Testosterone replacement ongoing prescription request
This form is for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital patients only.
Testosterone is only recommended for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or low libido with distress in postmenopausal women on current HRT. Scientific studies demonstrate benefit from testosterone replacement for HSDD, with the NICE menopause management guideline and British Menopause Society (BMS) recommending it for women already on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Although commonly reported, there is insufficient evidence to show that testosterone benefits muscle strength, cognition, brain fog, fatigue, or increased energy levels compared to women not on testosterone.
The benefit of testosterone is highly individual, and it does not improve desire or arousal for everyone. It may also cause common side effects, including excess facial or body hair, acne, male pattern hair loss, or, more rarely, anxiety, aggression, deepening voice, and enlarged clitoris. These side effects generally disappear if the dose is reduced or treatment is stopped.
Monitoring testosterone
Testosterone levels should be checked prior to starting treatment and 3–6 months afterwards. Testosterone gel should not be applied to the forearm or inside of the elbow, as this can artificially increase the result. If testosterone levels are elevated, this usually indicates too much testosterone is being used, and the dose should be reduced to avoid side effects. Testosterone only needs to be discontinued if no benefit to libido is reported after 3–6 months of use.
Prescriptions
- Testogel 40.5mg/2.5g: A small pea-sized amount, about 1/8th of a packet per day = 5mg (1 box = 6/12 supply)
- Testosterone 2% gel (60g): Half or one metered dose, two or three times a week. Maximum use: 1 metered dose on alternate days = 10mg (1 bottle = 6/12 supply)
- Testogel 16.2mg/g gel: This product is not recommended for female use
Further information
Patients living outside of our catchment area
We can only recommend testosterone and will provide advice and guidance in your clinic letter for your GP to commence treatment, in line with NICE and BMS guidelines.
North West London (NWL) and South West London (SWL) patients attending the menopause clinic
If testosterone replacement was recommended by the menopause clinic, you will need to:
- Collect your prescription from the hospital outpatient pharmacy
- Have a baseline blood test on the same day—this will have been ordered in advance
We are a paperless hospital, and no forms or bookings are needed.
NWL and SWL patients ongoing treatment
If you experience benefit from testosterone after 3–6 months of use, with no side effects, and wish to continue treatment:
- Attend the hospital for a blood test—this will have been pre-ordered when treatment started.
- When the results are available via Patients Know Best, please submit them below
- If your results are within the normal reference range, a letter will be sent to your GP to continue treatment
Ongoing prescription request form
