TRT UK: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in the UK

This TRT UK guide will help you find factual information about TRT in the UK and help you decide if it’s the right medical treatment for you.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in the UK is a medical treatment doctors prescribe (by injection or creams) to men and women who suffer from abnormally low testosterone levels once all other methods of boosting testosterone have been exhausted. TRT can help by alleviating the symptoms associated with low testosterone such as fatigue, low muscle mass and a low sex-drive.  Opting for TRT should be seen as a life-long commitment and the decision to start TRT needs to be assessed by you and your doctor to ensure it’s the right treatment for you. This guide aims to provide you with an overview of the most common questions we get asked by customers looking to start TRT. If you have any questions or concerns around TRT please feel free to get in touch and speak to our doctors who are experts in testosterone replacement therapy and hormone replacement therapy.

About the authors:

This guide was written by TRT UK experts Mike Kocsis and Dr Dan Robertson and medically peer reviewed by Dr George Touliatos, all of which have over 20 years experience in the UK TRT industry.

In this TRT guide we discuss the problems with low testosterone, what treatment options are available, whether it’s going to be right for you and how you can get TRT in the UK. This article has been extensively researched and fact checked by our doctors and independent medical peer experts.

TRT For Beginners Explainer Video

Finding the right approach to rebalancing ones hormones is challenging as there are so many options to consider, TRT is just one option amongst many. TRT is not always necessary and the right approach should be taken by your doctor to ensure you get the best outcome. TRT can be a very effective treatment option for men who have exhausted other treatment avenues or who have a medical condition which means TRT is the only option available. If you are concerned about your health, why not take our free hormone quiz below.

Take Hormone Quiz

So, what is TRT all about?

TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy, a medical procedure (often provided by dedicated TRT clinics) to combat low testosterone levels and associated symptoms.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) addressing testosterone deficiencies in men.

You can get TRT on the NHS however they are not experts on the subject and treatment options will be limited. Private TRT clinics on the other hand can potentially offer numerous testosterone treatment options, including testosterone injections, creams, patches, and pills.

TRT is often a safe and effective treatment; however, it can negatively influence fertility in some men.

This is an understandable concern, as such, our doctors can also provide other hormones, namely human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injections, to help maintain fertility.

A 2018 study suggests HCG is beneficial in preserving fertility, whether administered alone or with testosterone.

Watch our video on everything you need to know about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in 15 minutes.

TRT Therapy – what is it?

TRT Therapy is the same as TRT, in fact TRT goes by many names, including testosterone replacement therapy, androgen replacement therapy, andropause therapy, testosterone therapy, and male hormone replacement therapy.

How can you get TRT in the UK?

To get TRT in the UK either on the NHS or privately your total testosterone must be less than 15nmol/L.  To get TRT you must have a prescription issued by a licensed doctor and have a medical need for treatment. Balance My Hormones can walk you through the process and help you get TRT if you are an eligible candidate for TRT.

There are two official ways to get TRT in the UK:

You can either get TRT on the NHS or you can seek private TRT treatment through a clinic such as Balance My Hormones.

TRT on the NHS

We’ve onboarded countless people who are unable to get treatment through the NHS, here’s why:

Getting TRT through the NHS can be time-consuming, most cases start with a general physician (GP) consultation.

After the assessment, provided they don’t misdiagnose the symptoms, some GPs will order a blood test to measure low testosterone levels; however, if your level is within normal ranges (or close to the lower end), you’re out of luck. the NHS requires you to have levels below 8.6 nmol/L which is considered drastically low to most private clinics.

Successful patients receive a referral to an endocrinologist; it can take months for follow-up appointments, allowing symptoms to worsen.

The optimal treatment approach may vary, and some methods can cause unwanted testosterone level fluctuations.

Since NHS doctors don’t always use proper monitoring procedures to optimise the treatment, there may be higher risks of side effects or poor results.

Private TRT in the UK

Private TRT clinics, like Balance My Hormones, offer specialised services for hormone balance.

