- hot flushes
- acne
- depression
- restlessness
- irritability
- aggression
- tiredness
- general weakness
- excessive sweating
As a result of using testosterone replacement, your natural
production of testosterone may be reduced. This may also lead to a
reduction in sperm production. This will mean that your fertility will
be affected by going onto testosterone replacement therapy. If you
are considering having children in the future you should discuss this
with your endocrinologist prior to starting treatment.
Are there any alternatives?
Testosterone undecanoate (brand name Nebido) is commonly
used for testosterone replacement therapy. This injection is
given intramuscularly (into the muscle) every 12 weeks by the
endocrinology nursing team. This interval can be altered if advised
by your endocrinologist.
Alternatively, replacement therapy can be given using Sustanon
(a combination of four forms of testosterone) by more frequent
injections (every two to four weeks).
The advantage of having injections is reduced frequency. The
disadvantages include pain at injection site, the need for a health
professional to administer the injection and end-of-dose fluctuation
in symptoms.
Testosterone can also be replaced using a testosterone gel that is
absorbed through the skin. There are various formulations available
which are applied in different ways.
For Tostran
Apply gel on clean, dry, intact skin of abdomen (tummy) or both
inner thighs, preferably in the morning. Gently rub in with a finger
until dry before dressing. Wash hands with soap and water after
applying gel. Avoid washing application site for at least two hours.
Not to be applied on genital area.
For Testogel 50mg/5g
Apply thin layer of gel on clean, dry, healthy skin such as shoulders,
arms or abdomen, immediately after sachet is opened. Not to be
applied on genital area as high alcohol content may cause local
irritation. Allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before dressing. Wash
hands with soap and water after applying gel. Avoid a shower or
bath for at least 6 hours.
For Testogel 16.2mg/g
Apply thin layer of gel on clean, dry, healthy skin over right and
left upper arms and shoulders. Not to be applied on genital area as
high alcohol content may cause local irritation. Allow to dry for 3 to
5 minutes before dressing. Wash hands with soap and water after
applying gel, and cover the site with clothing once gel dried. Avoid a
shower or bath for at least 2 hours.
For Testavan
Manufacturer advises applying one pump of gel evenly onto clean,
dry, intact skin over upper arm and shoulder using the applicator,
without getting any gel on the hands. Repeat on opposite upper
arm and shoulder if two pumps are required, and repeat again on
initial upper arm and shoulder if three pumps are required. Allow
to dry completely before dressing and cover application site with
clothing. Wash hands with soap and water immediately if gel was
touched during application. Avoid a shower or bath for at least
2 hours.
What is testosterone replacement therapy?
Hypogonadism is the medical term for testosterone deficiency and
simply means having a low testosterone level. It happens when the
testes do not function normally. This can be due to a problem in
the testes, where testosterone is made, or a problem in the pituitary
gland underneath the brain, which controls the function of the
testes. Low testosterone can happen in men of any age. However,
there is a progressive decline in testosterone levels as men get older.
If your own body does not make enough testosterone, you may
benefit from having supplemental testosterone. If indicated,
testosterone replacement therapy will be initiated by your
endocrinologist. Testosterone is commonly given by three monthly
injections using testosterone undecanoate (Nebido®) but can also be
given using alternative forms of testosterone at different intervals.
Why do I need this treatment?
If you have been having symptoms of low testosterone or blood
testing has shown that your testosterone is low, you may be advised
to start testosterone replacement therapy.
Symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- fatigue
- lethargy
- depression
- anxiety
- irritability
- low libido
- erectile dysfunction
- reduced exercise tolerance and strength
- excessive sweating and night sweats
- poor concentration or memory
- needing to shave less often
What are the benefits?
Testosterone replacement therapy aims to improve the symptoms
that you may have been experiencing, such as those listed on
page 2. If your bone density has reduced because of low
testosterone we may also be aiming to improve your bone density
with the treatment.
An improvement in symptoms may occur with treatment, but bear
in mind this is not the case for every person.
Testosterone levels will be measured routinely to monitor if the
treatment is safe and effective.
What are the risks?
Testosterone replacement therapy may cause increased levels of
haemoglobin or haematocrit indicating a thickening of the blood.
This may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack,
stroke and blood clots. Your blood will be tested prior to treatment
and routinely during treatment to monitor your haemoglobin and
haematocrit level.
Testosterone treatment can also cause an enlarged prostate or
other prostate disorders. During treatment, your prostate specific
antigen (PSA) will be measured to monitor for any changes. This is
particularly important in men over 45 years of age.
Other side effects may include:
- weight gain
- increased appetite
- hot flushes
- acne
- depression
- restlessness
- irritability
- aggression
- tiredness
- general weakness
- excessive sweating
As a result of using testosterone replacement, your natural
production of testosterone may be reduced. This may also lead to a
reduction in sperm production. This will mean that your fertility will
be affected by going onto testosterone replacement therapy. If you
are considering having children in the future you should discuss this
with your endocrinologist prior to starting treatment.
Are there any alternatives?
Testosterone undecanoate (brand name Nebido) is commonly
used for testosterone replacement therapy. This injection is
given intramuscularly (into the muscle) every 12 weeks by the
endocrinology nursing team. This interval can be altered if advised
by your endocrinologist.
Alternatively, replacement therapy can be given using Sustanon
(a combination of four forms of testosterone) by more frequent
injections (every two to four weeks).
The advantage of having injections is reduced frequency. The
disadvantages include pain at injection site, the need for a health
professional to administer the injection and end-of-dose fluctuation
in symptoms.
Testosterone can also be replaced using a testosterone gel that is
absorbed through the skin. There are various formulations available
which are applied in different ways.
Apply gel on clean, dry, intact skin of abdomen (tummy) or both
inner thighs, preferably in the morning. Gently rub in with a finger
until dry before dressing. Wash hands with soap and water after
applying gel. Avoid washing application site for at least two hours.
Not to be applied on genital area.
For Testogel 50mg/5g
Apply thin layer of gel on clean, dry, healthy skin such as shoulders,
arms or abdomen, immediately after sachet is opened. Not to be
applied on genital area as high alcohol content may cause local
irritation. Allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before dressing. Wash
hands with soap and water after applying gel. Avoid a shower or
bath for at least 6 hours.
For Testogel 16.2mg/g
Apply thin layer of gel on clean, dry, healthy skin over right and
left upper arms and shoulders. Not to be applied on genital area as
high alcohol content may cause local irritation. Allow to dry for 3 to
5 minutes before dressing. Wash hands with soap and water after
applying gel, and cover the site with clothing once gel dried. Avoid a
shower or bath for at least 2 hours.
For Testavan
Manufacturer advises applying one pump of gel evenly onto clean,
dry, intact skin over upper arm and shoulder using the applicator,
without getting any gel on the hands. Repeat on opposite upper
arm and shoulder if two pumps are required, and repeat again on
initial upper arm and shoulder if three pumps are required. Allow
to dry completely before dressing and cover application site with
clothing. Wash hands with soap and water immediately if gel was
touched during application. Avoid a shower or bath for at least
2 hours.
