What is Testogel?
What this product is
Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump 88g is a UK-licensed hydroalcoholic testosterone gel delivered through a precision metered-dose pump. The 88g bottle holds enough gel for approximately 70 pump actuations. Each pump dispenses 1.25g of 1.62% gel, delivering 20.25mg of testosterone to the skin. Around 10% of the applied dose is absorbed into the bloodstream over 24 hours.
Besins Healthcare UK Ltd holds the UK marketing authorisation. The 88g pack carries the Patient Information Leaflet and the full labelling in the carton.
How the pump format compares with the 50mg sachet
- Testogel 50mg/5g sachets (sister product), 1% w/w, 50mg per sachet, fixed daily dose.
- Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump 88g (this product), 1.62% w/w, 20.25mg per pump, adjustable in 10mg half-pump steps.
Both are UK-licensed Testogel. The pump format is newer and typically preferred by men who want adjustable dosing, a smaller daily gel volume, or a single bottle instead of 30 sachets.
How Testogel 16.2mg/g sits among UK TRT options
- Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump (this product), Besins Healthcare.
- Testogel 50mg/5g sachet, Besins Healthcare, same drug in a different format.
- Tostran 2% gel in a pump dispenser, Kyowa Kirin.
- Testavan 2% gel in a metered-dose canister, Ferring.
- Sustanon 250, Testosterone Enantate, Nebido, licensed UK injectables.
All sit in the BSSM 2023 UK Guidelines as first-line options for male hypogonadism.
Pay-as-you-go TRT, how it works
Our Pay-as-you-go TRT service lets you access TRT without a subscription. You pay once for the consultation, pay once per prescription, and order a bottle only when you need it.
- Baseline consultation and bloods review, one-off fee.
- 88g bottle (35-day supply at standard dose), can order up to six months at a time.
- Follow-up bloods at 3 months, 6 months, then annually per BSSM 2023.
- Switch between gel formats, or to an injectable, at any time if clinically appropriate.
Eligibility, who can use Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump
This pump format suits most adult men with confirmed testosterone deficiency who want a non-injectable TRT option, particularly those who:
- Want precise, adjustable daily dosing.
- Prefer a smaller daily gel volume on the skin.
- Travel frequently and want one bottle rather than a strip of sachets.
- Are already stable on sachets and want to switch formats.
- Need dose titration between standard sachet increments.
It is not suitable for men who live with young children or pregnant partners where skin-to-skin transfer cannot be prevented, or for men with skin conditions on the application sites.
How to buy Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump at Courier Pharmacy
Buying this product through our Pay-as-you-go TRT service is a four-step process:
- Step 1, complete a TRT consultation at courierpharmacy.co.uk/trt (or upload an existing valid prescription at checkout).
- Step 2, a UK prescriber reviews your answers and your baseline bloods.
- Step 3, if clinically appropriate, a private prescription is issued.
- Step 4, we dispense the 88g bottle and deliver discreetly to your door by signed-for tracked UK delivery.
If this format is not suitable for you, we will explain why and suggest the next best option. Common alternatives include the 50mg sachet version of Testogel, Tostran, Testavan, or a licensed injectable (Sustanon 250, Testosterone Enantate).
Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist
Our brand pharmacist is Dr Ada Jex-Cori. She represents the spirit of what we do. Named for Ada Lovelace, Sophia Jex-Blake and Gerty Cori, she stands for evidence-led, unafraid-of-questions medicine.
“You’re not broken. The system is. We’re here to change that.”
TRT is one of the areas where that ethos matters most. Men on gel-based TRT often ask whether they can fine-tune their dose, change formats, or pause for a few weeks. The pump format exists to make all of that easier. Ada’s view is simple, listen to the patient, test properly, treat properly, and offer the format that fits the man.
Frequently asked questions
What is Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump 88g?
Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump 88g is the UK-licensed pump-dispenser format of Testogel. Each pump actuation delivers 1.25g of 1.62% gel, equal to 20.25mg of testosterone. The 88g bottle holds approximately 70 pumps, or around a 35-day supply at the standard 2-pump daily dose.
How is this different from the Testogel 50mg sachets?
Same drug, different format. The sachet version delivers a fixed 50mg per sachet, no half-doses possible. The pump format delivers 20.25mg per actuation and allows half-pump titration (10mg steps). The pump is also smaller to carry and gives you a longer-lasting single pack.