We start with an initial consultation with a medical professional specialising in hormone therapy.

If you’re diagnosed with low testosterone, a personalised TRT plan is made to your needs and preferences. Your doctor then monitors your testosterone levels throughout the treatment to ensure peak effectiveness and safety.

Private clinics offer more streamlined processes, shorter appointment waiting times, and access to wider treatment options.

Self-Prescribed TRT Online

It’s possible to obtain TRT without a valid prescription, but this is strongly discouraged; unregulated treatment can result in significant risks, such as cardiovascular issues and hormonal imbalances. It is also illegal in the UK.

How to Find the Best TRT Clinic in the UK?

Finding the best testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinic in the UK requires careful research. Always look for clinics with:

· Medical credentials and expertise
· CQC registration
· Reputable founder’s experience
· Comprehensive evaluation process
· Range of treatment options
· Regular monitoring
· Positive patient reviews
· Transparency and communication

A good TRT clinic should employ doctors with extensive knowledge of treating deficiencies.

They should also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

As part of your decision, always consider the experience and background of the clinic’s founder.

Take our own founder, Mike Kocsis; Mike has personally benefited from TRT for approximately 25 years. His extensive experience not only demonstrates a profound understanding of low testosterone therapy but also serves as a testament to his expertise.

Our CQC-registered clinic’s professionals specialise in hormone treatments. We also offer various TRT treatments to accommodate different preferences and lifestyles.

We run our own GPHC pharmacy, ‘The Hormonist’ to give patients easier access to valuable services.

Throughout your TRT journey, we monitor health and testosterone levels regularly to ensure patients get the best results.

Thus, our patient-centered approach ensures your individual needs and concerns will always be at the forefront of our care. You may wish to also check our Google Reviews and you can see we are a top-rated TRT clinic, you are in safe hands.

TRT safety is a topic of ongoing research in the medical community.

Although TRT in the UK offers many significant benefits, it carries potential risks as well, however it is generally considered a safe effective treatment for suitable candidates.

Thus, patients should consider both the risks and rewards before starting treatment, particularly regarding each individual’s unique health circumstances.

What studies have been done on TRT?

A 2019 review found that TRT helps regulate the sexual response cycle in low testosterone men. It can also improve libido, erection quality, and sexual satisfaction, and minimise erectile dysfunction.

Another 2019 study of 25 patients reveals TRT offers modest bone density improvements; moreover, a recent study shows it can also support cognitive function.

In terms of risks, some studies suggest TRT may increase cardiovascular events, although others found no significant correlation.

A 2017 study of 44,000 low testosterone men found that TRT reduced the risk of heart attacks by 33% versus those not receiving hormone treatments. Further research is still needed in this field.

Want to know more? Check out our article on: Is TRT Safe?

It’s important to understand the benefits and risks of TRT, below we have made a list of them.

Men undergoing TRT often notice improvements in their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

Common benefits of TRT include improvements in sexual function, increases in muscle mass and bone density, and mood regulation.

However, risks/side effects can include skin irritation, acne, infertility, and elevated red blood cell counts. Although these risks are rare and can be countered by medication such as HCG to maintain fertility, we will list them off below because it’s important you have a full understanding of both the Pros and Cons of TRT.

Our doctors evaluate each patient’s medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and check hormone levels through a blood test before prescribing TRT to balance risk and reward. You should also understand that Balance My Hormones conducted a study amongst it’s patients and found the average TRT success rate to be 85%, whilst the general average appears to be a lower, but still high, 75%.

Pros of TRT

• Increased energy levels
• Improved sex drive and sexual performance
• Increased muscle strength and mass
• Maintained bone density
• Improved body composition
• Mood regulation
• Reduced andropause symptoms

Cons of TRT

The below are some rare side effects of TRT:

• Acne/oily skin
• Fluid retention
• Increased red blood cells count
• Breast tenderness or breast tissue growth
• Hair loss
• Prostate enlargement
• Irritability

For a full breakdown view our TRT Pros and Cons list.

