Every time I see a commercial for Low T (and there are a LOT of them) I end up talking back to my television. Here’s the reason why:
Direct contact with the application site can expose others to this medication. Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. If you expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person, first wash the application area well with soap and water. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, that area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.
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Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child’s height periodically.
This medication should not be used in women. Women accidentally exposed to this medication may have side effects due to testosterone gel. Tell both of your doctors immediately if you notice symptoms in a woman such as changes in body hair or a large increase in acne. Avoid contact with this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This medication may cause harm to an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
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WARNING: Children accidentally exposed to this medication by direct contact with someone using it may absorb this drug through their skin. If this occurs, the child may have unwanted side effects due to testosterone gel. Children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. Tell both of your doctors immediately if you notice unexpected signs of puberty in a child such as unusual increase in size of genitals (penis or clitoris), early development of pubic hair, increased erections (in boys) or sex drive, or aggressive behavior. To decrease this risk, carefully follow all directions for the proper use of this drug.
First, I can’t even imagine a drug being approved for women that could negatively affect a man’s body – one that would effect his sperm count or, ahem, size, or hurt children through a simple hug. Second, what man would be comfortable exposing his wife/girlfriend and children to these potential risks? Makes the whole “throw your arm around” a woman’s/child’s shoulder seem a little risky.
We’ll let the Mayo Clinic have the last word:
The possibilities of testosterone therapy are enticing — increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and concentration, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. As you get older, testosterone therapy may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren’t as clear as they may seem. Find out what’s known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging.
Thoughts? Because I’m kinda tired of talking back to my television.