Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a widely used treatment for men with low testosterone levels. When considering any medical treatment, It’s crucial to get all of your questions answered and gather as much information as possible. One key question to address is how to obtain TRT in the UK.
Whether you are wondering about where to get UK TRT or you are eager to learn more about Testosterone and TRT, this guide will tell you what you need to know.
Understanding the Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Recognising the symptoms of low testosterone is crucial before considering TRT. These are the most common signs:
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle loss
- Increased body fat
- Decreased bone density.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Options for getting TRT in the UK
You have two options when trying to get TRT in the UK. You can go through the NHS or secondly, seek out a private TRT clinic.
TRT through the NHS
GP visit
The process of getting TRT through the NHS starts with a visit to your GP. During this visit, you’ll discuss your symptoms, and your GP will decide whether to send you for a blood test to check your testosterone levels. After your blood sample is taken, it will be sent to a lab for testing.
Blood Test Results
Once your GP receives the blood test results, they will contact you to schedule a consultation to discuss the findings. The NHS has different criteria for prescribing TRT compared to private clinics. Generally, the NHS requires testosterone levels to be below 8.6 nmol/L, which is considered extremely low by most private clinics.
Endocrinologist Appointment
If your testosterone levels fall below this threshold, your GP will refer you to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist will then determine the most suitable treatment for you.
Treatment Options
NHS treatment options are limited, as they do not have access to off-license medications and typically favour less expensive and often less effective treatments, such as testosterone patches and gels. Additionally, once you begin treatment, regular follow-up consultations to monitor your progress are unlikely.
TRT through a private clinic
Contact the clinic
Private clinic will usually have multiple ways that you can contact them. If you head to thier website, their phone number and/or email address should be listed in the footer every webpage. Most private clinics will also have a patient intake form for you to fill out to help them understand your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Order Blood Tests
The next step is to complete blood work to confirm that your symptoms are due to low testosterone levels. Some private clinics have at-home blood tests. You’ll perform the finger-prick test in the comfort of your own home and send it back to the clinic to be analysed by specialist doctors.
Doctor Consultation
Once the clinic has received your blood test results, you will usually have a consultation with your designated hormone doctor. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your bloodwork results and recommend a treatment tailored to your unique circumstances. They will also explain how the treatment works, what you can expect from your TRT journey, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Treatment
Upon approval from your doctor, you will receive your prescription from a registered pharmacy. As part of ongoing support, you will have regular blood tests and consultations to monitor your progress throughout your treatment.
What Exactly Is TRT?
Before you can use TRT as a way to treat the symptoms and effects of low testosterone, it’s good to know more about the treatment and what exactly it is. TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy and it’s one of the most common treatment methods for men who are experiencing low testosterone. This treatment is meant to treat specifically men with lower testosterone levels than what is natural for their age.
Bioidentical testosterone is injected into the body as a supplemental way to increase testosterone levels in the blood. There are a variety of ways that this treatment can be administered, such as through injections, gel, and patches.
More and more men every year begin TRT and it continues to improve the wellbeing of men across the UK. With ongoing research, testosterone replacement therapy has been refined to better meet the needs of a wider range of people. Nowadays, there are medicines you can take in conjunction with TRT so it doesn’t interfere with fertility and other preexisting conditions.
Benefits of TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy offers numerous benefits for those with low testosterone levels. It can improve energy levels, enhance mood, increase muscle mass, and boost libido. Additionally, TRT can help improve cognitive functions, bone density, and overall quality of life. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about pursuing treatment.
Risks and Side Effects of TRT
While TRT can be beneficial, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. These may include acne, sleep apnea, increased red blood cell count, and potential cardiovascular issues. Although rare, It’s important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and weigh them against the benefits before starting TRT.
What is Testosterone and Why is it Important?
The next step to understanding TRT and whether it is a good option for you is knowing more about testosterone itself. Testosterone is an important hormone in the male body that is responsible for dozens of functions that are essential to human growth and development. Testosterone plays a role in many bodily functions that span from physical and emotional to sexual and physiological. Without the right levels of testosterone, many functions in the body are negatively affected which causes unpleasant side effects.
The goal of TRT and other testosterone-boosting treatments is to eliminate these side effects and regulate bodily functions that depend on testosterone. Without proper testosterone levels, men’s health is at risk.
Why Was Testosterone Therapy Introduced?
As of 20 years ago, TRT was not nearly as popular or commonly used as it is today. That is because 20 years ago, it was found that the average man had testosterone levels that were 20% higher than that of today’s average man. The reasons for this decline are not yet fully understood, but it is probably due to a mixture of factors in our change of environment and health habits as a group.
It is thought that these factors and others are some of the driving forces behind the reduction in testosterone levels throughout the years:
- Plastics and synthetics in food and water
- Increased steroid use
- Increased soy consumption
- Increased stress
- Decline with age
- Exposure to pesticides
- Poor health and obesity
- Smoking and other bad habits
All of these and more have been steadily contributing to the decline in testosterone levels throughout the years. With the world leaning more toward these tendencies, the decline in testosterone levels among men figures to keep declining as time goes on. With this decline, the need for TRT continues to rise.
Does TRT Contribute to Infertility?
Many believe TRT causes infertility. While this was true with older testosterone treatments, medical advancements and research means there are medications you can take with TRT to stop interference with fertility. If you want to start a family while on TRT, your doctor may suggest taking hCG with TRT.
