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Testosterone Treatment Testogel

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Testosterone gel sachets for menopause-related low libido

Testogel® Testosterone Gel

A transdermal testosterone gel supplied in 2.5 g sachets. Testogel may be prescribed for women at a much lower dose by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. It is used off-label in line with national menopause guidance.

Testogel® is a prescription-only medicine.

LIVVE product price

£58.00

Medicine cost only. Consultation, blood tests and ongoing reviews may be separate unless stated in your treatment plan.

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Check if Testogel® may be suitable View monitoring plan

Menopause-focused assessment

Clear sachet-measuring instructions

Baseline and follow-up blood tests

Realistic expectations and safety checks

Step-by-step support after prescribing

Testosterone Treatment Testogel
  • Testosterone Treatment Testogel

Testosterone treatment should be carefully assessed and monitored.

Some women may also notice improvements in energy, wellbeing and motivation, although testosterone is not routinely prescribed solely for symptoms such as tiredness, brain fog, low mood or weight changes. Your LIVVE clinician will assess your symptoms, hormone profile and overall health before deciding whether testosterone may be appropriate for you.

Quick product facts

Testogel at a glance

Here are the key product details, with more information below on suitability, safety, application and monitoring.

  • Medicine type

    Testosterone transdermal gel

  • Regulatory Status

    No testosterone product is currently licensed specifically for women in the UK. Testogel may be prescribed off-label by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate.

  • Presentation

    2.5g single-dose sachets

  • Per sachet

    40.5mg testosterone

  • Example female dose

    Approx. ⅛ sachet daily*

  • Approx. daily amount

    About 5mg testosterone*

  • Approx. duration

    One sachet lasts about 8 days*

  • Monitoring

    Baseline and follow-up testosterone tests

*This is a British Menopause Society example starting dose, not a universal prescription. Follow the dose and sachet-storage instructions provided by your clinician.

Application video guide

How to measure and apply Testogel

Testogel is supplied in sachets containing a much larger amount than is normally prescribed for women. Your LIVVE clinician will tell you exactly how much gel to use and how many days each sachet should last.

Follow your personalised LIVVE instructions rather than the full-sachet directions in the manufacturer’s leaflet, which relate to the licensed dose for men.

  • Measure a small amount
  • Rotate application sites
  • Avoid transfer
  • Wash hands

Key application steps

  • Use only the small fraction of the sachet prescribed by your clinician.

  • Apply the gel to clean, dry, healthy skin on the lower abdomen or upper thighs, following your LIVVE instructions.

  • Spread it gently into a thin layer and allow it to dry before dressing.

  • Rotate the application area regularly to help reduce irritation or local hair growth.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying the gel.

  • Once dry, cover the application area with clothing to reduce the risk of transfer.

  • Avoid washing the area for the period advised by your clinician.

  • Do not apply Testogel to the breasts, genitals, face, or broken or irritated skin.

Do not change your dose or application site without checking your dispensing instructions or speaking to your LIVVE clinician.

Symptoms and suitability

When might testosterone be discussed?

Low libido in midlife is often multifactorial. Before prescribing testosterone, a clinician should consider oestrogen levels, vaginal or bladder symptoms, relationship factors, stress, sleep, mood, pain, medicines and other health conditions.

  • Persistent low sexual desire

    Reduced sexual interest that is ongoing and distressing to you.

  • Low arousal or pleasure

    Reduced response, sensation or satisfaction that has changed from your normal.

  • Symptoms despite HRT

    Low desire that continues after oestrogen/HRT has been optimised where appropriate.

  • Distress or relationship impact

    Symptoms that affect confidence, intimacy or wellbeing.

  • After surgical menopause

    Symptoms may be more noticeable after removal of both ovaries.

  • Other causes ruled out

    Fatigue, mood and medication factors should be considered too.

What is Testogel?

A testosterone gel supplied in individual 2.5g sachets.

Testogel® 40.5mg is a transdermal testosterone gel. Each 2.5g sachet contains 40.5mg testosterone.

