More and more men are becoming aware of the fact that their low testosterone is affecting their life and are seeking treatment to improve it. Currently, testosterone replacement therapy is available in a variety of forms. Initially testosterone was available only in injectable form but nowadays can be utilized in creams, patches, implants and more recently in the gel and stick form.
The most popular brand of testosterone gels in North-America contains 1.62% of testosterone which must be used daily to treat low testosterone levels and improve symptoms like low libido, loss of muscle volume, increased abdominal fat and decreased bone density. Research studies conducted in participants receiving testosterone gel showed improvement in sexual desire, sexual function, mood and fatigue. There was enhanced muscle mass and decreased body fat after only three months of use, while increased bone strengths was noted after six months.
Using testosterone gel with the multi-dose pump is easy. The pump contains the exact amount of medicine recommended by the doctor, and the full package offers a 30 day supply of testosterone gel. The gel should be applied on dry, clean and intact skin, anywhere on the body except the genitals. Most men prefer to apply the gel on the shoulders, upper arms or stomach area. The individual packaged form of testosterone gel is used similarly, but instead of using the pump, the package has to be open, the contents placed in the palm and then spread on different parts of the body. Testosterone will then be absorbed from the skin and raise testosterone levels.
Because testosterone is easily absorbed in the skin, it is important to wash the area well after it is applied because skin to skin contact with a woman or a child can accidentally expose them to testosterone.
The testosterone stick is applied similarly as a deodorant is applied and was first approved by the FDA in 2011. This formula is applied via an underarm applicator. Based on research studies, it appears that the regular deodorant does not interfere with the absorption of the testosterone stick. The regular deodorant should be used first because it could get contaminated with testosterone.
The leading researcher of this form of testosterone application found in a study that 72% of the subjects achieved normal testosterone levels using the recommended 60 mg starting dose by day 15. He further noted that the cost of a testosterone stick is similar with the gel, but it is much safer for other people as it eliminates the accidental exposure to children or women that occurred with the gel formula. When children were exposed to testosterone thru incidental contact, the children manifested virilization.
Similar to other testosterone based products, both the gel and the stick should not be used if you suffer from an allergy to any of the ingredients (including inactive ingredients such as soy). Both formulas are designed for men only and require a prescription from a health care professional. A blood test should be done after few months to evaluate the progress.
References:
http://www.renalandurologynews.com/underarm-testosterone-therapy-cleared/article/206306/
http://www.androgel.com/about-androgel-1-percent.aspx
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