When you combine hCG with TRT, you don’t experience TRT symptoms like testicle shrinkage and low sperm count. Your testes start producing testosterone naturally, and your serum testosterone level stays normal. TRT without hCG can reduce intra-testicular testosterone levels by 94%. But, when you take hCG with testosterone, you may notice only a 7% decline in testosterone levels.
Is Injection The Only Option?
One common misconception among those who are looking to have TRT is that injections are the only option. Especially if you are particularly not fond of injections, this can be troubling. However, this is not true. There are several ways to have TRT treatments and the delivery methods are plentiful, giving you the options that you need. Here are some of the most common ways that testosterone replacement therapy treatment is administered:
- Gel
- Injections
- Patches
With these options, you’ll be able to find the TRT treatment method that works for you, your life, and how you prefer to seek treatment.
Here’s a rundown of each of these treatment methods:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Gel | Easy to apply | Risk of transferring testosterone to others |
| Convenient, can be applied at home | Potentially messy and inconvenient to wear under clothing | |
| Provides steady, daily dosage | Daily application required | |
| Risk of inconsistent absorption | ||
| Injection | Effective, delivers a strong dose quickly | Requires injections, which may be uncomfortable for some |
| Can be administered less frequently (weekly or bi-weekly) | May cause fluctuations in testosterone levels (peaks and troughs) | |
| Convenient, can be self-administered | Potential for injection site pain or irritation | |
| Patches | Convenient, easy to apply | May cause skin irritation |
| Provides a steady, continuous dose | Visible on the skin, which may be undesirable for some | |
| Can be worn discreetly under clothing | May not adhere well with sweating or water exposure | |
| Less frequent application (every 24 hours) | Generally provides a lower dose of testosterone compared to injections or gels |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does TRT Cost in the UK?
One of the main concerns for anyone who is looking into TRT treatment as an option for their low testosterone is what the cost of the treatment will be. Of course, you want to eliminate the side effects of low testosterone that have been bothering you, but you will also want to do so without it being costly. In the UK, TRT treatments can be surprisingly reasonable when it comes to cost. If you are looking for TRT on a budget, then the UK is the right place to be.
Does TRT Shrink The Testicles?
If you are considering TRT as a treatment for your low testosterone, one of the things you may be concerned with is whether TRT will shrink your testicles. When you are using TRT, the testicles are less needed than before, which can indeed cause the testicles to shrink by about 25%. There are medications that can combat the effects of this shrinkage, however. If you are concerned about this side effect, you should consult your medical professional to see what medication is available to fight the possible effects.
The medication that is often used to reverse these effects is called hCG, which can improve testicle size back to normal as well as help with a variety of other side effects. Additionally, it can help improve your mood during TRT and low testosterone.
Does TRT Cause Prostate Cancer?
If you have been researching TRT as a possible treatment for you, you may have come across a rumour that TRT causes Prostate Cancer. This is untrue, studies have found that there is no link between prostate cancer and TRT treatments.
While it has been found that TRT does not increase the chances of prostate cancer, you should also know that like many medical treatments, it is not recommended that men who are found to already be at a higher risk for prostate cancer. If you are over 40 and live in the UK, it is required that you undergo a prostate cancer exam before you begin TRT treatments.
Does TRT Cause Heart Attacks or Strokes?
Another rumour about TRT is that it is linked to an increased chance of heart attacks and strokes. This has not been proven and there is no clear link between TRT treatments and heart attack or strokes. There have even been studies to suggest that the opposite is true–that men with higher testosterone are typically at a lower risk for heart attacks and strokes. So, if you have low testosterone and are undergoing TRT treatments, then you may be putting yourself at a decreased risk for heart attack and strokes.
Necessary Tests Before TRT
If you have decided that TRT is the right choice for you, then there are some tests that you will need to get before you utilise this proven treatment. This is to ensure that you are a good candidate for TRT and that the treatment can help you with your low testosterone. Here are some of the tests that you may have to take if you are going to pursue TRT as a treatment method for low testosterone:
- SHBG Level Test
- Oestrogen Test
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
- Lutenising Hormone Test
- Prolactin Test
- Prostate-Specific Antigen Test
- Full Blood Count
- Thyroid Hormones Test
These tests are conducted to ensure your safety during the treatment and to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment. Be sure to consult with a medical professional about these tests prior to beginning any possible treatment.
How to Choose a TRT Clinic
Selecting the right TRT clinic is important for effective treatment. Look for clinics with experienced medical professionals who specialise in hormone therapy. Read reviews and testimonials from other patients to gauge the clinic’s reputation. Additionally, ensure the clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic testing and personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Preparing for Your First TRT Appointment
Preparation is key to getting the most out of your first TRT appointment. Bring a list of your symptoms, medical history, and any questions you have about the treatment. Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits. This information will help the healthcare provider develop a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your TRT Plan
Once you start TRT, regular monitoring is essential to ensure the treatment is effective and to adjust dosages as needed. This typically involves periodic blood tests to check testosterone levels and assess overall health. Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to address any side effects or concerns promptly.
Final Thought
If you are seeking TRT treatment in the UK, the NHS is not always the best option. Many men are refused this treatment due to their levels not being ‘low enough’ for NHS thresholds. If you are looking to get reliable treatment from a reputable clinic for TRT, then the best option for in-person treatment is a private clinic such as Balance My Hormones.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a quick and easy treatment that you can administer yourself, then you can explore online options, however, we highly recommend dealing with a professional consultant from a private clinic first.