Everything to Know About Androgel

If you’re looking for a convenient method of treating low testosterone or hypogonadism, Androgel is a real possibility. Currently, there are multiple ways to treat low testosterone: injections (with various types), gels, patches, and creams.

In this article, we’ll discuss one of the more well-known gels on the market, Androgel. This topical gel can treat testosterone deficiency, a growing issue in the United States male population.

Androgel: Synthetic Testosterone to Treat Low-T

Androgel is a clear, topical medication that is rubbed onto the skin, almost like a lotion. You can get a pump dispenser or a gel packet. The pump dispenses a single dose of 12.5 or 20.25 mg with one pump. The gel packets are available in 20.25, 25, 40.5, and 50 mg doses.

To apply, you rub one dose per day to the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. You use the palm of your hand to massage it. Sounds super easy, right? So much more convenient than injections and needles! However, there is one downside...

Be Aware of Drug Transference to Others

Unfortunately, with testosterone gels and creams, it is possible to transfer the hormone to others if you’re not careful or aware. This can happen by touching another person after applying the gel. If you have skin-to-skin contact with someone, ensure the application site is washed with soap and water beforehand. It is imperative not to transfer the hormone to women and children.

Testosterone is a potent sex hormone as well as an anabolic steroid. It can cause harmful physical and psychological effects on people who are not used to or do not need large amounts of this hormone. Women who come into contact with exogenous testosterone may develop acne and male characteristics, including body and facial hair.

Children routinely exposed to Androgel may exhibit aggressive behavior or even experience early puberty or swelling of the genitals. Please be mindful and VERY CAREFUL around others when using Androgel.

Side Effects of Androgel

All testosterone replacement treatments can cause side effects, with most of them being the same. Some are mild and will go away on their own once your body gets used to the hormone. One of the most common side effects is skin irritation at the application site, especially if you have sensitive skin. Other mild side effects include:

• increased acne
• headaches (mainly at the beginning of treatment)
• increased blood lipids (get tested regularly!)
• diarrhea (mainly at the beginning of treatment)
• muscle aches or back pain

Some of the more severe side effects to be on the lookout for are:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• irritability
• mood swings/changes
• breathing problems/allergy to the drug
• swelling of the ankles or legs (possible blood clot or circulatory issue)
• blood clots
• long-lasting or frequent erections
• issues urinating

To avoid any other issues while taking Androgel, it’s best to avoid these three prescription drugs:

Insulin: testosterone can lower blood sugar, affecting the amount of insulin your body needs to produce.

Blood thinners: testosterone can increase the effect of blood thinners.

Steroids: the interactions between testosterone and steroids can cause fluid buildup, especially if you are dealing with heart, kidney, or liver disease

The Benefits of Androgel

Now that we’ve discussed the potential side effects of Androgel and what to be cautious with, let’s look at the fantastic benefits of Androgel. If you are suffering from low testosterone, Androgel has been proven to be an effective medication in increasing testosterone levels, as cited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Not only is the use of Androgel as effective as testosterone injections, the way hypogonadism patients were treated “in the old days,” but it can be much more convenient for most patients. This is because it can be rubbed into the skin like a lotion and not injected using a needle.

Most people do not like dealing with needles, and injections are usually more time-consuming in prep, sterilization, and disposal of needles than just rubbing on a gel, especially when this hormone needs to be administered daily. However, with injections, there is no worry about transferring the hormone to someone else.

The health benefits of Androgel, when treating low-T, include:

• improved mood
• increased muscle mass
• more confidence
• decrease in body fat
• increased libido
• more energy

When a man is experiencing low testosterone, it can feel like his world has turned upside down. Hormone imbalance is no joke and can lead to severe effects like depression, anxiety, sexual issues, and weight gain.

It’s not a wonder so many men are turning to treatments such as Androgel. Thankfully, treating low testosterone is a pretty easy fix when diagnosed and treated by an endocrinologist or hormone doctor. There are so many choices on the market today regarding treatment, and Androgel is just one of them.

After learning a bit more about how Androgel works and how it compares to other treatment methods on the market, we hope that the knowledge has helped you to decide which method is suitable for you.

Contact our clinic if you are interested in starting a testosterone replacement therapy program or want to learn more! We are always available for a free consultation.

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