The active ingredient in Testogel is testosterone 40.5 mg per 2.5 g sachet. The gel base contains carbomer, ethanol, purified water, sodium hydroxide, and isopropyl myristate. Testogel does not contain oestrogen or progesterone, it is a testosterone-only preparation. If you have known sensitivities to any of the inactive ingredients, mention this to your clinician before starting.

When prescribed and monitored appropriately by a menopause specialist, testosterone therapy can be safe and effective for women. The doses used for women are much lower than those used for men (approximately 5mg daily for women compared to 40-80mg daily for men).

Treatment requires regular monitoring through blood tests and symptom reviews to ensure testosterone levels remain in the healthy female range and side effects are managed. Your doctor will discuss your individual risks and benefits based on your medical history.

Increased facial or body hair growth can occur if testosterone levels become too high. This is why regular monitoring and careful dose adjustment are essential. Most women using appropriate doses (1/8 of a sachet daily) do not experience significant hair growth.

If hair growth does occur, reducing the dose usually slows or stops further growth. However, existing hair may need to be managed through removal methods. Voice deepening and clitoral enlargement, if they occur, may be permanent.

There is no strong evidence that testosterone at appropriate female doses causes weight gain. Some women may notice changes in body composition, such as improved muscle tone, but this is different from weight gain.

Testosterone therapy is usually prescribed alongside standard HRT (oestrogen with or without progesterone) for women who have persistent symptoms despite optimised HRT. The British Menopause Society recommends ensuring oestrogen levels are adequately replaced before adding testosterone.

In some cases, such as after hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries, testosterone may be used with oestrogen-only HRT. Your doctor will ensure your hormonal needs are properly addressed before considering testosterone therapy.

Both Testogel and Androfeme deliver testosterone through the skin, but they differ in formulation and dosing convenience:

Testogel comes in 2.5g sachets containing 40.5mg of testosterone. For women, the dose is one-eighth (1/8) of a sachet daily (approximately 5mg). Each sachet lasts 8 days. This requires careful measurement using a syringe or applicator.

Androfeme is a testosterone cream specifically formulated for women. It comes in pre-measured sachets or a pump dispenser, making it easier to apply the correct dose without measuring.

Some women prefer Androfeme because it is designed for female dosing and may be easier to use. Others use Testogel successfully with careful measurement. Your doctor will help you decide which option is most suitable for you.

Testogel vs Androfeme: Both deliver bioidentical testosterone transdermally, but Androfeme is a cream specifically formulated for women, available in pre-measured doses that are easier to apply accurately. Testogel requires measuring one-eighth of a sachet using a syringe, which some women find less convenient. Androfeme may be preferred for its more straightforward dosing, while Testogel is more widely available through UK prescribers. Your clinician will advise which is more suitable for you.

Testogel vs compounded testosterone preparations like Voy Testosterone Cream: Some specialist prescribers offer compounded testosterone creams or gels formulated specifically for women at appropriate doses. These are unlicensed products but may offer more precise dosing options for some patients. As with Testogel and Androfeme, regular blood test monitoring is required regardless of the preparation used.

Testosterone vs no testosterone (oestrogen HRT alone): For women with persistent low sexual desire despite optimised oestrogen HRT, the addition of testosterone has good clinical evidence from the British Menopause Society and is endorsed by NICE NG23. Oestrogen HRT alone does not address testosterone deficiency. The decision to add testosterone should always follow a clinical review confirming that oestrogen levels are adequately replaced first.

Yes. Blood tests are essential before starting testosterone therapy and regularly throughout treatment. Your doctor will check:

• Baseline testosterone levels before starting treatment
• Testosterone levels at 3 months to ensure you are in the healthy female range
• Follow-up tests at 6 months, then annually once stable
• Liver function and lipid profile
• Full blood count

Regular monitoring ensures your testosterone levels remain safe and effective.

Testogel does not directly affect bleeding patterns, as it is a testosterone-only preparation with no oestrogen or progestogen component. Any changes to your bleeding pattern are more likely related to the oestrogen and progestogen components of your wider HRT regimen. If you experience unexpected vaginal bleeding while using Testogel as part of a combined hormone regimen, discuss this with your clinician. It is important to rule out other causes of unscheduled bleeding.

No, never adjust your Testogel dose without speaking to your clinician first. Dose adjustments for women must be guided by blood test results to ensure testosterone levels remain within the healthy female range. Increasing your dose independently risks testosterone levels rising too high, which can cause side effects, some of which, such as voice deepening, may be permanent. If you feel your current dose is not working or is causing side effects, contact your Voy clinician.

Improvements in energy, mood, and overall wellbeing may be noticed within the first few weeks of starting testosterone therapy. However, changes in sexual desire typically take longer, most women notice improvements within 3 to 6 months.

Your doctor will review your progress regularly and may adjust your dose based on your symptoms and blood test results.

Availability of testosterone for women on the NHS varies by area. Some NHS menopause clinics and specialists can prescribe testosterone off-label when clinically appropriate. However, access may be limited in some regions, and you may need to seek treatment through a private menopause specialist.

If you are interested in testosterone therapy, discuss your options with your GP or a menopause specialist.