Questions About Testosterone Cream/Gel

[LayneOfNazareth]

So here's the deal,

I'm a seventeen year old transguy.  My mother is not willing to let me go on hormones until I turn 18.  I've tried everything; it just can't happen.  However, I'm not going to be eighteen for another year, and then I'll only be about four months on T (if lucky) when I go to college, which I really do not want. 

I've been seeking a compromise, and I finally talked to her today about using T gel or cream.  She was much more open to this idea since the process is slower and doesn't involve injections.  But, she had quite a few questions and I would very much appreciate it if anyone could help me out.

1. Have these products undergone tests?  If so, are there copies online?  Are they approved for use?
2. Is it safe to begin on testosterone cream/gel and switch to injecting T a few months later?
3. Are there any specific side effects for the gels and creams that are different from regular T other than the possibility that it could rub off onto others?
4. Also, I know that it's usually recommended to put the cream/gel onto your torso like your shoulders and abdomen, but is it safe to use a small amount also on your face to stimulate facial hair growth?
5. What is the best way to apply it at your crotch to stimulate genital growth and are there specific risks to be aware of with this practice?

Thank you, 

<3 Layne

[Greg]

Ok, I'll answer these as best as I can.
Just FYI, the changes can be slower if you have a low dose, but if you use a normal dose it's likely changes will happen at a similar rate as if you were on injections. It's difficult to predict as everyone reacts differently to testosterone.

1. These products would not be available if they hadn't been approved or tested by medical profesionals. All T substitutes are developed for cismales so technically giving them to transmen could be considered 'experimental'.
2. Simple answer, yes.
3. Depending on the base ingredient of the gel/cream you could develop dry skin on the areas you apply it. I only have knowlage of Testogel, which is alcohol based so the alcohol can cause dry skin.
4. The area you apply the cream/gel will not dictate hair growth patterns. Putting it on your face will make no difference to the growth of facial hair.
5. Likewise, applying to genitals will not cause faster or bigger growth. And if the gel/cream is alcohol based it will sting like a mofo, trust me on that one.

[LayneOfNazareth]

Thanks man.  Much appreciated.

[cynthialee]

You gotta remember HRT is a YMMV situation.
My spouse is on gel T and it is working FAST. On the shots hir T levels were much lower than the gel.
Others will get the opposite reaction.

You will not be able to know how you will react to HRT until you start HRT.

Best of luck and if mom thinks gel would be better cause it will take longer....oh well....lol

[Rosa]

I use T gel because I am a male with naturally deficient T.  The gel is probably quicker than the shots since you get a steady and complete daily dose.  With the shots your T level peaks then goes down until your next shot.  You do not want the gel to come into contact with anyone else - or pets, so you have to be careful about that.  I am always careful to wash my hands, and I put the gel on my upper arms and back of shoulders, then wear a shirt. 

This is strong stuff, so I hope that only take it under a doctor's supervision.  You will likely notice a dramatic increase in your libido.  In my own experience, I found out that I needed to start with even a lower dose than was prescribed, and increase dosage slower than recommended mainly because of issues with increased libido. 

Best wishes.