Tips for applying testosterone gel
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 84-year-old male. I recently switched from testosterone patches to AndroGel. My testosterone levels have gone up considerably, and I have seen some improvement in my erectile dysfunction. I suspect just a little more testosterone might get me a usable erection.
My physician said to rub the gel into my shoulder. She could not explain how it gets through the skin. Am I literally rubbing it in? Would more pressure push it through the skin better?
Is the gel absorbed? Are some areas more absorbent than others? Where is the best place to apply the gel? Is the skin already saturated if I apply the gel to dry skin following a bath? — Anon.
ANSWER: The ability to absorb drugs across the skin has made administration of some drugs much easier, especially those like testosterone, which are not absorbed when taken by mouth. However, there are some factors to keep in mind.