How do I prime a new bottle?
Hold the bottle upright on a flat surface. Press the pump fully down three times, discarding the primer gel on a tissue each time. After priming, each full press delivers a measured 1.25g of gel. You only prime a new bottle, not between daily doses.
What is the standard daily dose?
Two pumps (40.5mg testosterone) applied once a day to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms or abdomen. Your prescriber may adjust the dose up or down at your 3-month bloods review.
How many pumps are in one bottle?
Approximately 70 full pump actuations per 88g bottle. At the standard 2-pump daily dose, that is around 35 days of therapy. Lower doses extend the bottle proportionally.
How quickly does Testogel 16.2mg/g work?
Serum testosterone peaks 2 to 4 hours after application. Steady-state blood levels within 2 to 3 days. Symptom improvement (libido, mood, energy) usually appears over 3 to 6 weeks, with full stabilisation by 6 months.
Can I switch from the sachets to the pump?
Yes. If you are on 1 sachet (50mg) per day, your prescriber will typically start you on 2 pumps (40.5mg) and adjust from your 3-month bloods. The response usually settles within 2 to 3 days of the switch.
Can I switch from the pump to an injectable?
Yes. If gel absorption is poor or you want fewer daily tasks, your prescriber can switch you to Sustanon 250, Testosterone Enantate or a compounded cypionate. The switch is managed over 2 to 4 weeks with new bloods at 3 months post-switch.
Does Testogel 16.2mg/g contain peanut oil?
No. It is a hydroalcoholic gel, not an oil-based preparation. It is suitable for men with peanut or soya allergy who cannot use Sustanon 250.
Where should I apply the gel?
Clean, dry, intact skin on your shoulders, upper arms or abdomen. Not on the genitals, chest hair areas or any area with eczema, psoriasis or broken skin. Rotate the exact spot each day.
Can I shower after applying?
Wait at least 6 hours before showering, swimming or exercising. Earlier washing reduces the dose that reaches your bloodstream.
What about skin-to-skin transfer?
Testogel can transfer through skin contact. Cover the application area with clothing once dry, wash your hands immediately after applying, and shower before close contact with women, pregnant partners or children. Clean the pump nozzle with a tissue after each use.
What if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day. If you have missed the whole day, skip it and continue your normal schedule the next day. Do not double up.
How should I store the bottle?
Room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, upright, in the original pack, with the cap on the pump between uses. Keep away from naked flames (the ethanol is flammable). Do not use past the printed expiry date.
Is Testogel 16.2mg/g a controlled drug?
Yes. Testosterone is a Schedule 4 Part 2 Controlled Drug (CD Anab) in the UK, under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Safe-custody and CD-register rules do not apply, however possession without a prescription is a criminal offence.
Can I take Testogel 16.2mg/g abroad?
Yes, with your prescription. The 88g bottle fits within carry-on liquid rules on most airlines. Carry a copy of your prescription at the airport. Some countries have stricter testosterone import rules, check before you fly.
What if I run out before my next bloods are due?
Reorder through courierpharmacy.co.uk against your current prescription. Our Pay-as-you-go TRT service lets you order a bottle at a time, no subscription. If your prescription has expired, you need a repeat consultation.
Can I use it on days I feel I do not need it?
Daily use is important for steady-state levels. Skipping doses causes testosterone levels to swing, which can bring back symptoms within days. If you want to pause, discuss with your prescriber rather than skipping doses ad hoc.
Can women use Testogel 16.2mg/g?
The UK licence is for men only. However, menopause specialists sometimes prescribe testosterone gel off-label at a much lower dose for women with HSDD after menopause, in line with BMS 2024 guidance. The pump format is useful off-label as a quarter to half-pump increments (5 to 10mg) suit the lower female dose range.
How much Testogel should a woman use?
Off-label female dosing in BMS 2024 guidance aims for a daily testosterone dose of around 5 to 10mg, roughly a quarter to half of one pump actuation. This equates to a 20.25mg pump every 2 to 4 days, or applying a measured sub-pump amount daily. Dosing is clinician-led, individualised and monitored by serum free testosterone, SHBG and symptom response.
How to apply Testogel for women and for menopause?
