Okay so you’re looking for a type of testosterone replacement therapy, and you heard of topical testosterone therapy, but what is it? No worries, we are going to give you a quick rundown on topical testosterone therapy, its pros and cons and more!
What is testosterone?
Let’s start from the basics. Testosterone is a type of hormone that is naturally produced in both men and women. However it is more predominant in men and affects them at a very young age and continues throughout adolescence. Testosterone is often blamed for male aggression, sexual frustration, erectile dysfunction and more and as men age their level of testosterone decreases naturally over time much like estrogen does in women. A form of method of hormone replacement, such as topical testosterone may be able to subdue these aging effects and combat symptoms associated with decreased levels of testosterone.
So what is Topical Testosterone?
There are many methods of application in regards to testosterone replacement therapy. A topical testosterone is often a cream, lotion or gel that one applies topically, thus to the skin. It is then slowly absorbed through the skin tissue and into the blood stream replacing the decreased naturally occurring levels of the hormone. One can obtain topical testosterone by consulting with their doctor and getting a prescription. Topical testosterone usually needs to be applied once daily and must be used with precaution.
Side Effects and Warnings
Although popular amongst users, topical testosterone creams can result in some dangerous side effects and it can affect others when not used properly. The largest concern with topical testosterone creams is that fact that it can be transmitted to others. There is a big debate currently running on the efficiency of topical testosterone lotions as a hormone replacement treatment for the simple fact that if another family member should happen to come in to contact with the hormone it can in turn affect their hormone levels causing harm and/or sickness. Extreme precaution must be taken with pregnant women and children as the hormone can be absorbed and passed along.
Signs of Cross Contamination due to Topical Testosterone Application
If your wife or child or another person should come into contact with a topical testosterone cream in which you have applied, be sure to change their clothing and wash their contact skin with warm water and soap immediately. Also be aware of the bedding. If the lotion comes into contact with your bedding, be sure to change right away. The hormone is absorbed slowly through the skin so the sooner you can remove it the better. If in the near future symptoms occur such as unnatural hair growth, increase in size in genitals, change of mood or aggression, or increased sexual desire,be sure to consult with a physician right away. A pregnant motheris also at a greater risk as her unborn child’s health could be at risk. Topical testosterone creams could cause birth defects if absorbed by the mother and transmitted to the fetus. As with all medication; topical testosterone cream should be kept in a safe place, away from children and used accordingly.
Common Symptoms of Topical Testosterone in Men
The number one side effect that tends to occur in men using topical testosterone cream or gel as a hormone replacement therapy treatment is the urge to urinate. You may find the sudden urge to urinate, or to urinate more frequently during the night. In rare circumstances, but in some cases, blood may be present in the urine, if this is the case; one should consult their doctor immediately.
A second common ailment with the use of topical testosterone creams or gels is skin irritation or rash. This is due to the fact that the topical lotion is applied directly to the skin and absorbed through it. Topical lotions are usually applied once daily and thus one may experience soreness, swelling, redness, rash, acne, blisters, itchiness, and/or skin blotchiness at the site of application. To help reduce these side effects,always be sure to apply a topical testosterone
lotion to clean, dry and unbroken skin.
Man Boobs
A third unwanted phenomenon of using topical testosterone creams and/or gels is the unwanted development of breast tissue. Testosterone production promotes the growth of breast tissue. One might experience tenderness, soreness, swelling, and/or growth in and around the breast area. If this should occur be sure to talk to your doctor right away and discontinue use of the cream for the time being.
Mood
Testosterone can also affect mood and mood swings. Usually in the beginning of its use hormone replacement therapy can cause a feeling of mixed emotions, often dizziness, sickness and/ or fatigue. However over time, the body adapts to the new levels of hormone and as a result creates an overall feeling of “well being.” As with all hormones, testosterone adjustment may cause severe mood swings in the beginning. These should subside and if not, again consult with your physician.
In Conclusion
Topical testosterone is just one form of hormone replacementtherapy. It is a popular form of therapy as it is one of the methods available that allows for bio-identical hormones to be used versus synthetic hormones. A bio-identical hormone is one where the molecular structure of the hormone is identical to that produced by your body; where as a synthetic hormone is a manmade hormone that is slightly modified from the version found within the human body. A synthetic hormone is usually modified in order to make it more easily ingested by the human body depending on the method of application.
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor. Tests and screening may be necessary before beginning any form of hormone replacement therapy. All forms of testosterone replacement therapy will require a prescription from your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor of any medication you may be taking as well as any health issues you may have and or diseases, infections, or allergies.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hi albi,
Great information on testosterone topical cream.
Best,
Daisy
February 10, 2014 - 4:44amThis Comment