Are you a candidate for TRT? Find out by taking our free hormone quiz:

Take Hormone Quiz

Do your symptoms match any of the below? If you have 3+ symptoms from the list below you should consider taking our hormone quiz and speaking to us.

One of the ways low testosterone is diagnosed is through several symptoms, this can include:

• Lack of energy
• Reduced sexual desire
• Difficulty achieving and maintaining erections
• Loss of muscle mass
• Loss of bone density
• High risk of osteoporosis
• Increased body fat
• Difficulty concentrating

If you are encountering three or more of these symptomss it could be you are suffering from low testosterone, however to confirm this you would need to speak to a registered doctor and obtain some blood tests.

Check your testosterone levels with our free hormone quiz:

Take Hormone Quiz

It’s important to understand, the purpose of TRT is to restore normal optimal testosterone levels, ensuring your body is hormone composition is balanced.

Normal levels of testosterone in males vary with age, time, physical activity, and overall health.

So what are normal testosterone levels? What should you be aiming for?

Generally, the reference range for total testosterone levels in adult males is between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Crucially, testosterone levels peak during adolescence/early adulthood, then decline. Studies show that a 1% reduction in testosterone levels occurs annually after 30.

Normal testosterone levels in Infants and children

Normal testosterone levels in Adolescents

Normal testosterone levels in men and women (Adults)

What do the BSSM say about Testosterone?

The British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) provide a set of guidelines that are worth reading if you think you may have a testosterone deficiency. They outline symptoms as we have listed below, what screening measures should be taken, thresholds for undertaking TRT and the benefits and risks associated with testosterone therapy.

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging.
British Society for Sexual Medicine

For full BSSM guidelines for 2024 on testosterone deficiency in adults guidelines please view this article here.

Think you might have low testosterone? You can use our free hormone quiz to assess your testosterone levels:

Take Hormone Quiz

Are you ready to start TRT? We’ve made it a safe, simple process.

At Balance My Hormones, we strive to simplify obtaining TRT through the following process:

1. Take our hormone quiz to gauge your testosterone levels and identify potential imbalances.

2. Order the TRT starter bundle to assess testosterone levels and overall health plus speak to our doctors.

3. One of our experienced TRT doctors will contact you with the test results as soon as possible, offering insights into your hormone health and the most suitable course of action.

4. If you are a viable candidate for TRT and you think it would be a good fit for you, sign up for treatment with our team, and start receiving your medication. This marks the beginning of your transformative TRT journey!

TRT Before and After – Progress, Monitoring, and Evaluation

At Balance My Hormones, we take a personalised monitoring approach with regular evaluations at one, three, and six monthly intervals, because of this we are known as the UK’s premium TRT clinic.

Before

Before starting, we conduct thorough evaluations to understand your current health, designing the ideal TRT treatment plan for your needs.

After

Once you get started, we schedule follow-up appointments to assess your body’s response to treatment. We evaluate changes in testosterone levels and symptoms while monitoring for potential side effects.

Our team can adjust your TRT dosage or change administration methods to optimise your results, if necessary.

Our priority is tailoring the treatment to your specific needs, in turn enhancing your quality of life.

What Testosterone Blood Test is Needed to Start TRT?

You’ll need two tests before undertaking TRT.

Not everyone needs TRT.

Testosterone levels can become low in men and women for various reason, it’s not always clear why levels are low, however there are some more common causes of low blood serum testosterone levels which include:

• Primary hypogonadism
• Secondary hypogonadism
• Age-related decline of testosterone
• Hormonal imbalances such as taking contraceptive pills can cause hormone imbalances
• Certain medications or medical treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy)
• Lifestyle factors (stress, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, poor diet and obesity, etc.)
• Steroid abuse causing the the natural production to be shutdown and disrupt hormones.
• Environmental factors such as fertilizers, plastics and leaching into the water supply/food
• Pesticide exposure in the environment can decrease hormone production

What are Some Alternatives to TRT?

