Tostran Gel

Tostran Gel

Specialist menopause assessment

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Tostran Gel
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METERED-DOSE TESTOSTERONE GEL FOR MENOPAUSE-RELATED LOW LIBIDO

Tostran® Testosterone Gel

A concentrated 2% testosterone gel supplied in a metered-dose pump. At LIVVE, Tostran may be prescribed at very low doses, where clinically appropriate, to treat persistent low sexual desire associated with menopause, in line with current specialist guidance.

Tostran is a prescription-only testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. It is used at much lower doses than those used in men and is prescribed off-label for women in line with national menopause guidance. Your clinician will explain why Tostran has been recommended for you and will monitor your treatment with regular reviews and blood tests.

LIVVE product price

£45.00

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

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Check if Tostran may be suitable View monitoring plan

Menopause-focused assessment

Clear pump-measuring instructions

Baseline and follow-up blood tests

Realistic expectations and safety checks

Step-by-step support after prescribing

Tostran Gel
  • Tostran Gel

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

Tostran 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

    Off-label in women

  • Presentation

    Metered-dose pump

  • Concentration

    2% testosterone gel

  • Female use

    Very low prescribed dose

  • PRESCRIPTION NEEDED?

    Yes

  • Monitoring

    Baseline and follow-up blood tests

  • Review

    Regular clinical reviews

Tostran is prescribed off-label for women by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. It is used at substantially lower doses than those used in men, in line with current British Menopause Society guidance. Your clinician will explain why Tostran is the most appropriate option for you and will monitor your treatment with regular reviews and blood tests.

Application video guide

How to apply Tostran safely

Watch this short pharmacist-led video to learn how to dispense and apply Tostran safely. It explains the prescribed dose, where to apply the gel, how long to allow it to dry and how to reduce the risk of transfer to other people.

How to apply Tostran safely
  • Use prescribed dose
  • Rotate application areas
  • Allow to dry
  • Avoid transfer
  • Wash hands

Key application steps

  • Wash and dry your hands before starting.

  • Press the pump down fully and use only the number of pump depressions prescribed by your LIVVE clinician.

  • Apply the gel to clean, dry, unbroken skin on the lower abdomen or inner thighs, following your clinician’s instructions.

  • Gently spread the gel with one finger until dry. Allow the area to dry fully, then cover it with clothing.

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

  • Avoid skin-to-skin transfer to children, partners or pets.

Do not use additional pumps, change how often you apply Tostran or use a different application area without 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 Tostran?

A concentrated 2% testosterone gel supplied in a metered-dose pump.

A concentrated 2% testosterone gel supplied in a metered-dose pump. At LIVVE, Tostran may be prescribed at very low doses, where clinically appropriate, to treat persistent low sexual desire associated with menopause, in line with current specialist guidance.

Tostran is a prescription-only testosterone gel that may be prescribed for women by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. It is used at much lower doses than those used in men and is prescribed off-label for women in line with national menopause guidance. Your clinician will explain why Tostran has been recommended for you and will monitor your treatment with regular reviews and blood tests.

Where Tostran fits

Tostran compared with other testosterone options

Some patients may have heard of different testosterone options being used in menopause care. Tostran is one option your clinician may discuss with you. The right choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, blood results and treatment goals.

  • Tostran® pump gel

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

  • Androfeme® cream

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

    View product

  • Testogel® sachets

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

    View product

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.

PUMP SCHEDULE AND DOSE

How is Tostran prescribed at a low dose?

There is currently no testosterone product licensed specifically for women in the UK. Tostran may be prescribed off-label at a substantially lower dose by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. Following your prescribed pump schedule and attending regular blood-test monitoring are essential to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.

Do not change the pump schedule yourself. Tostran is a concentrated 2% gel. Use only the number of pumps and frequency prescribed by your LIVVE clinician.

ITEM WHAT IT MEANS
Product 2% testosterone gel supplied in a metered-dose pump
Female use Off-label at a much lower dose where clinically appropriate
Dosing Follow your individual prescribed pump schedule
Monitoring Regular reviews and blood tests are required

This table explains the product pathway only. It is not a dose instruction.

HOW TO USE TOSTRAN

Use only your prescribed pump schedule.

Your LIVVE clinician will explain how often to use a full pump and where to apply it. Because Tostran is a concentrated 2% gel, the schedule used in menopause care is much lower than the licensed male pathway.

  • Apply only as prescribed.

  • Use clean, dry, intact skin at the site advised by your clinician.

  • Let the gel dry fully before dressing.

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

  • Cover the dry application area with clothing.

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

  • Do not increase the frequency or number of pumps without clinical review.

Application rules

Careful pump scheduling and transfer precautions matter.

Tostran is concentrated, so the menopause dose must follow the written instructions from your prescriber.

  • Use only the pump schedule shown in your treatment plan.

  • Do not increase the dose or frequency yourself.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin as directed.

  • Allow the gel to dry before dressing.

  • Wash your hands immediately after applying.

  • Cover the application area with clothing once dry.

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

  • Attend regular reviews and blood-test monitoring.

Suitability and safety

Tostran 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.

MONITORING PATHWAY

Monitoring is part of 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.

If Tostran 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 Tostran?

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 Tostran prescription is approved?

If Tostran 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 Tostran used for in menopause care?

    Tostran may be prescribed off-label at a much lower dose for persistent low sexual desire associated with menopause, where clinically appropriate and after wider causes have been considered.

  • What is Tostran’s regulatory status?

    Tostran is prescribed off-label for women by specialist menopause clinicians where clinically appropriate. It is used at substantially lower doses than those used in men, in line with current British Menopause Society guidance. Your clinician will explain why Tostran is the most appropriate option for you and will monitor your treatment with regular reviews and blood tests.

  • Do I need blood tests?

    Yes. Baseline and follow-up blood tests are required, with reviews at 3 months after dispatch, 6 months after the first review and every 12 months thereafter once stable.

  • Can Tostran 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. Pregnant people should avoid contact with treated skin.

  • 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.

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 Tostran, HRT optimisation, vaginal treatment, blood tests or another approach may be most appropriate.

Start your consultation View product facts

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Tostran 40.5mg gel pump gel are licensed for male hypogonadism and 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.