Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the UK
Introduction
Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT has many potential benefits, but undergoing the treatment also comes with a lot of responsibility.
You have to understand all the possible side effects before starting the treatment to ensure it works for you.
As such, you have to research the treatment and understand all the available information regarding it.
What is TRT?
As the name suggests, Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a treatment used to increase testosterone hormone levels.
You can receive testosterone therapy through oral medication, injections, or topical application. Most clinics offer a range of treatment options and may include additional medication to manage side effects.
Many practitioners prescribe HCG to support fertility and encourage your body to keep producing its own testosterone. Some also add medication to control oestrogen levels.
Since every patient responds differently, your dosage and treatment plan will be tailored to your needs.
It’s important to remember that TRT supports—but does not replace—your body’s natural hormone production.
Importance of testosterone
Testosterone is usually available in both male and female bodies, but it is usually more pronounced in males than females.
One of its functions in the body is to increase sexual desire. Reduced levels of the hormone can, therefore, result in low libido, and in worst cases, contribute to erectile dysfunction.
The hormone also helps with body muscles. It affects tendon strength, protein synthesis, and neurological effects on production. All these contribute to general body health.
Your mood, mental and memory sharpness are also influenced by testosterone. If the hormone levels are low, you may suffer from short term memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly.
Without testosterone, you may also struggle with sexual performance and low bone density. Lack of enough testosterone in testicles can lead to low sperm count. The situation may also lead to reduced growth of hair and low heart rates.
Functions of testosterone in different parts of the body
Below are some parts of the body and the functionalities they get from testosterone.
Heart: Testosterone increases output and blood flow, grows the heart peripheral, lowers the chances of thrombosis, reduces reperfusion injury, and shortens the QTc intervals.
Brain: The hormone helps improve cognitive ability and memory mastery. It also increases how you develop feelings, which can increase your sex drive.
Kidneys: Helps with the production of red blood cells by increasing the production of erythropoietin.
Muscles: Increases muscle growth and firmness.
Sex organs: Aids in penis enlargement, production of sperm, penis stiffness, and prostate growth.
Skin: Promotes hair growth, collagen, and sebum for healthy skin.
Bones: Helps with the growth of bones, production of bone marrow, and bone density.
All these show that testosterone contributes significantly to your general welfare. However, the hormone often gets bad publicity because of its negative side effects like violence and aggression. When these are managed properly, they won’t result in any harm.
It shows that TRT can be used for the right reasons to benefit the body without risking the safety of the patients.
Possible reasons for getting TRT
Several factors can lower testosterone levels. Although scientists haven’t explained every cause, research shows that average hormone levels in men have dropped significantly over the past two decades. Experts believe this decline is linked to:
- Environmental degradation due to human contribution. Some publications have shown that actions, like poor disposal of plastics and chemicals, eventually contaminate water and food that humans end up consuming.
- Ingestion of some drugs can also tamper with the regular production of testosterone.
- Males who take contraceptive pills that affect hormonal functionality or production are prone to suffering from low testosterone levels.
- Using anabolic steroids can also be a contributory factor. It prevents full recovery of HPTA, which hinders the production of the hormone naturally.
- Stress, genetic conditions, age, and exposure to harmful elements like pesticides, can also lead to a reduction of normal testosterone levels. Consumption of foods that have phytoestrogens and gaining weight are additional factors.
These factors can either suppress the testosterone in the body or limit its production. Either way, getting a blood test is necessary for determining the condition correctly.
Our facility has a friendly team that will make you feel relaxed as we determine the root cause of the problem.
TRT treatment options in the UK
Increasing testosterone levels naturally is very rare, but you can still try it because the methods usually lead to a better lifestyle.
You can try losing weight, weight lifting and cardio exercises, relieving stress, and eating the right foods.
However, there is no guarantee that these will increase your testosterone to the right levels, which means the therapy is still your best option.
Before starting testosterone replacement therapy, your doctor will review your medical history and carry out the necessary tests. You should fully understand both the benefits and potential risks before proceeding. After that, you can work with your clinician to choose the most suitable treatment option.
Clinics may recommend:
Injections: as they deliver testosterone directly and act quickly. You may receive the injection weekly, monthly, or four times a year, depending on your treatment plan. However, this method is the most invasive, which may be difficult for people with a fear of needles.
Gels: are less invasive, but they take very long to reach your system. You can apply them to your skin or nose, which will hinder quick absorption.
Pellets: These usually have long-lasting effects, which makes them great for a steady supply of the hormone for up to four months. They are placed under the skin, which makes the installation process a bit invasive.
Patches: These are mostly used by people with hypogonadism. You can wear them on your arms or any part of the upper body. If you don’t follow the directions for use correctly, you may become addicted to the patches.
