(One of the many ways you can get testosterone into your body is testosterone transdermal patch.)
Have low libido? Have erectile dysfunction? Have low libido? Putting on weight? Having bone loss? Have low energy levels? Is it possible that you did not connect the dots and the answer to all your symptoms is that you have low testosterone levels? Do go to your doctor and get a thorough check up, including blood work to check for low testosterone levels.
And if your testosterone levels are indeed low or on the lower side of normal, you should seriously consider testosterone replacement therapy. In order to discuss the same with your doctor you need to have all the information at your disposal. One of the testosterone replacement methods is using testosterone gel, which is a topical delivery method of testosterone.
The transdermal testosterone gel patch
The transdermal testosterone patch is available as a ready to use patch which has to be applied to the skin and left there for 24 hours. The skin should be clean and dry and free of any other emollients, creams or lotions. You should open the pouch containing the patch and remove the protective cover on the medicated part. Then apply it firmly on the skin. If it comes loose, press the edges to stick it again.
The patch has to be applied to different parts of the body every 24 hours. Wait a week before applying it to the same body part. While the patch can be used during showering, swimming or even sex, it may be likely that excessive sweating may loosen the patch. It is important to put on the patch around the same time each day or night so that the testosterone is constantly available to the body.
Different testosterone medicines
There are basically two types of transdermal testosterone patches. One is Testoderm, which a scrotal patch. You have to prepare the skin by shaving and cleaning it before using the patch and the best time to use the patch is in the morning, though you can use it at any other time if morning is not possible. If you have to swim or shower, you need to remove the patch and then reapply it in the same way. If you have a problem with it falling off, you should consider using an athletic supporter to hold it in place.
Androderm patch is used in the night. You should use it on clean and dry skin on the back, thigh, upper arm or stomach. Again, you may need to shave if you are very hairy. If any patch has been used for 12 hours or more and then falls off and cannot be reapplied, then simply don’t use a fresh patch otherwise you will get more testosterone than intended. If it is less than 12 hours and the old patch cannot be reapplied, then you can use a new patch. You cannot use Androderm and Testoderm interchangeably.
The benefits of using testosterone transdermal patches
Unlike other delivery methods, testosterone transdermal patches have some benefits. You don’t have to endure painful injections, whether at a doctor’s office or self injecting. You don’t have to apply sticky creams or gels and wonder how much testosterone you are actually getting and how much is going into your clothes. You don’t have to bear having pellets put inside your skin and stitches or bandages after the surgical procedure.
The patches come ready to use with a certain amount of testosterone in them. They are relatively easy to use, once you learn how to use them. They can be easily discontinued if you face any problems. The best part about using testosterone patches is that these release testosterone in a steady pace into the body, so there are no highs and lows.
The negatives associated with using testosterone patches
One of the problems with transdermal testosterone patches is that the patch can fall off, whether you are using scrotal patches or skin patches. That means you will need to carry a spare one with you if it cannot be reapplied. It can also cause local irritation on the skin, blisters and in few instances can even burn and scar the skin. If you find any irritation or burning sensation, rash or any other onsite problem you are advised to remove the patch immediately, wash the skin and get in touch with your doctor.
The patch can alter blood sugar levels so you need to be careful if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic. There may be problems with urination or even swollen ankles. Other side effects include all the negatives associated with testosterone replacement therapy.
Research studies
1. Jcem.endojournals.org/content/vol84/issue10
2. 2. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel nonscrotal matrix-type transdermal delivery system of testosterone. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2005 Mar;31(3):257-61.
3. Synergistic enhancement of testosterone transdermal delivery. J Control Release. 2005 Apr 18;103(3):577-85.
4. The current status of therapy for symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism with transdermal testosterone gel. Eur Urol. 2005 Feb;47(2):137-46.
5. Effects of androgen substitution on lipid profile in the adult and aging hypogonadal male. Eur J Endocrinol. 2004 Oct;151(4):415-24. Review.
6. Gruenewald, Matsumoto. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:101; Morales. Aging Male 2004; (in press).