drive during menopause.

Testogel works by increasing testosterone levels. It is a gel formulation that contains testosterone and is applied directly to the skin where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Testogel is a form of HRT that can be given to menopausal women who are experiencing low testosterone symptoms such as:

• reduced desire to have sex
• less pleasurable sex
• low mood

How long does Testogel last?

One sachet of Testogel should last 8 days. The ideal Testogel dose for women is 5 mg daily and each Testogel sachet contains 40.5mg in 2.55g of gel. It needs to be applied once daily.

How long does Testogel take to work?

It can take several months for Testogel to relieve your symptoms. Young women who have experienced early menopause may also notice benefits when using Testogel. If you have had your ovaries removed, your testosterone levels will fall rapidly because the ovaries are the main site of testosterone production. When you start Testogel treatment, it is recommended that you try it for 3 to 6 months to see if you notice any benefits.

How effective is Testogel?

Research shows that testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for postmenopausal women with a low sex drive. This is because testosterone can significantly increase sexual function, desire, and arousal.

Although it has not been officially documented in clinical trials, some women have reported improvements in cognitive function, joint pain, energy levels and mood, when using testosterone.

Testogel is supplied in a sachet and is applied directly to the skin. You must follow the instructions given by your doctor about how and where to apply Testogel as they may differ from the instructions in the patient information leaflet.

The general instructions for applying Testogel in women are:

• Testogel should be applied to clean dry skin either on the lower abdomen, buttock or thigh.
• The desired dose of Testogel in women is 5mg per day - apply a pea-sized amount of gel from the sachet each day.
• Allow the gel to dry before getting dressed and avoid contact with other people while it is drying (approximately 10 minutes).
• Wash your hands immediately after Testogel has been applied.

You should rotate where you apply Testogel each time you use it. This will help to reduce the hair growth that can occur at the application site. If you experience any hair growth, you can safely shave or epilate it off.

When to use Testogel

Testogel should be applied in the morning. You should avoid washing the area for 2 to 3 hours after application, so it is best to apply it after a bath or shower. This will allow enough time for Testogel to be absorbed.

How often to use Testogel

Testogel should be applied once daily. One sachet should last for 8 days.

How long do you need to use Testogel for

When you first start using Testogel, it is recommended to try it for 3 to 6 months at first to see how well it works for you.

Testosterone gel is generally safe for long-term use. Some clinical studies have analysed its effects in women who have used testosterone replacement therapy for up to 23 years. If Testogel is effective for you, your symptoms may come back if you stop using it.

You can buy Testogel from trusted online retailers like Superdrug Online Doctor. You may also be able to get it from a pharmacy with a prescription from a specialist doctor.

Can I buy Testogel online?

Yes, Testogel can be ordered through Superdrug Online Doctor. It is quick and easy to order, simply:

1. Fill in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Order your preferred choice of treatment and make payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
4. If your order is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address.
5. If your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options.

Can I buy Testogel over the counter?

No, you must have a prescription to buy Testogel, so it cannot be bought over the counter.

Can I get Testogel on the NHS?

Testogel is not currently licensed for use in women but can be prescribed off-label by a specialist doctor for menopausal women, if they think it may help relieve your symptoms. Once a specialist (such as a Consultant Endocrinologist) has initiated your treatment, your GP should be able to continue your therapy for a 3 to 6-month trial.

Like all medicines, Testogel can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.

Common Testogel side effects include:

• mood changes
• hair loss
• dry or irritated skin
• sensitive skin
• changes to blood cell counts
• increased sex drive

Uncommon Testogel side effects include:

• hirsutism (facial or body hair growth)
• acne or greasy skin
• high blood pressure
• flushing
• inflamed veins
• bloating
• fluid retention
• tender breasts

Other reported side effects include:

• tiredness
• depression
• headaches
• dizziness
• feeling sick
• muscle or bone pain
• feeling unwell
• weight gain

For a full list of side effects, you should read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

How long do Testogel side effects last?

There is limited information available regarding the side effects of Testogel in women. As with most medications, side effects may last a few days to a few weeks, but let your doctor know if they don’t go away.

What to do if you get Testogel side effects

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you get side effects while using Testogel. You can also use the Yellow Card Scheme to report your side effects, including any not listed in the patient information leaflet.

Some women report increased hair growth or skin changes in the area where they have applied the gel. Rotating the area where you apply Testogel can help with this or try rubbing in a thinner layer.

Testogel may not be suitable for everyone because certain medical conditions or medicines can interact with Testogel, making it potentially unsafe or less effective. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines. Our doctors will review your answers to the health questionnaire to determine if Testogel is suitable for you.

Before using Testogel, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Testogel or have:

• breast cancer
• epilepsy or suffer from migraines
• high blood pressure
• bone cancer
• blood clotting issues
• thrombophilia
• an increased risk of blood clots, smoking, obesity, any form of cancer, or if you are immobile

Testogel is not recommended for children and should not be used by anyone under 18 years old.

Pregnant women must not come into contact with Testogel. You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Testogel.

Medicines that interact with Testogel

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have previously taken, or plan to take any medicines while using Testogel. Medicines that can interact with Testogel are:

• high blood pressure treatments
• anticoagulants used to thin blood
• insulin
• corticosteroids

Low testosterone treatments for women can come in gels, creams or implants (not available in the UK). Superdrug Online Doctor can provide Testogel 2% for women who are experiencing a low libido during menopause. You can also check your testosterone levels with an at-home testosterone test kit.

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, you may need hormone replacement therapy instead.

Does Testogel cause weight gain?

Weight gain is listed as a side effect of Testogel but is usually reversible if you stop taking it or reduce your dose. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about weight gain. You should not stop or lower your Testogel dose without consulting your doctor.

Can Testogel cause hair growth?

Yes, some women report hair growth, particularly at the site where they apply Testogel. If you experience hair growth, you can shave or epilate it safely. You can limit the chance of hair growth by rotating where you apply Testogel each time you use it.

Can I take Testogel when pregnant?

No, pregnant women should avoid coming into contact with Testogel as it can cause the development of male characteristics in developing babies. If you are pregnant and come into contact with Testogel, wash the area of contact as soon as possible with soap and water.