Testosterone and Smell: What Users Say

• cro...
• September 23, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "I recently turned 40 years old, and for at least the last five years, I have suffered from chronic depression, lack of motivation, no drive for life, and little did I know, a huge loss in sex drive. I decided to enter all the symptoms I had into a search engine. One of the first things that came up was low testosterone. I was shocked, and as soon as I could, I got tested. My reading was 240. I think if you are under 400, it should be an area of concern. After using Testim for two weeks, my mood began to get better. Motivation began to increase at work. Sex drive is through the roof. I'm looking forward to further benefits. Life-changing medicine. Smell is sort of alcohol-ish. When people ask about the smell, I joke about it."

• J12...
• October 12, 2013

For Hypogonadism, Male "I'm 51. My testosterone level had dropped to about 150. I hadn't been to a doc in a few years and have been gaining weight and feeling more fatigued and less motivated. Doc offered Testim and others, but said Testim seemed to absorb better than others. He mentioned the possible smell and stickiness, but I gave it a try. Today was my fourth day, and it really seems to already be helping with fatigue and overall motivation. I'm going over to the gym and working out this morning, and I'm going to get the house cleaned up too. Perhaps just psychological this early. Regardless, I feel MUCH better already. I really don't see the smell or sticky issues, seems about like hand sanitizer. Rub it in a minute or so, no smell or stickiness. Happy!"

• Tes...
• July 27, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "My understanding is that using a gel helps provide a more even dose than going with shots. I do have to comment on the strong smell of Testim. It's not a bad smell, however, it is too strong. Would you want to go into an important business meeting after having dumped on a half bottle of some strong perfume? Not me. I am considering asking my doctor for alternatives to Testim just because of its smell."

• And...
• January 15, 2014

For Hypogonadism, Male "I'm a 31-year-old male diabetic and was having problems with erectile dysfunction. I started on a Cialis regimen, and it only slightly helped. My urologist then tested me for testosterone and found I was in the low 200 range. He gave me a month supply and a prescription for Testim. The first month, there didn't seem to be too much impact, but by the second month, I had both more energy and sex drive. The erectile dysfunction problem was greatly reduced, and in some cases, the Cialis isn't needed. As a side note, some people complain about the smell. I think it just smells like cheap aftershave, but it doesn't really bother me. My girlfriend and two of my close friends that are also female think it smells wonderful. I'm not sure if it's a pheromone response or just pleasing to them."

• Mid...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 13, 2014

For Hypogonadism, Male "I knew I was having low T and had it checked; won't bore you with the details, but it was extremely low. About four hours after applying Androgel, I felt a surge of well-being, almost giddy! Over a few days, it leveled out and my previous moodiness and tiredness were much improved. Worked great for a year, then insurance stopped covering Androgel. I switched to Fortesta. At four months, I just felt like it wasn't doing enough, and asked the doctor to increase my dose. He did, then at one year, my testosterone level was only 150! For some strange reason, I just don't absorb Fortesta. I don't want to deal with the smell of Testim, and so I'm starting shots soon. Can tell when I'm low!"

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "Used Testim for 30 days, worked well. Total testosterone increased from 298 to 631, with 5G. My family could not stand the smell of Testim. The smell was so poor I wouldn't apply it if I was going out in public. Testim would remain very sticky for an extended time. Would have to keep pulling my shirt off my stuck skin throughout the day."

• Mic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 2, 2016

For Hypogonadism, Male "I am 66 and used AndroGel in the past for about 4 years, max dose (4 pumps), with T around 450. Then the med was dropped from formulary; I switched to Fortesta. Doc started me on max dose (7 pumps; has different concentration) but had to decrease to just 2 pumps to get an acceptable T level (7 pumps Fortesta gave T of 3,500!). The formulary changed again and I'm back on AndroGel 1.62% for nearly a year, max dose of 4 pumps, but T now only 175. This new stuff smells and feels different than the AndroGel I was on before and is made in Mexico, which makes me suspect improper manufacturing or storage. Am definitely not pleased with this product now and wonder what I'm actually using. Will ask Doc about applying to thighs where I used Fortesta."

• Bob...
• April 13, 2015

For Hypogonadism, Male "Tried them all. A few years ago, started Testim, bad odor and sticky. Then Androgel, better. Self-injections, almost too much, and I'm 'afraid' of needles, self-afflicted. Then back to Testim in March 2015 due to insurance. This new Testim absorbs quickly, smell is 100% better than 2 years ago. (Women like it, especially older, I'm 52. Some guys notice it but just don't ask). I asked the pharmacist about the smell. Thought it was added, but he said the smell is actually the testosterone. Probably why women take notice. The first few days didn't feel right: headache, stiff neck, etc., but all went away. Highly recommend. Good luck."

• ann...
• April 15, 2012

For Hypogonadism, Male "I had been using Androgel 5G dose but began using Testim 5G dose in January due to changes in insurance coverage. I have found that the Testim has maintained my testosterone levels at the same levels as the Androgel. However, the tubes versus foil packets are much harder to use and get all of the gel out. Hard to squeeze the tube when your hands are slippery. The biggest objection I have with Testim is the smell. The unique strong musky scent is overpowering. I don't understand why this product would need to be scented. I will change to another product for myself, the smell is so objectionable."

• Pab...
• July 7, 2015

For Hypogonadism, Male "After 2 weeks of 2 tubes per day application, my blood serum levels did not change one bit. My normal non-medicated levels would range from 208 ng/dl to 305. After 2 weeks of application of Testim gel, my blood results came back with 248 ng/dl. The constant tack and odor of this product, plus its ineffectiveness, makes me wonder why it is still on the market."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2014

For Hypogonadism, Male "I have been using this for about three weeks now. There was a big initial 'boost' in my energy levels, mood, work performance, and all across the board things seemed to get better, and depression seemed to lift quite a bit. It does not stick for me if I delay putting on my shirt for 10-15 minutes and letting it dry. If you're sweating it wildly, I noticed the smell at first, but now I don't smell it anymore. The only person who noticed was a woman who said she liked the smell. Hmmm. The initial 'boost' phase seems to be wearing off now. I am a bit out of shape and am exercising hard - it could be that, or the common issue with the body lowering T in response to an external source increasing it."

• Iha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2015

"Insurance made me switch from Androgel to Testim. This stuff smells, requires the application of a huge quantity, and takes something close to an hour to dry. Oh, and that weird, sickly smell doesn't come off in the shower. I have no idea how effective it is yet, but it's definitely the worst. I loathe the idea of putting this on every day. It's making me miserable."

• J47...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2017

For Hypogonadism, Male "My insurance company had me switch from AndroGel to Testim. AndroGel has no odor and dries quickly, whereas Testim has a stinky odor and my clothes stick to it. The odor smells like old man cologne and stinks up my clothes closet. With both products, I have used food service gloves so that I don't have to wash it off my hands, and neither product seems to stick to the gloves. The gloves are cheap. Both products have copay programs that eliminate your copay. I may eventually switch to shots as those are cheap even without insurance covering them."

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2011

For Hypogonadism, Male "I've been on Testim for 3 days. I have no idea if it will increase my T levels or not, but the smell is almost too much for me to even care. I think it smells like an old folks' home. My kids don't want to be around me because I smell funny."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "Although Testim works well, the smell is something fierce. I liked the smell at first but realized it's an entity in itself and was with me and the family 24/7. I switched to Androgel."

• Myr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2017

For Hypogonadism, Male "My husband was prescribed this medication since insurance won't cover Androgel. It literally smells like a dead animal. Anyone who says women love this stuff is delusional. It makes both of us gag."