TRT in the UK and EU | Contact: +44 (0) 203 9003 209 | Login
TRT in the UK and EU | Contact: +44 (0) 203 9003 209 | Login
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone is important for the normal functioning of various organs, such as muscles, bones, and sex organs. However, its levels do not stay the same throughout a man’s life for various reasons.
Some men become testosterone deficient if they have serious underlying health issues such as tumours while others may develop testosterone deficiency as they age. Testosterone deficiency or low T can impact your social, family and work life in various ways. Getting a suitable treatment such as TRT may help you feel better again.
TRT is a popular treatment used worldwide to restore serum testosterone levels. It offers numerous benefits; however, it is not suitable for all. Doctors prescribe it only to those who are the right candidates for TRT.
Not sure whether TRT is right for you or not? Keep reading the article to find out!
TRT is the abbreviation of testosterone replacement therapy. It is an FDA-approved procedure used to increase testosterone levels in men who are unable to produce it naturally.
In TRT, synthetic testosterone is administered in the body in different ways to ensure you have 300 ng/dL or more serum testosterone. TRT has different types based on how the hormone is administered. Some of these types are:
Testosterone gels: They are applied to the skin at least once a day. You should let the gel dry fully before you have skin-to-skin contact with another person to avoid gel transfer.
Testosterone pellets: They are of rice grain size and are implanted under the skin. They contain crystallised testosterone and provide low doses for 3 to 6 months.
Testosterone patches: They are applied to the dried skin once a day. They may cause mild to severe skin reactions.
Testosterone injections: They are available in the market in various doses and are usually taken once a week. You can inject testosterone yourself or let your physician do that for you.
Oral testosterone: Testosterone capsules or pills are also available in the market. They may cause diarrhoea or liver toxicity.
These testosterone products have their particular pros and cons. Testosterone gels are one of the most widely used forms of TRT because they are more convenient than other TRT forms.
You should discuss the effects and benefits of each TRT form with your doctor to identify the one that best suits your condition.
TRT is often prescribed to men who have low T and experience the following symptoms.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays an important role in libido. Sex drive reduces in men as they get older. However, it drops more drastically in men with low T.
Testosterone is involved in achieving and maintaining an erection. It stimulates nitric oxide production, which initiates reactions required to get an erection. That is why when men don’t have enough serum testosterone, they lose the ability to gain an erection.
Testosterone is an androgen hormone that helps improve hair growth. However, having too much or too little of it can adversely affect your hair growth. It’s not uncommon for men with low T often lose their body and facial hair.
Fatigue and lethargy are among the most common low t symptoms. If your testosterone levels are low, you may consistently feel fatigued even after resting for hours.
Hot flashes are another sign of low T. They produce a warm sensation throughout your body, particularly in the upper body part. Your skin gets red and starts to sweat. They usually occur at night and may make you feel chilled afterwards.
Testosterone reduces body fat accumulation and promotes leanness. However, when you become testosterone deficient, you start gaining extra fat and weight. It often leads to gynecomastia, a condition in which you develop enlarged breast tissue.
Studies show that testosterone increases muscle mass in men. That is why men with low T often report low muscle mass and strength.
Testosterone strengthens bones. When you don’t have enough testosterone, your bones start losing their density, and they become fragile. The risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture also increases.
Your body needs testosterone to develop testicles and maintain their health. So, low T could contribute to reduction in penis size. Some other health conditions that may cause small testicles are hypogonadism, obesity and prostate surgery.
According to a study, testosterone deficiency in older men can lead to anaemia (lack of red blood cells). Increasing the testosterone level back to normal tends to correct the anaemia.
Low T can disturb your mental capacity and mood. You may feel depressed most of the time and lose your desire to socialise with others.
Do you find it hard to concentrate on a task without getting distracted? It could be because of low testosterone levels. Restoring your testosterone may help you regain your ability to focus and concentrate.
Overall, TRT is a beneficial procedure. It has helped plenty of men get rid of low T symptoms and improve the quality of their life. However, it has some possible side effects, due to which doctors do not prescribe this procedure to all low-T patients.
If you are suffering from certain medical conditions, taking TRT can worsen your health. Men having breast cancer or prostate cancer are advised to avoid this procedure. Similarly, men with sleep apnea and untreated heart problems should also not have it.
