Compounded testosterone cream costs nearly 79% less per refill than AndroGel® based on two bottles ($270 for 70 days vs. $1,282 for 60 days, per GoodRx pricing). If this were a generic testosterone gel the cost for one bottle would be $164.70. Over 60 days, this totals $329.40, which is still more expensive than compounded testosterone cream—and it lasts 10 days less.
Private clinics like IAM prescribe for 10 weeks (70 days) instead of monthly. Why? A 10-week cycle aligns better with follow-up labs, allows for smoother scheduling, and reduces gaps in treatment, ensuring patients stay consistent with their therapy.
Dosage:
The cream provides a significantly higher dose, making it suitable for patients requiring higher testosterone levels or struggling to reach optimal levels with AndroGel.
Application Sites:
Compounded cream offers flexibility in application areas like the scrotum (higher absorption), while AndroGel is limited to shoulders and arms.
When it comes to topicals, compounded testosterone creams often outperform gels in delivering results. A cream at 200 mg/mL is equivalent to injections in potency. We’ve seen incredible outcomes with both men and women using testosterone creams—prescribed differently, of course. Their levels are optimal, and they’re feeling amazing. That said, not everyone responds equally well to creams.
How Topicals Compare to Injections
| Feature | Topicals (Creams) | Injections |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption | Absorbed through the skin; mimics natural daily testosterone fluctuations. | Delivered directly into muscle; provides steady levels over days or weeks. |
| Dosing Precision | Application-dependent; slight variations may occur. | Highly precise, measurable doses. |
| Convenience | Quick and non-invasive; ideal for frequent travelers. | Less frequent but requires proper technique or clinic visits. |
| Lifestyle Fit | Risk of transfer to others (e.g., children); may sweat off during activity. | No transfer risk; consistent absorption. |
| Side Effects | Potential for skin irritation at application site. | Possible soreness or lumps at injection site. |
Both topicals and injections work, but your choice should match your lifestyle, body’s response, and health goals.
The form of testosterone doesn’t matter as much as the person using it. Everyone’s body is unique, and that plays a significant role in how effective a treatment is. Lifestyle factors matter, too. Some people, like frequent travelers, government officials, those in service roles, or busy business owners, need solutions that fit their demanding schedules. For them, it’s not just about what works—it’s also about what’s convenient and sustainable.
Compounded Testosterone Cream vs. AndroGel
| Feature | Testosterone Cream | AndroGel® |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 20% cream = 200 mg/mL | 1.62% gel = 16.2 mg/mL |
| Typical Dose | 4 clicks (1 mL) = 200 mg of testosterone per dose | 2 pumps (1.25 g) = 40.5 mg per dose |
| Maximum Dose | Easily adjustable by provider, tailored to patient needs | 81 mg (4 pumps), capped by manufacturer |
| Application Sites | Flexible: stomach, scrotum (high absorption), or underarms | Shoulders and upper arms |
| Absorption Efficiency | Higher due to customizable sites, especially scrotal application | Lower due to fixed site limitations |
Absorption, Customization, and Dosing
Compounded Creams: These creams give you the flexibility to choose application sites like the scrotum, underarms, or stomach. The scrotum, in particular, has thinner skin, which means better absorption and potentially higher testosterone levels. It’s a targeted approach to getting optimal results.
AndroGel®: Designed for the shoulders and upper arms, AndroGel offers steady absorption, but it’s less efficient compared to compounded creams. Sweat, improper application, or limited site options can also affect how well it works.
Customization
Compounded Creams: Here’s where compounded creams shine. They’re made specifically for you, tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s adjusting the concentration, dose, or delivery, these creams can be personalized to help you hit your goals. With a standard formulation of 200 mg/mL, your provider has the flexibility to tweak it for what works best for you.
AndroGel®: Pre-bottled and pre-measured, AndroGel is convenient but rigid. At a fixed 1.62% concentration, it’s a one-size-fits-all solution that may not provide enough testosterone or flexibility for people needing higher doses or personalized care.
Dosing Flexibility
AndroGel®: The starting dose is 40.5 mg daily (2 pumps), with adjustments ranging from a minimum of 20.25 mg (1 pump) to a maximum of 81 mg (4 pumps). For some patients, even the highest dose might fall short of achieving optimal testosterone levels.
Compounded Creams: There’s no ceiling* here. Dosing can be entirely customized. A typical dose might be 200 mg daily (1 mL of cream, or 4 clicks), but your provider can adjust it to fit your body and your lab results. That kind of flexibility means we meet you where you are, not the other way around.
The bottom line is this: Compounded testosterone creams offer a clear edge when it comes to absorption, flexibility, and personalization. You get tailored solutions and better absorption, especially with options like scrotal application. On the other hand, AndroGel is pre-measured and convenient but lacks the adaptability needed for some patients to achieve optimal levels. The choice depends on what fits your body, lifestyle, and goals—but if personalization and performance matter, compounded creams might just be the winner.
