Topical testosterone is usually provided in a gel, but pharmacists also carry a kit to mix testosterone in a cream base. Both men and women with certain hormonal conditions can benefit from testosterone cream, but it is typically recommended for men, because women can experience significant disagreeable side effects. Testosterone cream is available by prescription only.
Function
Testosterone is the primary male hormone, or androgen. It occurs naturally in the bodies of men and women and is necessary for many bodily processes, including normal sexual development in males, as explained by Drugs.com. Doctors mainly prescribe testosterone cream when a man's body does not produce enough of this steroid hormone.
Hypogonadism
A man's testosterone level peaks about age 20 and then slowly declines for the rest of his life. The drop in testosterone level that occurs later in life is sometimes known as "male menopause." However, the lack of testosterone can be problematic. When a man's sex glands do not produce enough natural testosterone, the condition is called hypogonadism, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Men with low levels of testosterone may experience a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, fatigue, weight gain, decreases in muscle mass and bone mass, and decreases in beard and body hair. Hormone replacement therapy, whether in the form of a patch, gel or cream, will typically be used for the rest of a man's life. Monitoring testosterone levels every five years is a good idea for all men over the age of 35.
Testosterone for Women
Some women may consider using testosterone cream to counter a low sex drive and loss of energy, which can result from having ovaries removed, a hormone-related illness, or a natural gradual decrease in hormone levels during aging and menopause. Testosterone supplementation may relieve symptoms of menopause and improve sex drive, according to some researchers. It may also increase bone density. Although applying testosterone cream to the vaginal area might increase sex drive in women, Health Services at Columbia cautions that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve this use, it may not work for all women, and unpleasant side effects can be significant. Discuss testosterone use with your doctor.
Considerations for Women and Children
Pregnant women should not have any contact with topical testosterone, as it is absorbed through skin and causes birth defects. This contact includes touching a man's skin where he has applied topical testosterone. If this occurs, the woman should wash with soap and water immediately. Topical testosterone also can cause masculinization in children and women, with symptoms of enlarged genitals, pubic hair developing before puberty, increased sex drive, aggressive behavior, scalp hair loss and excessive body hair growth, acne, and irregular menstruation.
Side Effects
Many side effects are associated with topical testosterone, for men and women, according to MayoClinic.com. The most common effects include skin irritation or soreness at the application site, and skin blemishes. Other less common effects may include abnormal skin sensations such as numbness or tingling, less interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression or euphoria, mood changes, memory problems, hair discoloration or hair loss and dry skin. MayoClinic.com recommends getting medical attention if changes in urination occur, such as difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination or blood in the urine.
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