No testosterone product is currently licensed specifically for women in the UK. Testogel may be prescribed off-label at a substantially lower dose by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate.

Following your prescribed sachet-measuring instructions and attending regular blood-test monitoring are essential to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.

In menopause care, testosterone is usually considered after conventional HRT has been reviewed and low sexual desire remains a significant concern.

Where Testogel fits

Testogel compared with other testosterone options

Some patients may have heard of testosterone gels that were originally developed for men being prescribed for women at carefully adjusted doses. Testogel is one option your clinician may discuss with you. The right choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, blood results and treatment goals.

  • Testogel® sachets

    Testogel: A testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a lower dose where clinically appropriate.

  • Tostran® pump gel

    Tostran: A testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women at a lower dose where clinically appropriate.

    View product

  • Androfeme® cream

    Androfeme: A female-specific testosterone cream prescribed where clinically appropriate.

    View product

  • Implants

    Specialist-only testosterone implant options exist in some settings, but are not the usual first-line private pathway for most you.

Realistic expectations

What to expect in the first 3 months

Testosterone is not an instant libido switch. The first few months are about correct application, tolerability, symptom tracking and blood-test monitoring.

  1. Weeks 1–4

    You may not notice much change yet. Focus on applying the correct amount consistently and watching for early side effects such as oily skin, spots or irritation.

  2. Weeks 4–8

    Some people begin to notice changes in sexual desire, arousal, confidence or response. Others need longer.

  3. Around 3 months

    This is the key review point. Your LIVVE clinician will look at symptoms, side effects and blood-test results before deciding whether to continue, adjust or stop.

  4. By 6 months

    If there has been no meaningful improvement despite correct use and safe blood levels, testosterone may not be the right treatment for you.

Your LIVVE pathway

How assessment and prescribing works

We keep the process clear from the start, so you understand each step before treatment is prescribed.

  1. Complete your assessment

    We review symptoms, libido changes, menopause stage, medication, medical history and treatment goals.

  2. Check HRT and other causes

    Your clinician considers whether oestrogen, vaginal symptoms, mood, sleep, pain or other factors should be addressed first.

  3. Baseline blood tests

    Baseline blood testing is completed within 3 months before starting treatment. Total testosterone is checked, and SHBG may provide additional information in selected cases.

  4. Prescribe and review

    If suitable, you receive dose instructions, application advice, side-effect guidance and planned follow-up testing.

Sachet dose and duration

How is a Testogel sachet divided?

Each 2.5g sachet contains 40.5mg testosterone. British Menopause Society guidance gives approximately one eighth of a sachet each day—around 5mg testosterone daily—as an example starting dose for menopause-related low sexual desire.

At that dose, one sachet should last about eight days. Your clinician will explain how to judge the prescribed amount and how to store an opened sachet safely between applications.

Do not apply the whole sachet. The full sachet is the licensed male dose and is much higher than the dose generally used in menopause care.

Prescribed fraction Approx. testosterone Approx. sachet duration
⅛ sachet daily About 5mg daily About 8 days
¼ sachet daily About 10mg daily About 4 days
Whole sachet 40.5mg Licensed male dose—not a routine female dose

These figures are approximate and are shown to explain product quantity, not to recommend a dose change.

How to use Testogel

Measure only the small fraction of a sachet prescribed.

Your LIVVE clinician will explain how much gel to use and how long each sachet should last. BMS guidance uses approximately one eighth of a 2.5g sachet each day as an example starting dose.

The licensed leaflet says to use a whole sachet immediately because it describes male treatment. Your off-label menopause prescription is different, so follow LIVVE’s written instructions for measuring and storing your sachets.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin such as the lower abdomen or upper thighs as directed.

  • Change the application site regularly to reduce irritation and local hair growth.

  • Spread the gel gently in a thin layer and allow it to dry before dressing.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application.

  • Cover the dry application area with clothing.

  • For the female off-label pathway, avoid washing the application area for 2–3 hours unless your clinician advises otherwise.

  • Before close skin contact, wash the site with soap and water and cover it again.

