What is testosterone cream & how does it work?

This article was reviewed by Darragh O’Carroll, MD. 

Testosterone Cream: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Key takeaways:

• Testosterone cream is a needle-free testosterone therapy that can effectively raise hormone levels.
• Benefits include improved reproductive function, mood, and energy, but it also carries the same risks and side effects as other forms of TRT.
• Because it’s not FDA-approved and may transfer to others, testosterone cream should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

If you’re not a fan of needles, testosterone cream offers an easy, needle-free way to treat low testosterone. Just rub the topical testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) right onto your skin. It helps tackle symptoms like low libido, tiredness, muscle loss, and even brain fog.

Unlike gels like Androgel® or Testim®, testosterone creams are typically made by compounding pharmacies and tailored to your needs. And while they’re not FDA-approved — that means quality and consistency can vary — research shows creams and gels deliver similar results.

Read on to find out how testosterone cream works, the potential side effects of the medication, and how it compares to other forms of TRT.

What Does Testosterone Cream Do?

Testosterone cream is a simple way to treat low testosterone levels. You just apply it to your skin, and your body absorbs it into your bloodstream. 

This form of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) can help ease common low T symptoms like:

• Low libido
• Fatigue
• Muscle loss
• Brain fog
• Mood changes

Testosterone is key for energy, strength, libido, and bone health. When your levels drop, you can really feel it. Testosterone cream can help restore hormonal balance.

How Does Testosterone Cream Work?

Testosterone cream works by delivering testosterone through your skin — just like gels and other topical solutions.

Once you apply it, the cream soaks in, moving from the surface into your bloodstream. Levels start to rise in your saliva and blood within 20 minutes to a few hours. 

Because the absorption is steady, you get a consistent boost without sudden hormone spikes.

How to Apply Testosterone Cream

You should always follow the instructions that come with your medication, but here are some standard tips on how to apply testosterone cream:

• Apply testosterone cream once daily, ideally at the same time each day. 
• Use it on your shoulders, upper arms, thighs, or even the scrotal skin. (Scrotal skin is actually thinner and absorbs testosterone better than other places.)
• Apply the prescribed dose onto clean, dry skin, and rub it in with your palm. 
• Wash your hands again to get rid of excess cream on your hands. 

After applying the medication, store it somewhere children can’t reach. If testosterone cream accidentally gets on someone else, it may cause side effects. In kids, this can mean early puberty signs or changes in behavior. In women, it might cause extra body hair or acne. 

Side Effects of Testosterone Cream

Testosterone replacement therapy may cause side effects in some men.

Possible side effects of testosterone cream include:

• Skin irritation or skin rash where you apply the cream
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged prostate
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Low sperm count
• Allergic reactions

Testosterone cream can also increase the risk of certain medical conditions, including:

• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea

Before using testosterone cream, tell your healthcare provider if you have breast or prostate cancer, urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, heart problems or heart failure, liver problems, or liver disease.

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Testosterone Cream?

Studies suggest testosterone cream can raise blood testosterone levels within two hours of application and keep them steady for over six hours — when applied to the scrotum. 

But noticeable symptom improvements usually take several weeks to months to appear.

One review found that TRT’s effects unfold on different timelines:

• Better libido. Improvements can show up within 3 weeks and plateau by 6 weeks.
• Arousal. It may take up to 6 months to see changes in ED symptoms.
• Mood and quality of life. Changes often start in 3-6 weeks, with maximum benefits after 4-7 months.
• Body composition. Fat loss, increase in lean mass, and muscle strength improvements typically start to show up after 12-16 weeks and stabilize at 6-12 months.
• Inflammation markers. These start to improve within 3–12 weeks.
• Bone density. Measurable improvements can show up after 6 months, continuing for at least 3 years.

What Are the Different Doses of Testosterone Cream?

Testosterone cream is available in various doses, with specific amounts tailored to your baseline levels and where you apply it.

Standard doses for scrotal skin application include: 

• 12.5 mg
• 25 mg
• 50 mg 

The dose may be higher if you apply it to another area of your body.

How Effective Is Testosterone Cream for Men?

Testosterone cream can help raise low testosterone in men and may offer some symptom relief.

One 12-week study involving men aged 50–70 found that testosterone cream increased muscle mass, but it didn’t do much for strength, aerobic fitness, or fat loss. For those, you’ll likely get better results with exercise. 

A large clinical trial of older men with low testosterone found that those who used testosterone gel saw improvements in reproductive activity, libido, physical arousal, and mood. Since testosterone cream works much like testosterone gel, men using cream can expect similar benefits from both.

How Testosterone Cream Compares to Other Types of TRT

When it comes to effectiveness and safety, testosterone cream isn’t much different from other forms of TRT.

A large systematic review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that transdermal testosterone (like creams, gels, and patches) and intramuscular injections showed similar results. Across formulations, men experienced modest improvements in reproductive function and minor improvements in quality of life.

The review also found no significant differences in adverse events between formulations, although most studies were short-term and not designed to detect risks like heart problems or prostate cancer.

The main differences between testosterone creams and injections are in delivery and convenience. You need to use creams daily and they come with a risk of transferring the medication to others. Injections are less frequent but may be painful and cause hormone peaks and dips.

