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Divigel vs. Testosterone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Estradiol gel (Divigel) and testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel) are both topical hormone replacement therapies, but they serve different purposes. Estradiol gel is an estrogen replacement used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, while testosterone gel is used to treat low testosterone levels in adult males. Both medications are used off-label as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy. Estradiol gel is applied to the upper thighs, whereas testosterone gel is applied to areas like the shoulders, upper arms, or thighs, depending on the brand. Common side effects of estradiol gel include vaginal yeast infections and breast tenderness, while testosterone gel can cause skin irritation and acne. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, but testosterone gel also has a risk of misuse and addiction due to its controlled substance status. Additionally, estradiol gel may require the use of a progestin if you have a uterus to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.

Estradiol gel

(Divigel)

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testosterone gel

 

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Summary for Divigel

Prescription only

Estradiol gel (Divigel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as single-use packets, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper thigh once a day. The gel is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, breast tenderness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Indications for Divigel

Pros and Cons for Divigel

Pros

  • Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
  • Applied directly to the skin on the thighs
  • Only need to use once a day
  • Available in multiple strengths to customize your dose

Cons

  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Risk of exposing others to estrogen through skin contact
  • Might also need to take a progestin medication if you have a uterus
  • Need to wait for the gel to dry completely before bathing, showering, or swimming

Common Side Effects for Divigel

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-10%)
  • Breast tenderness (3-9%)
  • Common cold symptoms (4-6%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (2-6%)
  • Vaginal yeast infection (1-6%)

Warnings for Divigel

  • Risk of blood clot
  • Uterine (endometrial) cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Dementia
  • Gallbladder and liver problems
  • Changes in calcium levels in the blood
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Fluid Retention
  • Worsening of other medical conditions
  • Potential skin-to-skin transfer

Summary for Testosterone

Prescription only

Testosterone gel is a prescription topical medication used to treat men with low testosterone. It helps raise testosterone levels when your body doesn't make enough naturally. You typically apply it once a day to your skin. Depending on the product, the gel comes in packets, pumps, or tubes. Some side effects include skin irritation, mood changes, and headache.

Note: This medication is available under several brand names, including AndroGel, Testim, and Vogelxo as well as in generic versions. Each might have different strengths, application sites, and instructions.

Indications for Testosterone

Pros and Cons for Testosterone

Pros

  • Works well to raise testosterone levels
  • Applied once a day to your skin
  • Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump

Cons

  • Can cause skin irritation
  • Must avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people
  • Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe

Common Side Effects for Testosterone

AndroGel 1.62%

AndroGel 1%

  • Acne (1-8%)
  • Abnormal lab tests (3-6%)
  • Skin irritation (3-5%)
  • Prostate problems (3-5%)

Testim

  • Skin irritation (2-4%)
  • Rise in red blood cell count (1-2%)

Vogelxo

  • Skin irritation (2-4%)
  • Rise in red blood cell count (1-2%)

Warnings for Testosterone

  • Risk of testosterone gel spreading to others
  • Higher red blood cell count
  • Blood clots
  • Worsening of enlarged prostate and risk of prostate cancer
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
  • Lower sperm count
  • Liver problems
  • Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
  • Enlarged breasts
  • Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
  • Changes in cholesterol levels
  • High calcium levels

Prices with our coupons for Divigel vs. Testosterone

Price Card Drug Icon
Estradiol3 cartons / 8 twice-weekly patches of 0.05mg/day
$84.47$112.54
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Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$410.66
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