  • Do not apply to the genitals, breasts, face or broken/irritated skin.

  • Keep away from heat, flames and smoking until the gel is completely dry.

Application rules

Careful measuring and transfer precautions matter.

Testogel sachets contain a male dose, so the female amount is small and must follow the written instructions from your prescriber.

  • Do not apply the whole sachet unless specifically prescribed.

  • Use the fraction and daily amount shown in your treatment plan.

  • Make each sachet last for the number of days advised.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or upper thighs as directed.

  • Rotate the application site regularly.

  • Allow the gel to dry before dressing.

  • Wash your hands immediately after applying.

  • Cover the application area with clothing once dry.

  • Avoid washing the site for 2–3 hours.

  • Avoid transfer to children, pets and anyone pregnant or who could become pregnant.

Suitability and safety

Testogel is not suitable for everyone.

Your clinician will check whether testosterone is appropriate for you and whether other causes of low libido need addressing first. You should mention pregnancy possibility, breastfeeding, cancer history, liver disease, severe acne, hair loss, unwanted hair growth, voice changes, clot/cardiovascular history and all medicines or supplements you take.

Read FAQs
  • Acne or oilier skin
  • Increased facial/body hair
  • Scalp hair thinning
  • Application-site irritation
  • Mood changes
  • Rare voice changes if levels are too high

Side effects

Possible side effects and what to do

Most people tolerate carefully dosed testosterone well, but side effects are more likely if testosterone levels rise too high. This is why LIVVE includes blood-test monitoring as part of the pathway.

Possible side effect What to do
Oily skin or mild acne Mention this at review, especially if it is worsening or new for you.
Increased facial or body hair Tell your clinician; your level or dose may need checking.
Mood changes or irritability Track when it started and discuss with LIVVE, especially if it feels out of character.
Headaches Seek advice if new, persistent, severe or different from your usual pattern.
Scalp hair thinning Contact your clinician promptly rather than increasing or stopping the dose yourself.
Voice deepening Rare, but seek medical advice quickly as this can be serious and may not fully reverse.

When to contact LIVVE

Get advice before changing your dose.

This block reduces anxiety and sets clear boundaries around safe self-management.

  • Side effects are affecting your quality of life.

  • You develop acne, unwanted hair growth or scalp hair thinning.

  • You notice voice changes.

  • You have no improvement after 3 months.

  • You think you have used too much.

  • Someone else may have had repeated skin contact with the application area.

  • You want to change the dose or application site.

  • You have abnormal bleeding or any symptom that worries you.

Blood-test monitoring

Monitoring is part of the treatment — not an optional extra.

Testosterone should be kept within the female physiological range. Blood tests help your clinician check whether the dose is safe and whether symptoms match the blood picture.

Testogel is prescribed off-label at a much lower dose than the licensed male dose, so regular review and blood-test monitoring are essential.

If Testogel is prescribed, LIVVE will remind you when your monitoring is due. In most cases, your blood test and treatment review need to be completed before your next prescription can be approved.

After prescribing

What happens once you start Testogel?

Starting treatment is only one part of the journey. LIVVE follow-up helps you understand expected timelines, side effects and when treatment may need adjusting.

  • Week 1 support

    Application instructions, transfer precautions, missed-dose advice and reassurance around careful measuring.

  • Early symptom review

    Check sexual desire, arousal, distress, wellbeing factors and any side effects before increasing dose.

  • Blood-test review

    Review testosterone results, SHBG/FAI, side effects and whether the dose is safe and clinically useful.

After prescribing

What happens after your Testogel prescription is approved?

If Testogel is prescribed, LIVVE will guide you through the next steps by email. You will receive support on delivery, how to apply your treatment safely, what side effects to look out for, what changes you may or may not notice, and when your blood-test monitoring is due.

  1. Prescription approved

    Your prescription is checked and prepared by the LIVVE Pharmacy team. You will receive clear next-step information before your treatment arrives.

  2. Delivery and first use

    We explain what to check when your parcel arrives, how to store your treatment and what to read before your first application.

