Topical Testosterone
Treatment for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (Continuation Service)

Topical testosterone gel is a form of testosterone replacement therapy applied directly to the skin once daily. It contains testosterone as the active ingredient, which is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream to help restore healthy hormone levels in men with confirmed testosterone deficiency. It is an MHRA-approved treatment available in several formulations including pumps and sachets. At My London Pharmacy we offer Testogel, Testim, Testavan, and Tostran as part of our continuation service for established TRT patients.

Testosterone gel works by delivering testosterone directly through the skin into the bloodstream, a process known as transdermal absorption. Once absorbed, testosterone circulates through the body and acts on tissues including muscle, bone, the brain, and the reproductive system to restore normal hormonal function. Unlike injections, which deliver testosterone in a single dose, gel provides a steady and consistent daily release of the hormone, helping to maintain more stable testosterone levels throughout the day.

Topical testosterone gel is a clinically proven and well-established treatment for testosterone deficiency. When used consistently and correctly, it is effective at restoring healthy testosterone levels and relieving symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, reduced libido, poor concentration, and loss of muscle mass. Effectiveness can vary between individuals depending on factors such as skin absorption rate, dosage, and how well the treatment is used. Regular blood tests and clinical monitoring are essential to ensure your levels remain within the appropriate therapeutic range.

Most men begin to notice some improvements within the first two to four weeks of consistent daily use. Energy levels and mood are often among the first things to improve. Improvements in libido and sexual function typically follow within one to three months. Changes in muscle mass, body composition, and bone density tend to take longer, with more noticeable results usually seen after three to six months of treatment. Full benefits may continue to develop over a longer period with ongoing use and appropriate monitoring.

Apply the gel once each morning to clean, dry, unbroken skin. Suitable application sites include the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen depending on your specific formulation. Always follow the instructions provided with your treatment. After applying the gel, allow the area to dry completely before covering it with clothing. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after every application. Avoid showering, bathing, or swimming for at least two hours after applying the gel to allow full absorption. Do not apply to the genitals, face, or broken skin.

This service is exclusively for adult men who are already established on testosterone replacement therapy and require ongoing continuation support. You must have a confirmed diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, an existing TRT prescription, and recent blood test results to be eligible. This is not a new patient service. If you have never been prescribed TRT before, please speak to your GP or a specialist men's health clinic who can carry out the appropriate assessment and diagnosis.

This service is not suitable for new TRT patients. It is also not appropriate for men who have or have had prostate cancer, male breast cancer, serious heart disease, liver or kidney disease, raised haematocrit or polycythaemia, past or present liver tumours, or hypercalcaemia. Men who are actively trying to conceive should discuss their fertility plans with their prescriber before continuing treatment, as TRT can significantly reduce sperm production. If any of these apply to you, please speak to your GP or specialist before requesting continuation.

Yes. Testosterone gel can transfer to others through direct skin contact. This is known as secondary exposure and can cause unwanted hormonal effects, particularly in women and children. To minimise the risk you should always wash your hands immediately after applying the gel, allow the application site to dry fully before dressing, cover the area with clothing before coming into contact with others, and avoid skin-to-skin contact with pregnant women and children until the gel has completely dried. If accidental exposure occurs, the affected person should wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

Yes. Testosterone replacement therapy can significantly reduce fertility by suppressing the body's natural production of the hormones that stimulate sperm formation. This can lead to a reduction in sperm count and in some cases temporary infertility. The effects are often dose dependent and may vary between individuals and formulations. If you are planning to have children now or in the near future, this is an important consideration that should be discussed with your prescriber before continuing treatment. Fertility suppression may be reversible after stopping TRT, but this is not guaranteed and can take a considerable amount of time.

Possible side effects of topical testosterone gel include acne and oily skin, skin irritation at the application site, fluid retention, mood changes, increased red blood cell levels which may raise the risk of blood clots, reduced sperm production and fertility, testicular shrinkage, breast tenderness or enlargement, and hair loss. TRT may also affect prostate health, cholesterol levels, and liver function, and can worsen obstructive sleep apnoea in some men. Accidental transfer to others through skin contact is also a risk if the gel is not used correctly. You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden leg swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden weakness in a limb. All side effects are reviewed as part of your ongoing clinical monitoring.

Testosterone replacement therapy is available on the NHS, though access can vary depending on your local clinical commissioning guidelines and waiting times. Many men choose to access treatment privately for greater convenience, faster turnaround, and more flexible ongoing support. Our private continuation service starts from £54.95 per month and includes free clinical follow-ups with every order, without the need for repeated GP appointments or lengthy waiting lists.

Regular blood testing is essential throughout your TRT treatment, even when you feel well. A typical monitoring schedule includes a review at three months after starting or restarting treatment, followed by six-monthly reviews once you are stable, and then annual reviews for long-term patients. More frequent monitoring may be required if you are over 50, have higher-risk medical conditions, or if any of your results are borderline or outside the normal range. Blood tests typically assess testosterone levels, full blood count and haematocrit, liver function, lipid profile, PSA, and blood pressure where appropriate.

If any of your results fall outside the normal range, your prescriber will carefully review this before making a decision on whether your treatment can continue. Depending on the nature of the results you may be asked to provide additional information, undergo further testing, adjust your dose, or be advised to speak to your GP or a specialist. Treatment will only be continued where it is deemed safe and clinically appropriate based on your full health profile and individual test results. Your safety is always the priority.

Yes, through My London Pharmacy you can request your topical testosterone gel continuation treatment entirely online. Our service is available to established TRT patients only. You will need to submit your treatment details, medical history, and recent blood test results through our confidential online form. Your request will then be individually reviewed by a UK-licensed prescriber, and if approved, your treatment will be dispensed from our registered pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your door.