Can You Buy Testosterone Cream Over the Counter?

Testosterone cream isn’t available over the counter. It’s a prescription-only medication, which means you’ll need to see a healthcare professional to get a prescription.

During your consultation, a provider usually orders blood tests to measure your baseline testosterone levels and review your symptoms and health history. This ensures that testosterone therapy is both safe and right for you.

Pros and Cons of Testosterone Cream

Like any form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), testosterone cream has its advantages and drawbacks.

Some of the pros of using testosterone cream include:

• Easy application. An ideal alternative for men who don’t like needles.

• Steady absorption. Helps avoid big hormone spikes and dips.

• Flexible dosing. Creams can be compounded to custom strengths.

• Bioequivalent to gel. Cream can raise testosterone levels similarly to FDA-approved gels.

Some of the cons of using testosterone cream include:

• Daily commitment. Requires consistent application at the same time each day.

• Risk of transfer. It can accidentally pass to partners, children, or pets through skin-to-skin contact.

• Not FDA-approved. Most testosterone creams are made in compounding pharmacies, which means quality and consistency can vary.

• Possible side effects. Includes skin irritation, acne, mood swings, low sperm count, and increased risk of health issues like sleep apnea or prostate concerns.

Pharmacist Tips for Using Testosterone Cream

We asked Jillian Edmonds, PharmD, Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Hims & Hers, for her top tips for testosterone cream users. Here’s her expert advice on how to apply it safely and get the most out of your treatment.

Getting Started with Testosterone Cream: What You Should Know 

If you’ve been prescribed testosterone cream, you might be wondering how to use it safely and what to expect. Since it’s a compounded medication, it’s made specifically for you by a pharmacy to meet your unique health needs. That’s one of the benefits of a compounded medication — personalized care.

Take a moment to read the instructions that come with your prescription. Your prescription label, which has directions about how much cream to use and how often to apply it, is the key to getting the best results.

Remember, testosterone cream should only be used by the person it was prescribed for and only for the reason discussed with their provider. Misusing testosterone cream can result in serious side effects such as a heart attack or heart failure, stroke, and changes in your mental health, like depression, mood swings, and delusions.

Always use your medication as prescribed by your provider.

Reducing the Risk of Transfer

It’s critical to know that testosterone cream can transfer to other people if they touch the application site or come into contact with items, like clothing or bedding, where medication residue may have spread. This can cause serious problems for others. In children, it could cause signs of early puberty, and in females, it may cause unwanted changes in voice or body hair growth.

The good news? You can prevent this with a few simple steps:

• Apply the cream to a small area of skin that can be covered with clothing.

• Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying.

• If you expect skin-to-skin contact on the application site, wash that area thoroughly beforehand.

• If someone accidentally touches the application site, they should wash the area right away.

• Regularly clean items that come into contact with the application site.

Safety Considerations

Like all medications, testosterone cream comes with potential side effects. It’s important to know the risks associated with your medications and talk about them with your provider before starting new treatments. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Blood pressure. Topical testosterone can increase blood pressure, which can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. Check your blood pressure regularly, as suggested by your provider.

• Prostate health. If you have an enlarged prostate, symptoms can worsen during topical testosterone use. Talk with your provider if you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms.

• Blood sugar. Topical testosterone can lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you may need to monitor your levels more closely. Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar, such as confusion, fast heartbeat, sweating, and shakiness.

• Fertility. Large doses of topical testosterone can lower your sperm count, and there’s a risk that fertility may not return after stopping the medication. Talk with your provider about your family planning goals before starting this medication.

• Breast changes. Topical testosterone can cause pain, tenderness, or growth in the breast area, which may persist during treatment. If this happens, your dose may need some adjusting, so contact your provider.

Safe Disposal

Dispose of testosterone cream packaging in the trash where others, including pets, can’t touch it. To prevent accidental exposure and keep everyone safe, you can seal the packaging in an individual bag or place it in an empty container before disposing of it.

A Final Word on Testosterone Cream

Testosterone cream is a convenient way to raise low testosterone levels and ease symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. Evidence suggests it works as well as other forms of TRT, with similar benefits and risks.

But keep in mind, creams need daily use, can rub off on others if you’re not careful, and don’t typically have FDA approval.

Curious about trying creams? Start by talking to a healthcare provider.

You can find more testosterone resources here.

Is testosterone cream FDA-approved?

No. Testosterone creams are usually made in compounding pharmacies. While studies show they can be bioequivalent to prescription gels, they don’t have FDA approval, so quality may vary.

How quickly does testosterone cream work?

Blood levels go up within hours of application, but symptom improvements often take weeks to months.

Can testosterone cream lower fertility?

Yes. Like other forms of TRT,  testosterone cream suppresses sperm production. Men planning to have kids should talk to their provider about alternatives — like hCG or enclomiphene.

Where should I apply testosterone cream?

Common application sites include the shoulders, upper arms, thighs, or scrotal skin. The scrotum absorbs testosterone more efficiently, so lower doses may be effective there.

What happens if I stop using testosterone cream?

Testosterone levels typically fall back to pre-treatment ranges when you stop TRT, and symptoms of low T may return. Always consult your provider before stopping treatment.

Related:

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• What Are the Best Male Enhancement Pills and Products?A

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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.