Testosterone Gel for Women: Benefits, Dosage, Safety Advice 

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Benefits of testosterone gel for women

When used under medical supervision, testosterone gel offers several benefits aside from increased libido. These are: 

1. Better arousal and orgasms: Testosterone supports arousal pathways and thus helps you to get in the mood. Studies also show enhanced orgasm intensity and frequency due to boosted nerve sensitivity and sexual response. 

2. Reduced fatigue: Supplementing deficient testosterone levels can help improve your energy levels and reduce persistent tiredness. 

3. Emotional well-being: You might experience better mood stability and reduced irritability as hormone levels balance. 

4. Menopausal support: If you are already on estrogen therapy for menopause, adding testosterone can support the management of symptoms like low libido or low motivation.

5. Better cognitive (mental) focus: You might also experience mental sharpness, clearer thinking and improved daily functioning after treatment. 

6. Improved fertility outcomes: A limited clinical study of 2018 found that testosterone gel may improve egg quality and embryo development in 25 women participants undergoing IVF. 

How to use testosterone gel for women

Testosterone gel works best when applied correctly, in the right amount, and at the same time each day. Always follow your doctor’s directions for safe and effective usage. You can also find answers to all the common questions about using it correctly. 

Where to apply female testosterone gel?

Apply testosterone gel only to clean, dry, unbroken skin. The most commonly recommended application sites for women include the back of the calf, outer thigh, upper arm or lower abdomen (below the navel).  

How much testosterone gel should a woman use?

While the exact testosterone gel dosage will be determined by your doctor based on blood test results, most females require very low doses (about one-tenth) compared to males. Below is a typical dosage chart:  

Diagnosis	Total Testosterone level (nanograms per deciliter)	Free Testosterone level (picograms per deciliter)	Testosterone gel dose for women
Low-normal testosterone	15-40 ng/dL	1.5-3.5 pg/dL	2.5 mg/day
Clinically low testosterone	< 15 ng/dL	< 1.5 pg/dL	5 mg/day
Severe androgen deficiency	< 10 ng/dL	< 1 pg/dL	5-10 mg/day
Maintenance dose after stabilization	15-35 ng/dL	2.0-3.5 pg/dL	2.5-5 mg/day

Regular blood tests will guide your clinician’s dose adjustments to maintain safe, adequate hormone levels. 

How to apply female testosterone gel

Use it only as directed by your doctor. Before and after applying testosterone gel or cream, wash and dry your hands properly. Then, 

• Take the measured dose from the gel packet.
• Apply a thin, even layer to the recommended application site.
• Do not rub vigorously; spread it gently.
• Let the area dry completely. It usually takes 3-5 minutes.

Best testosterone gel for women

Choosing the right testosterone gel can feel overwhelming, mainly because no form of testosterone is FDA-approved for women in the United States and several other countries yet. However, doctors often advise low-dose formulations for women or microdoses of testosterone gels approved for men. 

Some widely-prescribed topical testosterone options are listed below:

1. AndroFeme® Cream 10mg/ml

AndroFeme is the only testosterone cream formulated and marketed specifically for women in countries such as Australia since 2020. It is set to launch in the UK in 2026 after its approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. 

Designed for the treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women with consistent low-dose hormone delivery, it makes dosing easier and more predictable. However, its cost and availability vary by country. 

2. Cernos Gel 1% (5 mg)

Cernos Gel, available in 5 mg sachets, is originally a men’s testosterone gel. But it is commonly prescribed off-label in minimal amounts for women based on blood test results. It is affordable, easy to apply, and widely available online through verified pharmacies. 

3. Testogel (50 mg sachets)

Testogel is another men’s gel used off-label for women at a tiny fraction of the standard male dose. It is cost-effective and globally accessible.

You can purchase testosterone gel for women both offline and online, but only with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. You can also buy it from GoodRxMedicine, a reliable online pharmacy that delivers genuine medications at affordable prices, with secure checkout and discreet packaging. 

Side effects of testosterone gel in females

Testosterone gel can be very effective if you have been diagnosed with clinically low testosterone levels. But like any hormone therapy, it may cause some side effects, such as: 

• Acne: Increased androgen levels stimulate oil glands, which can lead to breakouts, especially on your face, jawline, chest, or back. 
• Skin irritation: It might cause redness, itching, or rash at the site of application.
• Increased hair growth: You may notice darker or thicker hair growth, particularly on the chin, upper lip, or abdomen, like men. This condition is known as Hirsutism.
• Scalp hair thinning: Excess testosterone can sometimes cause hair thinning at the crown or temples, similar to male-pattern hair loss. 
• Voice deepening: Typically rare, but voice change may become permanent if testosterone remains too high for too long.
• Mood changes: Irritability, mood swings, or anxiety may occur if your hormone levels rise too quickly.  

Most of these are mild and reversible upon dose adjustment or discontinuation of TRT. However, less common but serious side effects may include fluid retention, clitoral swelling, or cardiovascular effects. In such cases, report persistent or severe symptoms to your doctor immediately. They may adjust your dose or prescribe an alternative.

Precautions for using female testosterone gel

Review these precautions carefully before starting your hormone replacement therapy: 

• Avoid applying female hormone gel to your breasts, genitals, or irritated skin.
• Keep treated skin covered to prevent transfer to partners, children, or pets.
• Avoid showering, swimming, or engaging in strenuous activity, which can cause sweating for 2 to 4 hours after applying the gel.
• Never increase the dose on your own, even if your symptoms begin to improve.
• Do not apply more frequently or use it for a longer duration than prescribed.
• Do not discontinue therapy without your doctor’s confirmation. 
• Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of hormonal acne, dermatitis, hair thinning, or excess hair growth or are on estrogen therapy for menopause or PCOS.
• If you are suffering from Depression, mood disorders, or Anxiety, disclose all medications to your healthcare provider. 
• Avoid completely if you are taking treatment for hormone-sensitive Cancers.

What happens when you stop using testosterone gel?

When testosterone gel use is discontinued, your body may need time to readjust to lower hormone levels. Stopping it suddenly can cause temporary changes such as reduced libido, fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration or the return of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and sleep issues. 

To minimize these symptoms, you must taper off gradually under medical supervision. In some cases, your endocrinologist may prescribe Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) while tapering to manage withdrawal symptoms and support fertility during discontinuation.  

Conclusion

Testosterone gel for women can help improve low libido, mood changes, and hormone imbalance when used correctly. Because Testosterone Replacement Therapy for women affects hormone levels, it is not suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have hormone-sensitive cancers, uncontrolled acne, untreated PCOS, or severe liver conditions should avoid it. 

Once prescribed, you can get AndroFeme cream, which is approved for postmenopausal women in the UK and Australia. Additionally, testosterone gels for men (Testogel, Testim, Fortesta, and Androderm) may be used, depending on availability, dose requirements, and your hormone profile. 

You must follow your doctor’s dosage and monitoring schedule closely. Apply it only to clean, dry skin on areas like the outer thigh, calf, or upper arm. Allow it to dry completely to avoid transferring it to others. Wait a couple of hours before taking a shower for optimal absorption. Make sure to purchase and use it only from trusted pharmacies with a valid doctor’s prescription.