hypogonadism, male
"My doctor started me off on 5mg patches. The patches created itchy, red "polka dots" on my body.  The red areas were about one and one-half inches in diameter. They frequently itched and sometimes the red area would become irritated and swollen. The worst part is that it took at least two weeks for the spots to disappear.  I stopped using the patches after one month.  I asked my doctor for AndroGEL.  The gel does not give me any irritation at all.  The gel comes in small pre-measured packets.  After applying, you must then wash your hands.  With the patches, I didn't need to disrobe to apply them.  With the gel, you pretty much need to remove your shirt (or pants) so that you can rub the gel into your skin."