This website has been developed by Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd.

This website has separate sections for healthcare professionals (containing promotional information), and patients who have been prescribed Testogel® (testosterone) within the UK.

Please confirm that:

This website is provided for patients prescribed Testogel® in the UK by Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd.

Duration of treatment

How long do I need to use Testogel® for?

Many symptoms of testosterone deficiency (TD) should start to improve within the first few weeks and months.1 But other symptoms can take longer to fully improve.

It’s important to continue treatment, because Testogel® only provides your body with testosterone whilst you are applying the treatment. Always speak to your doctor first if you are thinking about stopping your treatment.

The maximum effect of treatment on most symptoms is often seen at around 6–12 months1

When to expect improvement

A review of different types of testosterone therapies (not only testosterone gel) looked at when things can be expected to improve vs. how they were when treatment was started:1

  • 2 weeks

    An increase in sexual activity and ejaculation may start to be noticeable, taking up to 3 months to reach their maximum effect.

  • 3 weeks

    Erectile function, morning erections, and libido/sex drive should all be starting to improve.

  • 3 months

    Noticeable reductions in fat mass and waist circumference, increased muscle mass and strength, and increased fitness, all start to appear. These have been shown to continue to improve several years into treatment.

  • 6 months

    Small, but important, changes in bone mineral density start to happen about now. These improvements have been shown to continue for at least 3 years in men that stay on their treatment. You won’t necessarily notice this change, but keeping your bones healthy is essential to protect you from breaks and fractures as you get older.

  • 1 year

    The maximum improvement in erectile function is typically seen.

  • 2 years

    Maximum improvements in fat mass and waist circumference can be seen. The maximum effect on cholesterol levels can be also be seen at 2 years. You won’t personally notice this change, but your doctor will be able to see it in your blood test results and it can be an important factor in helping to reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

  • 3 years

    The maximum improvement in bone mineral density has been shown to continue for at least 3 years in men that stay on their treatment.

Track your progress using the T Track app

Manage your testosterone deficiency, track your symptoms and find out important information about Testogel® all in the app.

Download the app on iOS or Android.

Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
T Track app download QR code
Download the T Track App

Find out about the T Track app

T-track app

Stay on your treatment

It’s important to continue your treatment for as long as your doctor tells you to. Although Testogel® helps to control your symptoms, it does not cure your condition. This means that your symptoms may return if you stop applying Testogel® against the advice of your doctor.

Use the Ageing Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale to regularly review your symptoms.

Review your symptoms

References

  1. Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, et al. Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011;165(5):675-685.

BHUK/2022/183. February 2023.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Where next...