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HRT / Testosterone

Testosterone

Testosterone replacement in men with confirmed hypogonadism and testosterone therapy for specific sexual-health indications in women are separate clinical contexts. In Australia, registered creams have distinct indications for male hypogonadism and postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD). TGA registration record ↗

Men: confirmed hypogonadism

TRAVERSE enrolled symptomatic men with two low fasting testosterone results and existing or high cardiovascular risk. Gel was noninferior to placebo for major cardiovascular events; atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury and pulmonary embolism occurred more often in the testosterone group. This does not establish safety for bodybuilding doses or all delivery methods. Source ↗

Women: sexual-health indication

APHRODITE tested a transdermal patch for low sexual desire in postmenopausal women not taking estrogen. Results cannot establish broad benefits for energy, strength or longevity. Australia’s AndroFeme cream registration is for postmenopausal HSDD. Source ↗ · Source ↗

Results are outcome-specific

The Testosterone Trials found moderate sexual-function benefit but no significant vitality benefit. The later TRAVERSE fracture substudy did not show fracture prevention and observed more clinical fractures with testosterone. Source ↗ · Source ↗

Delivery methods & technical distinctions

Formulation / routeWhat the evidence tells us
Skin gel / creamTopical products deliver testosterone through skin. Labels warn of transfer to other people through contact. A male gel trial and a female patch trial do not validate every compounded cream. US gel label ↗ · Australian creams ↗
Intramuscular injectionsThe cypionate product label describes an oil-soluble ester with an intramuscular half-life of approximately eight days. That is formulation-specific pharmacokinetic information, not a dosing interval or evidence for a particular schedule. US cypionate label ↗
Gel, injections and pellets comparedA 2015 observational comparison assessed hematocrit, lipids and PSA across formulations. Nonrandom allocation and differing regimens limit causal route comparisons. Source ↗
Why technical details matterRoute, ester, assay timing and the outcome being measured must be specified. A serum concentration, symptom change and clinical event are different endpoints. We do not provide dose conversions or individual treatment schedules.

Research library

Recent research plus older foundations · Trials, observational studies and product labels are separately identified · Phases shown only when verified

FOUNDATIONAL STUDY2023

Phase 4 · randomized noninferiority trial

TRAVERSE: cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement ↗

Why it matters: Major cardiovascular outcomes trial; recent and foundational.

5,246 men; transdermal gel, not injections. NCT03518034. AbbVie and other funding.

Abstract / record screened; full-text, conflicts and current correction checks pending.

FOUNDATIONAL STUDY2016

Randomized placebo-controlled trials

The Testosterone Trials: effects of treatment in older men ↗

Why it matters: Established a structured evidence base for symptomatic older men with low testosterone.

790 men aged 65 or older; sexual function, physical function and vitality outcomes. NCT00799617.

Abstract / record screened; full-text, conflicts and current correction checks pending.

FOUNDATIONAL STUDY2008

Phase 3 · randomized trial

APHRODITE: testosterone for low libido in postmenopausal women ↗

Why it matters: Pivotal trial in postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen.

Patch study; benefits and safety questions are specific to the studied population and exposure.

Abstract / record screened; full-text, conflicts and current correction checks pending.

2013

Experimental randomized study

Androgen and estrogen effects in men ↗

Mechanistic context, not a routine HRT outcomes trial.

Abstract / record screened; full-text, conflicts and current correction checks pending.

Last screened: 30 October 2026. This is an initial, non-exhaustive editorial library. Product labels are jurisdiction-specific; registration records are not a substitute for checking current Australian product information. No individualized treatment, dose conversion or self-administration protocol is provided.