Off-label use for menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder follows the same application principles as men but at a much lower dose. The gel is applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or outer thigh (rather than the shoulders men use), once daily or on alternate days depending on prescribed dose. Specialist menopause clinics usually initiate and monitor this; it is not a route for self-dosing.
Where should women apply Testogel?
For off-label female use, lower abdomen or outer thigh is preferred over the shoulders, as it suits the lower dose amount and reduces transfer to a partner. Rotate the exact spot each application. Avoid the breast area and genitals.
How long does Testogel take to work for women?
Where used off-label in women, libido, mood and energy improvements usually appear over 6 to 8 weeks. BMS 2024 guidance recommends reviewing effect at 3 to 6 months and discontinuing if there is no benefit by then.
Does Testogel actually work?
For men with biochemically confirmed hypogonadism (two low morning testosterone readings) and matched symptoms, yes. BSSM 2023 guidance and large meta-analyses show reliable symptom improvement in libido, mood, erectile function, energy and body composition over 3 to 6 months of therapy. For men whose testosterone is in range, Testogel does not improve mood or energy and may cause harm. Correct diagnosis is the key factor.
What is Testogel used for in men?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with primary or secondary hypogonadism. It restores testosterone to the mid-normal range for a healthy adult male, which reverses the symptoms of testosterone deficiency, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of morning erections, low mood, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and strength, central weight gain and reduced bone density.
How does Testogel work?
Each pump of 1.62% gel delivers 20.25mg of testosterone onto the skin, where the hydroalcoholic vehicle evaporates and testosterone is absorbed into the dermal reservoir. From there it is released into the systemic circulation over 24 hours, giving steady physiological levels. Serum testosterone peaks 2 to 4 hours after application and stabilises at steady state within 2 to 3 days of daily use.
Is Testogel a steroid?
Testogel contains testosterone, which is a naturally occurring steroid hormone (an androgen in the anabolic-androgenic steroid class). However, TRT at licensed replacement doses is clinically very different from anabolic steroid misuse. The aim is to restore physiological testosterone, not to achieve supraphysiological levels for muscle gain.
Is Testogel body-identical?
Yes. The active ingredient is testosterone itself, pharmacologically identical to the testosterone your body produces. Testogel is bioidentical in that specific sense. The gel vehicle (ethanol, isopropyl myristate, carbomer, water, triethanolamine) is pharmaceutical, not natural, but the hormone it carries is the same molecule the testes synthesise.
Is Testogel safe?
Testogel has a long UK safety record when prescribed and monitored correctly. The TRAVERSE trial (2023) found no raised cardiovascular risk at licensed doses. Monitoring at 3 months, 6 months and annually (serum testosterone, haematocrit, PSA, lipids, LFTs and clinical review) catches the small number of patients who need dose adjustment or a change in route. The main risks are haematocrit rise, PSA rise in older men, acne, and skin-to-skin transfer to partners.
How long does Testogel take to absorb?
The gel dries on the skin within 3 to 5 minutes. Testosterone is absorbed into the dermal reservoir over the following few hours, with peak serum levels at 2 to 4 hours. Avoid washing the area for at least 6 hours to allow full absorption.
How long does Testogel stay in your system?
A single dose releases testosterone from the skin reservoir over 24 hours, which is why daily dosing gives steady-state levels. If you stop daily use, serum testosterone drops back to your own baseline within 72 to 96 hours. Any detectable effect on fertility, PSA or haematocrit can take weeks to months to reverse.
Does Testogel increase muscle mass?
In men whose baseline testosterone is low, replacement to the mid-normal range typically adds 1 to 3 kg of lean mass over 3 to 6 months and reduces fat mass by a similar amount. In men whose testosterone is already in range, Testogel adds no further muscle at licensed doses. Supraphysiological doses used in anabolic abuse carry a different risk profile and are not what TRT provides.
Why cannot you get Testogel on your hands?
Testosterone is well absorbed through palm skin, so leaving residue on your hands means absorbing an uncontrolled extra dose yourself and risking transfer to anyone you touch. After applying the gel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you use a dosing spoon or spatula to spread the gel, you can skip hand contact altogether.
How much is Testogel in the UK?
