How do I apply test. cream?

I was prescribed compounded test. cream(2%) for zero libido. I was told to rub about 1tsp. on the inside of my arm. Well, after doing some research I decided to start at about 1/4tsp. and go from there. I took a tiny sugar spoon and dipped into the jar and took out what I thought might be 1/4 tsp. and rubbed it on my inner arm. Well, it will only absorb so much and I was left with a slimy mess and not knowing what to do with it. I took the excess off with a tissue but hate the thought of waisting it. How should I be doing this? Help! I know that some of you apply it to the vagina but my doc felt this was the best way to apply it. Thank you for any input you can give me. Mighty Mite

Hi!

My compouding pharmacy provided me with a calibrated syringe (without a needle). I can easily use the syringe to draw up the prescribed amount and then apply it. There's no guesswork involved and less chance of wasting the cream.

There are other areas where the cream can be applied. You can check over acceptable application sites in this link.

I hope this helps!

s

I have read some books on testosterone use in women and some say to insert it into the vagina, that it actually helps the urinary incontinence problems, and other things. Has anyone else done this or read this? I am using 2% 1cc 2 times a week occ 3 times a week, intravaginallly. I have used it on the ulva and related areas but so much gets lost b/c of going to the bathroom etc (coming off on underwear)
vali

(((Mighty Mite))) have you asked the pharmacist about what you should do? I have to say, I have serious doubts that your DR has any experience prescribing compounded testosterone for women.

First of all... if you're using a 2% cream, if you applied a teaspoon daily, that's 100 mg of testosterone transdermally per day. Some points of reference:

• typical dosages used to treat men for impotence are 15 to 30 mg per day
• my own dose is roughly 5 mg once every week, or 140 TIMES less than what you were told to use

Second... how in the world can you be expected to get a full teaspoon of cream to absorb? That is waaaaay too much to use; if the DR really wanted you to get 100mg per application, he should have had you prescribed a 20% cream instead of 2%. Of course I am NOT advising that you ask for a 20% cream; 2% is at the upper limit of what women are usually given (mine is 1%).

Finally... the best place to apply compounded testosterone cream is on the vulva, but of course you could never get 1 teaspoon to absorb there, you'd be swimming in it

I would first talk with the pharmacist and ask how much you should be using (of this particular cream) and where they recommend you apply it. They probably see more women who use it than your DR does.

s,
-Linda

OK, this is what it says on my prescription. Testosterone 0.2% in Aquaphor-topical ointment. Maybe I'm wrong and it's not compounded. I understand that some feel that 2% is too much but I thought by using less it would be fine. Anybody out there on the 2% and at what amount are you using and where are you applying it? Thanks, Mighty Mite

Hi Mighty Mite.

I recommend a book by Dr. Vliet entitled The Savvy Woman's Guide to Testosterone. In this book Dr. Vliet explains why 2% testosterone cream is too strong for women and she provides cases as examples. At the level of testosterone in a 2% ointment, even taken 2-3 times a week, the levels of testosterone in a woman's body will be well over what a woman needs. The excess of testosterone can cause nightmares, aggressive behavior and androgenous changes such as an enlarged clitoris, male patterned baldness and excess weight gain around the abdomen. Additionally, too much testosterone can lower a woman's good cholesterol (HDL.)

I'm sure these are not the effects you are expecting from using testosterone. It is good that you doctor is willing to work with you, but I would definitely check into getting a woman's dosage. It will be much gentler on your body.

Hope you find your way through the jungle.

OK, if your prescription says 0.2%, that's not 2%. That's 1/10 of 2%. So you're getting 10mg if you apply a teaspoon. That is still too much... applying 1/4 teaspoon, as you tried to do, would be 2.5mg, which is in the realm of practical women's doses. However, 1/4 teaspoon of cream is still a lot to get absorbed.

Now, about the choice of base... Aquaphor is thick and greasy, and takes a long time to absorb. It's like suspending testosterone in Vaseline and expecting it to absorb. Not very practical when you're trying to get dressed and out the door. You might try asking the pharmacist to compound it in Vanicream instead... it's light, fluffy, absorbs easily and doesn't leave any greasy residue on your skin, yet it doesn't absorb lightning fast like the alcohol based gels do (which are not OK to use on the vulva anyway). The goal is for the cream to melt into the skin easily, but not to shock you with 100% of it hitting all at the same time the way it sometimes does with the alcohol gel bases. And, while you're at it, I'd ask for a 1% cream (I know that sounds stronger, but you use way less of it and it is easier to get less to absorb ).

This is all trial and error, and of course you can make do with what you have, but your experience may not be as positive as with something like a 1% testosterone in Vanicream, where you only apply a little dab so it's no hassle.

s,
-Linda

my pharmacist uses PLO gel to compound my testosterone. It seems to work ok, but I sure like the soundof that vanicream.
how does plo gel rate?

PLO gel is pretty good, too. It takes just a little longer to absorb because it has an aqueous (water based) fraction. But it's very good stuff. Just make sure not to refrigerate it, because when you cool it down it turns into a liquid.

s,
-Linda

thanks Surferbabe for the info. It was a huge help. Duh on my part with the %. But easier said than done on getting the cream changed. I was told to use it 3xwk. but thought I would use a small dab daily to help with the absorption. Hope this works. Mighty Mite