Your doctor will explain the differences between these options and help you understand how each can affect your normal routines.
Feel free to ask all the questions you have and choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
TRT and muscle improvement
Testosterone has a direct effect on the growth and mass of muscles. It affects protein synthesis, which means that the more testosterone you have, the more your muscles will grow.
That is why men tend to grow bigger muscles as they grow up or venture into some professions like bodybuilding. The hormone also helps with muscle strength, which is why bodybuilders use it.
The relation between testosterone and muscle growth has been proven scientifically.
The study showed that men who used the hormone grew bigger than those who didn’t, even without exercising. The results of this study were connected to the susceptibility of men to injuries as they get older.
The older you become, the lower your testosterone levels become, which leaves you weaker and prone to muscle injury.
In cases where falls are more rampant, testosterone replacement therapy through injection is the better option.
Testosterone replacement therapy and ageing
The relation between testosterone replacement and ageing has been a topic of debate for a long time.
Although the relation isn’t direct, several studies have investigated the relationship between oestradiol levels and mortality in men. The findings suggest that both low and high oestradiol levels may be associated with increased mortality, indicating a U-shaped relationship.
Since testosterone produces oestradiol, TRT can increase telomeres, which can prolong the lifespan.
The study also found that sex hormone-binding globulin reduces telomeres, but since testosterone reduces the SHBG, it promoted longer life.
The association between TRT and ageing comes from the anti-ageing supplements that are being released into the market.
Most companies dealing with such products use testosterone to slow down the ageing process or boost energy when used with the Human Growth Hormone.
Apart from these, most of our patients have also exhibited good results from TRT. Energy boost, reduced stress levels, and reduced anxiety are some of the positive effects we have seen from our patients.
All these contribute to a better mood and drive to make better lifestyle choices, which means TRT also indirectly contributes to a better lifespan.
Testosterone Therapy and Cancer Risk: What You Should Know
The link between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and prostate cancer has been a long-standing concern. However, current evidence shows that TRT does not cause prostate cancer. In fact, men with low testosterone levels may have a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
That said, men who already have cancer should not start TRT, as increased testosterone can stimulate the growth of existing cancer cells.
Key Precautions Before Starting TRT:
Get checked for prostate cancer, especially if you’re over 45.
Monitor your PSA levels and urinary health during therapy.
Follow medical advice on dosage to avoid complications like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause urinary discomfort but is not cancerous.
Currently, there is no strong link between TRT and other cancer types. Most safety concerns focus on the prostate, and ongoing research continues to evaluate long-term effects.
Bottom Line
Most men can safely undergo TRT when a qualified clinician monitors the process. Make sure you speak with a healthcare provider for proper testing and expert guidance before starting hormone therapy.
Symptoms that you have low testosterone
Both men and women can show symptoms of low testosterone, but they are more prevalent in men.
Low libido
Most men suffer from erectile dysfunction when they don’t have enough testosterone. Others experience a slight change in their sexual desire without losing out completely.
Both of these can affect your relationship adversely or make you lose confidence in your ability to satisfy your partner.
Low cognition
Losing clarity when you try to think can also signify low testosterone. If you start to struggle with decision-making or productivity because you can’t seem to put your thoughts in order, low testosterone may be the cause.
TRT can help you resume your normal mental capacity and enable you to thrive in your daily routines.
Tiredness
Tiredness is usually connected to a lack of productivity which is also a result of reduced thinking capacity. If you feel tired most of the time and you’re over 45 years, you may need to undergo testosterone testing.
Feeling sleepy earlier than you used to and not having the energy to do chores you used to handle efficiently are also signs that you need the therapy.
Reduced sports performance
The ability of testosterone to aid in muscle growth and strength is the reason it is used, sometimes illegally, to enhance performance in the sports industry.
The inability to keep up with the demanding nature of the sports industry is a warning sign that you don’t have enough production in your body. With TRT, you will have more energy and a better physique resulting from mass muscles.
Lack of motivation
Testosterone boosts your energy, which in turn motivates you to be more competitive. If you stop being competitive or lose the desire to win, TRT could bring back the lost motivation to help you start thriving again.
Other symptoms that women can also experience include reduced height, poor sleeping patterns, reduced concentration, and increased anxiety.
Some men may also experience frequent urination urges, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, a weak or no erections, especially in the mornings.
Some people often mistake others sweating at night, reduced facial hair, growing breasts, reduced blood circulation, and resistance to insulin for symptoms of low testosterone, but they may not be.
The best way is to confirm by going for a testosterone blood test. If the levels are normal, you can consider other tests to determine whether the problem is more serious and start the appropriate treatment methods.
