Key takeaways
Progesterone injection and testosterone gel are both used to address hormone imbalances, but they belong to different medication classes and treat different conditions. Progesterone injection is a progestin used to treat lack of menstrual periods and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormone imbalance. It is sometimes used off-label for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Testosterone gel, a testosterone replacement, is used to treat low testosterone (hypogonadism) in adult males. Progesterone is administered intramuscularly, while testosterone gel is applied topically once daily. Progesterone is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas testosterone gel is available in various brand names like Testim and AndroGel, some of which have generic versions. Common side effects of progesterone include injection site pain and breast tenderness, while testosterone gel can cause skin irritation and acne. Both medications can increase the risk of blood clots. Testosterone gel is a controlled substance and has a risk of misuse and dependence.
