Hyperandrogenism after transfer of topical testosterone gel: case report and review of published and unpublished studies.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Case report combined with a narrative review of published and regulatory data.
PubMed 18948313 · doi:10.1093/humrep/den372
What was done
The authors documented a case of female hyperandrogenism attributed to unintentional interpersonal skin-to-skin transfer of topical testosterone gel from her partner. Additionally, they performed a narrative search of PubMed and FDA medical review files to identify published case reports and clinical trials examining the risk and effects of secondary testosterone transfer to women and children.
What was found
The abstract provides no quantitative data, hormone measurements, or exact counts of reviewed studies. It reports qualitatively that multiple case reports and clinical trial datasets confirm that secondary transfer of testosterone gel from treated men to close contacts is possible and results in clinically relevant systemic androgenic effects.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant secondary exposure risk associated with transdermal testosterone therapy, emphasizing that household contacts (especially women and children) can absorb active medication through routine skin contact.
Limits
The report presents only a single patient case alongside an unstructured narrative review rather than a formal systematic review or meta-analysis. The abstract provides no specific patient characteristics, numerical exposure levels, or standardized criteria for study selection.
Cited by
- supports Topical testosterone creams can accidentally transfer to children through skin or residue contact, causing secondary virilization.