Low testosterone types
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
Also known as primary hypogonadism, this is a condition where the gonads don’t communicate properly with the pituitary gland in the brain.
As a result, the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) don’t increase to a level that stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone. Causes of this condition include:
- Trauma that directly affects the testicles
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatment of testicular cancer
- Other treatment methods such as castration or removal of a part of the testicles
- Genetic conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
This is also called secondary hypogonadism, and it involves functional testicles with enough LH and FSH. However, the brain doesn’t coordinate with testes to promote the production of the required amount of testosterone. Common causes are:
- Infections or diseases affecting the pituitary gland
- Trauma on the testicles
- Chronic diseases, including cancer and possible chemotherapy treatment
- Rapid weight gain
- Poor nutrition
It's possible to tell the type of testosterone you have based on the cause. Only a qualified doctor will help you make the right diagnosis, and our clinic has the best ones.
Necessary tests before TRT
A single test isn’t enough for TRT. Your doctor will test your testosterone levels at least twice.
SHBG
A protein that binds to testosterone, reduces how much of the hormone your body can use. When SHBG levels rise, you may start experiencing symptoms of low testosterone—even if your total levels appear normal.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen includes oestradiol, a hormone that can trigger symptoms similar to low testosterone—such as gynecomastia, reduced sex drive, and mood changes. Because high oestradiol levels can mimic testosterone deficiency, your doctor should check them before starting treatment.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
FSH directly stimulates the production of testosterone and sperms in the testes. Therefore, it's levels will determine whether the treatment is a good option or not.
Luteinizing Hormone
LH levels directly affect how much testosterone your body produces. Doctors usually test it alongside FSH.
Prolactin
An increased amount of prolactin in the body can reduce sex drive and can be associated with low testosterone. In most cases, prolactin also indicates the presence of prolactinoma, which is a tumour that grows in the pituitary gland.
Your prolactin level helps your doctor decide if you can start treatment immediately or need more tests.
Prostate-specific antigen
PSA usually reflects the health status of the prostate. If the doctor finds high levels of the antigen in your system, you may be asked to undergo further examination. PSA may not have links to cancer, but it can make you more susceptible to other infections like UTI. It can also increase the growth of prostate cancer if you have it. Patients over 45 years are the ones usually asked to go for this test.
Blood count tests
One of the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy is an increase in red blood cells.
If you end up having too much blood, the chances of clotting will increase. Some doctors recommend taking some of the blood to ensure you maintain a healthy level, and that is why this test is mandatory.
Lipids
If you're on any medication, especially those that are likely to increase your cholesterol levels, the level of lipids in your body must be tested.
You may not know the effects of the drugs you're taking, which is why you should disclose that information to the doctor before the treatment.
You should also discuss any medical condition you have to allow the doctors to determine the kind of medication you will be using during the treatment.
Hormone tests before TRT
Cortisol: This hormone will show the doctor the condition of your pituitary gland. Given the vital functions of the gland, there have to be enough cortisol levels for optimal functionality of the body.
Thyroid: Low thyroid symptoms usually resemble low testosterone signs. It's imperative that the doctor checks the thyroid hormone levels to ensure you need testosterone before starting the treatment.
Some of the medication used during TRT can worsen liver conditions or kidney problems. These have to be protected to ascertain their condition and protect your general health. Your iron levels are also checked because they can indicate whether you have hidden conditions like haemochromatosis.
Ask your doctor to run all the necessary tests—not just one. These tests provide a full picture of your health and help ensure TRT won’t cause unwanted side effects.
Is it possible to buy testosterone independently?
It's possible to get testosterone from a doctor, but you can't buy it off the counter without a prescription. However, getting the prescription isn't always easy because most general practitioners require testosterone levels to be too low before agreeing to give the drug. Even if they confirm that your levels are very low, they may not treat some of the conditions indirectly associated with the lack of testosterone. Additionally, you may only get specific testosterone medicine, which may not be very effective.
Getting testosterone replacement therapy from a qualified clinic is the best option. You will get personalized and comprehensive treatment to get you back in top shape quickly.
Is there a connection between TRT and infertility or atrophy?
Testosterone can reduce sperm production, which can reduce your fertility. As such, you could only take the hormone if you weren't interested in having children or if the effects of low testosterone became unbearable. With TRT, you can have alternative medication to combat the negative side effects like infertility.
Our doctors know how to modify the dosage to ensure you resume normal functionality in your testes and the ability to reproduce.
How long should TRT last?
Some people stay on testosterone therapy for life, while others stop after a set period. If your natural hormone production improves or a health condition makes TRT risky, your doctor may recommend ending treatment.
Conclusion
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, get in touch with our TRT specialists today for a thorough assessment. Our team will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. We're here to support you every step of the way—because your health and wellbeing are our priority.