Private pricing varies between pharmacies. At Courier Pharmacy, Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel Pump 88g is supplied on our Pay-as-you-go TRT service, with the current price listed on the product page at courierpharmacy.co.uk. There is no subscription, you reorder a bottle at a time.
How to use the Testogel 40.5mg daily dose and sachets?
40.5mg a day is the standard adult TRT starting dose, which equals 2 pumps of the 16.2mg/g gel. The 50mg sachet is a different format of the same drug, each sachet delivers a fixed 50mg once a day with no half-dose option. Pump and sachet are not mixed within the same prescription, your prescriber will specify one or the other based on titration flexibility and preference.
Disclaimer
Educational content, not a substitute for medical advice. This page is published by Courier Pharmacy as educational product information. It is not personalised medical advice, and it does not replace a consultation with your prescriber, pharmacist or GP. Always follow the dose and schedule written on your prescription.
UK-licensed Patient Information Leaflet is the authoritative source. Testogel 16.2mg/g is a UK-licensed medicine under MA holder Besins Healthcare UK Ltd. The Patient Information Leaflet supplied in the carton is the authoritative patient-facing document for the specific pack you receive. Always read the PIL before use.
Prescription-only and Controlled Drug status. Testogel 16.2mg/g is a prescription-only medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and a Schedule 4 Part 2 Controlled Drug (CD Anab) under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Possession without a valid prescription is a criminal offence. Do not share, sell or supply this medicine to anyone else.
Skin-to-skin transfer warning. Testogel can transfer testosterone to other people through direct skin contact. Keep covered after application. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with women, pregnant partners and children until the gel has dried and the application area is covered or washed. Clean the pump nozzle with a tissue after each use. Report any virilisation symptoms in household members to your prescriber immediately. See the MHRA Drug Safety Update on secondary exposure for further guidance.
Flammability. Testogel contains ethanol and is flammable. Keep away from naked flames, smoking and open sparks until the gel has fully dried.
Pay-as-you-go TRT, service terms. Our Pay-as-you-go TRT service runs under a GPhC-registered pharmacy framework. We dispense only against valid UK prescriptions issued after a documented BSSM-aligned consultation and bloods review. The pharmacist reserves the right to decline supply if clinical review raises any concern, or if paperwork is incomplete or out of date.
Not for performance enhancement. Testogel 16.2mg/g is prescribed for men with clinically and biochemically confirmed testosterone deficiency, in line with the BSSM 2023 UK Guidelines. Use for sporting performance, body composition goals in men with normal testosterone, or any non-medical indication is not a licensed use and is not supported by Courier Pharmacy. Such use may be a criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
References
- Ahsan, S. (2026) A comprehensive timeline: the development of testosterone replacement therapy, Courier Pharmacy. Available at: https://courierpharmacy.co.uk/a-comprehensive-timeline-the-development-of-testosterone-replacement-therapy/ (Accessed: 10 October 2026).
- Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D, Jones TH, Wylie K, Ossei-Gerning N, David J, Muneer A (2017). British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(12), pp.1504-1523. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198507/
- Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, Hodis HN, Matsumoto AM, Snyder PJ, Swerdloff RS, Wu FC, Yialamas MA (2018). Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 103(5), pp.1715-1744. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/5/1715/4939465
- Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, Kurtz EG, Redmon JB, Chiles KA, Lightner DJ, Miner MM, Murad MH, Nelson CJ, Platz EA, Ramanathan LV, Lewis RW (2018). Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. Journal of Urology, 200(2), pp.423-432. Available at: https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115
- Lincoff AM, Bhasin S, Flevaris P, et al. (2023). Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy. TRAVERSE Study. New England Journal of Medicine, 389(2), pp.107-117. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025
- Snyder PJ, Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, et al. (2016). Effects of Testosterone Treatment in Older Men. T Trials. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(7), pp.611-624. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1506119
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) (2026) [Summary of Product Characteristics for product 8919]. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8919/smpc (Accessed: 13 October 2026).
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) (2026) [Patient information leaflet for product 8919]. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8919.pdf (Accessed: 13 October 2026).
- British National Formulary (accessed 2026). Testosterone. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/testosterone/
- British Menopause Society (2022, updated 2024). Testosterone replacement in menopause. BMS tools for clinicians. Available at: https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/
- UK Legislation (2001, amended). The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Schedule 4 Part 2 (CD Anab). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/schedule/4/made
