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Transdermal Androgens

Meaning

Transdermal androgens refer to pharmaceutical formulations of male sex hormones, primarily testosterone, designed for topical application to the skin, allowing for systemic absorption into the bloodstream. This method of delivery bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatic first-pass metabolism, which can inactivate or significantly alter the hormone, offering a more stable and physiological kinetic profile. Transdermal application is a clinically established route for hormone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism and is also utilized in specific therapeutic protocols for women. The goal is to restore physiological androgen levels while minimizing peak-and-trough fluctuations.