Herbal Testosterone Cream

Herbal testosterone cream is a topical source of the male hormone testosterone. Transdermal testosterone is used for both men and women as a means of addressing various physical, hormonal and sexual conditions. For men, testosterone can be used to relieve symptoms of andropause or male menopause. This decrease in male hormones is characterized by symptoms such as decreased sexual function, decreased muscle mass, weight gain and sleep difficulties. For women, testosterone cream can address low libido or vaginal dryness associated with menopause. It is not considered a medical treatment for any condition.

Function for Women

Herbal testosterone cream is often used to improve sexual function or relieve signs of aging and hormonal changes in either sex. According to a study published in Climacteric, the journal of the International Menopause Society, postmenopausal women demonstrated "significant improvement" in sexual desire over a three-month period by using transdermal testosterone cream. The women also reported more frequent sex, increased receptivity and initiation. However, testosterone cream is not a recognized medical treatment for low libido in women.

Function for Men

Herbal testosterone cream can also be used in addressing male sexual dysfunction, lack of libido, or other health issues related to low testosterone. According to a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, testosterone cream was used by men with erectile dysfunction and low sexual desire. Increased sexual desire was reported by 62 percent of the men using testosterone cream, and improved erection was reported by 13 of the 42 men. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Other Uses

Testosterone cream might also have a potential use for women in addressing dry eye syndrome. According to a study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, androgens appear to play a key role in the glands that lubricate the eyes, and dry eye occurs more frequently in menopausal and post-menopausal women. In the study, a 3 percent testosterone cream improved symptoms and comfort in post-menopausal women with dry eye. Additional studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to the makers of certain testosterone creams for claiming to be "homeopathic" while containing ingredients not recognized in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. Because of the inclusion of such ingredients, the claims made for products manufactured by Libido Edge are in violation of FDA guidelines. The "unapproved uses" for which these products are marketed include fat burning, increased muscle mass, wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity. When considering a testosterone cream, consider the claims carefully.

Risk

MayoClinic.com notes that testosterone therapy of any kind carries certain risks, including increased risk of prostate cancer or other health problems in men. In women, testosterone might result in acne, excess body hair, or excess facial hair. Talk to your doctor about potential risks of herbal testosterone cream.