  3. Application support

    You will be guided on measuring your dose, applying the cream safely, washing your hands and reducing the risk of transfer.

  4. Monitoring reminders

    We remind you when your blood test or treatment review is due, so repeat prescribing can be considered safely and without unnecessary delays.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Testogel used for?

    Testogel is licensed in the UK for testosterone replacement in adult men with confirmed hypogonadism. In menopause care it may be prescribed off-label, at a much lower dose, for persistent low sexual desire associated with menopause after HRT and other contributing factors have been reviewed.

  • What is the regulatory status of Testogel?

    No testosterone product is currently licensed specifically for women in the UK. Testogel may be prescribed off-label by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate, in accordance with current British Menopause Society guidance. Your clinician should explain why it is appropriate, the alternatives, the dose and the monitoring required.

  • How much testosterone is in one sachet?

    Each 2.5g sachet contains 40.5mg testosterone.

  • What is the usual female dose?

    British Menopause Society guidance gives approximately one eighth of a sachet daily—around 5mg testosterone—as an example starting dose. Your own prescription may differ.

  • How long should one sachet last?

    At one eighth of a sachet daily, each sachet should last about eight days.

  • How do I measure one eighth of a sachet?

    LIVVE will provide practical written instructions showing the amount to use and how long each sachet should last. Do not squeeze out the whole sachet or estimate a larger amount.

  • The leaflet says to use the whole sachet immediately. Which instructions do I follow?

    The manufacturer’s leaflet describes the licensed male treatment. Your menopause dose is off-label and much smaller. Follow the individual instructions supplied by your LIVVE prescriber and pharmacist.

  • Where should I apply Testogel?

    For menopause care, BMS guidance advises clean, dry skin such as the lower abdomen or upper thighs. Rotate the site regularly and follow your clinician’s instructions.

  • Can I shower after applying it?

    For the female off-label pathway, avoid washing the application area for 2–3 hours, unless your clinician advises otherwise.

  • Can Testogel transfer to children, partners or pets?

    Yes. Wash your hands after applying it, allow it to dry, cover the application site and avoid skin contact with the treated area. Wash the site before close contact. Pregnant people should avoid contact with treated skin.

  • Is Testogel flammable?

    Yes. It contains alcohol and is flammable until dry. Keep away from heat, flames, smoking and other ignition sources during application and until the skin is dry.

  • Do I need blood tests?

    Yes. LIVVE uses a monitoring pathway that includes a baseline blood test within 3 months before starting treatment, a first review and blood test 3 months after dispatch, a second review and blood test 6 months after the first review, and annual review and blood test every 12 months thereafter.

  • Will Testogel help tiredness or brain fog?

    Testosterone is not routinely prescribed solely for tiredness, brain fog, mood, weight or general wellbeing. The evidence-based indication is persistent low sexual desire associated with menopause after a wider assessment.

  • What side effects should I report?

    Contact LIVVE about troublesome acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, voice change, clitoral enlargement, persistent skin irritation, mood changes or any other concerning symptom.

  • What if I miss a dose?

    Do not double the next dose. Resume your normal prescribed routine and contact LIVVE if you are unsure.

  • What if I accidentally use the whole sachet?

    Wash the application site with soap and water and contact LIVVE, a pharmacist, NHS 111 or another healthcare professional for advice. Do not apply another dose until you have been advised what to do.

Testosterone Hub

Helpful testosterone and low libido guides

You may also find these related guides helpful if you want to understand low libido, testosterone blood tests and treatment monitoring in more detail.

Ready to talk about low libido and testosterone?

If low sexual desire is affecting your confidence, intimacy or quality of life, LIVVE can help you understand whether Testogel, HRT optimisation, vaginal treatment, blood tests or another approach may be most appropriate.

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Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Testogel 40.5mg gel sachets are licensed for male hypogonadism. No testosterone product is currently licensed specifically for women in the UK, and Testogel may be prescribed off-label for menopause-related low sexual desire only when clinically appropriate after assessment. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your prescriber’s instructions. Seek medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms, side effects, abnormal bleeding or signs of testosterone excess.