Testosterone Transdermal Patch - An Overview

Introduction

Testosterone transdermal patches are a viable treatment option for adult males experiencing hypogonadism, a condition characterized by insufficient natural Testosterone production. These patches provide an effective means of addressing the symptoms associated with low Testosterone levels. Testosterone treatment is specifically recommended for men who have low Testosterone levels resulting from various conditions, including abnormalities in the testicles, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. Prior to initiating treatment with Testosterone patches, doctors typically conduct a series of laboratory tests to assess Testosterone levels and confirm their deficiency.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males. It is an anabolic steroid. In humans, Testosterone is essential for the growth of the testes and prostate, as well as for the promotion of secondary sexual characteristics, including increased bone and muscle mass and the development of body hair. In addition, Testosterone affects moods, behavior, and the prevention of osteoporosis in both sexes. Male defects like weakness and bone loss can result from low Testosterone levels. In humans and the majority of other vertebrates, Testosterone is mostly secreted by male testicles and, to a lesser extent, by female ovaries.

What Is the Use of Testosterone Therapy?

This pharmaceutical patch includes Testosterone. For males whose body is unable to make enough Testosterone on their own, it is used as a hormone replacement (for example, due to hypogonadism). This drug enters the bloodstream through skin absorption, aiding in the restoration of normal Testosterone levels in the body. Male sexual traits (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair, are developed and maintained by the body with the help of Testosterone. Along with supporting natural sexual capacity and desire, it also helps to preserve muscle and stop bone deterioration. Women should avoid using this medication.

How Should This Medicine Be Used?

• An application patch is available for transdermal Testosterone. Usually, it is administered between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM every night, and it is left on for 24 hours. Apply the patches at around the same time every day. Use the Testosterone patches exactly as instructed. Use the patches as directed by the doctor, but do not use more, fewer, or more patches than necessary.

• Apply the patch to the back, stomach, thighs, or upper arms as appropriate. Check to make sure the area the patient has picked is not oily, hairy, likely to perspire a lot, over a bone like a shoulder or hip, or likely to be compressed from sitting or sleeping. The scrotum and other skin areas with open wounds, sores, or inflammation should not receive the patch. Moreover, make sure that during routine activity, the patch will not be tugged, folded, or stretched and will remain flat against the skin.

• Do not bathe, shower, swim, or wash the area where the patch is applied for at least three hours after application.

• The patch could become loose or come off as a result of exercise or high perspiration. Use the fingers to smooth down any loose patches. Apply a fresh patch if one comes off before noon. Apply a new patch at the next planned application time that evening if a patch comes off after midday.

• Testosterone patches can help to control the condition but not cure the condition. Stop taking Testosterone patches only after discussing with a doctor. If the patient quits taking Testosterone, symptoms may recur.

What Are the Side Effects Associated With Testosterone Therapy?

The following are a few of the most frequent negative effects that might result from using a Testosterone transdermal patch. The common side effects include back discomfort, redness, itchiness, burning, and blisters at the application site. If these side effects are minor, they can disappear in a few days or weeks. Consult the doctor if they are more severe or persistent.

Serious side effects:

• Increased nighttime urination.

• Difficulty initiating the urine stream.

• Urinating frequently throughout the day.

• Bladder urgency (the urge to go to the bathroom right away).

• Urination inconsistencies.

• Cardiac arrest or stroke.

• Decreased sperm count (can occur when large doses of the drug are taken).

• The body or ankles are swollen.

• Big or uncomfortable breasts.

• Slumber apnea (breathing problems during sleep).

• Little urine flow.

• Male sexual cancer.

• Blood clots can form in the legs' veins or the lungs.

What Are the Contraindications of Using Testosterone Therapy?

The following are the contraindications of using Testosterone therapy:

• Liver Disease - Using this medication when suffering from liver illness may result in fluid retention and swelling in men (edema).

• Heart Disease - Testosterone may result in salt and water retention in men with cardiac disease. In addition to or instead of heart failure, this may result in swelling (edema).

• Kidney Disease - Men with renal disease taking this medication may result in fluid retention in the body, which will cause swelling.

• Breast Cancer - If a patient has breast cancer, Testosterone therapy is not advised for men. The cancer that the patient has may get worse if the patient takes this medication.

• Prostate Cancer - Use of this medication is not advised for males with prostate cancer. The use of this medication might worsen the condition.

• Obesity - A patient with obesity using this medication may make it more difficult for the patient to breathe while sleeping. Sleep apnea might result from it.

• Diabetes - This medication may lower blood sugar levels in diabetic males. The doctor might have to lower the amount of Insulin.

• Enlarged Prostate - If a patient has an enlarged prostate, this medication may worsen symptoms. When taking this medication, the doctor will keep an eye out for any worsening of the symptoms.

Conclusion

Men with male hypogonadism, people with gender dysphoria, and some types of breast cancer can take Testosterone as medicine. This is referred to as Testosterone replacement treatment (TRT), which keeps serum Testosterone levels within the normal range. Androgen replacement therapy has become popular because of the age-related decline in Testosterone production. It is uncertain whether using Testosterone to raise low levels brought on by aging is advantageous or detrimental. To know more about this condition, consult the doctor online.