Some athletes and bodybuilders take testosterone to enhance performance even when they have normal serum testosterone concentrations.
They buy testosterone products from e-commerce stores or gyms without knowing what they contain. These products are unhealthy and pose serious health hazards. You should not take testosterone without getting checked by a doctor.
Men, after starting TRT, report following side effects of the procedure.
Studies about TRT show mixed results. Some conclude that it may increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart attack, while others say there is no correlation between these problems and TRT.
More research needs to be done on TRT effects. It is best to have TRT under the direction of an experienced and qualified physician.
Once you start taking testosterone, you may notice its effects within a few weeks. Your physician will ask you to have regular checkups to monitor your testosterone levels. They will optimise your testosterone dose to make sure you meet your health goals and get the best possible results while experiencing fewer side effects.
TRT is a life-long treatment. If you stop having it, your testosterone level will drop again, and low T symptoms will reappear. That is why you should mentally and financially prepare yourself before starting the procedure to avoid trouble in the future.
TRT may help improve mild ED symptoms, but it is possible only if your ED is because of low testosterone levels and not some other condition. Discuss your symptoms with a doctor to identify the root cause of the problem.
It depends on why you have low testosterone levels. If they are due to obesity or poor lifestyle habits, getting rid of them can help you improve your testosterone levels.
To get the best TRT results, you should see a physician who specialises in hormone deficiencies and their treatments. Here at Balance My Hormones we have specialised TRT doctors ready to guide you through your TRT journey. Click the contact button below to get in touch.
If you have low T symptoms, you should visit a physician to find out what is causing them. They will conduct a physical examination and have a total testosterone levels test to diagnose the problem.
If your testosterone levels are slightly lower than normal, getting TRT may not be the best choice. In such cases, doctors often suggest lifestyle changes.
In case you have prominent low T symptoms, and they are influencing your life, getting TRT from a knowledgeable physician can produce a positive impact.
Men with certain medical conditions, such as untreated heart problems and prostate cancer, should avoid TRT as it may further deteriorate their condition.
Reach out to a doctor today to learn more about TRT and determine whether you should have it or not.
References/Bibliography/Scientific studies/Further reading
Spitzer, M., Huang, G., Basaria, S., Travison, T.G. and Bhasin, S., 2013. Risks and benefits of testosterone therapy in older men. Nature reviews Endocrinology, 9(7), pp.414-424.
Isidori, A.M., Giannetta, E., Greco, E.A., Gianfrilli, D., Bonifacio, V., Isidori, A., Lenzi, A. and Fabbri, A., 2005. Effects of testosterone on body composition, bone metabolism and serum lipid profile in middle‐aged men: A meta‐analysis. Clinical endocrinology, 63(3), pp.280-293.
Kovac, J.R., Rajanahally, S., Smith, R.P., Coward, R.M., Lamb, D.J. and Lipshultz, L.I., 2014. Patient satisfaction with testosterone replacement therapies: the reasons behind the choices. The journal of sexual medicine, 11(2), pp.553-562.
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject. You can read more about our Editorial Process by clicking here.
We value your feedback on our articles, if you have a well-researched paper you would like to share with us please contact us.
If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Hormones are small chemical messengers that perform many big roles in the body. To ensure optimal functioning, they must remain balanced within the body. Having too much or too little of a hormone can disrupt normal body functioning, leading to a variety of symptoms and health issues. Hormone imbalance refers to a condition in which […]
Both oestrogen and testosterone are primary sex hormones that play many crucial roles in the body. Testosterone is mainly associated with male physiology, while oestrogen is predominantly found in females. However, these hormones exist in both sexes, albeit in different concentrations. Proper balance between these hormones is essential for the overall well-being of a person. […]
If you are shedding more than 100 hairs daily and have bald spots, you probably have hair loss and need to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are different causes of female hair loss, and one of them is hormonal imbalance. In this article, you will learn about female hair loss and how […]
Balance My Hormones helps customers restore their hormones to optimal levels through bespoke TRT and HRT treatment plans. We use modern American treatment methods and have over 25 years of experience in hormonal health which is backed up by our very own GPhC pharmacy.