TRT isn’t always the first resort. Thus, our professional doctors may suggest alternative, safe treatments based on the underlying cause.

Lifestyle improvement: Positive lifestyle modifications (e.g., a balanced diet or more regular exercise) can help.

Weight management: Around 70% of overweight men have low testosterone. Therefore, losing weight and maintaining it can also be helpful.

Testosterone boosters: Dietary supplements (testosterone boosters) usually contain natural ingredients (e.g., herbs and minerals) believed to boost testosterone production.

Notably, these methods do not always work, especially for very low testosterone levels. In such cases, a proven treatment (TRT) may give significant improvements instead.

What can you expect when starting TRT? How long does it take for testosterone to work?

The benefits of TRT can be improvements in libido, mood, vitality, and energy, however the TRT timeline to see changes can vary from person to person.

The overall goal is to achieve a gradual improvement in overall health. Give your body time to adjust and respond to the treatment positively.

Following your treatment plan and our guidelines should help give positive results overall.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Before starting, always get the necessary information from your healthcare provider first.

Our dedicated team is committed to giving our patients a comprehensive understanding of TRT. We always encourage people to ask questions and address any concerns early on.

Common questions include:

· How does TRT work?
· What are the most common types of TRT?
· Is TRT safe for me?
· Will TRT affect my fertility?
· How will you monitor my progress while on TRT?
· How long will I need to be on TRT?

Learn more here: Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Starting TRT

Is TRT For Life?

TRT is a life-long procedure aiming to restore testosterone levels to a normal range.

When patients stop TRT, testosterone levels often decline, causing symptoms to return. Hence, maintaining consistent testosterone levels is crucial to sustain improvements.

Of course, committing to lifelong therapy can raise concerns; however, focusing on TRT’s benefits is essential to lead a more fulfilling life.

Testosterone Injections

Injections are available in different doses and formulations. Your doctor will prescribe whichever best suits your needs and hormonal levels.

Testosterone injections are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

Pros

· Rapid absorption
· Stable hormone levels over time
· Cost-effective

Cons

· Mild discomfort or pain at the injection site
· Frequent clinic visits (if you can’t self-administer)

Testosterone Gels

Gels are among the most popular forms of TRT. These are applied just once a day, often on the shoulders, upper arms, abdomen, upper thighs, and scrotum.

Pros

· Easy to apply
· Non-invasive
· No pain
· Available in different doses
· Lower risk of hormone fluctuations

Cons

· May cause skin irritation
· Risk of accidental transfer
· Long drying time

Various factors influence TRT success rates, including age, method, testosterone dosage, and pre-existing conditions.

In a study of over 380 TRT patients, around 70% said they were satisfied with the results.

Irrespective of factors impacting TRT’s success, patients can expect success rates exceeding 75%. The chances can be even higher when you follow your doctor’s instructions.

Feel free to read through the 130+ positive reviews in our testimonials section to learn how our effective treatments have impacted others’ lives.

Our TRT before and after pictures can help you learn more for yourself, too!

Think you might have low testosterone? See if you are a good candidate for TRT by taking our free hormone quiz:

Take Hormone Quiz

The cost of TRT varies based on testosterone dose, administration method, and frequency.

Balance My Hormones offers several reasonably priced TRT packages matching our patients’ unique needs. These include medication and delivery costs, Personal Case Manager (PCM) support, and our specialist doctors’ support before, during, and after treatment.

To learn more about our packages or the potential cost of treatment, contact us now.

Try our free hormone quiz to check for low testosterone:

Take Hormone Quiz

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is legal in the UK but must be prescribed by a licensed doctor and there must be a legitimate reason for taking TRT.

To get a TRT prescription by a doctor your total testosterone must be less than 15nmol/L.

Doctors review patients on a case by case basis to assess whether they think TRT will be the right approach and best treatment option. A low testosterone assessment conducted by doctors will involve blood tests taken weeks apart from each other to ensure your testosterone readings are similar on each occasion to ensure accuracy and to validate the need for TRT.

Take Hormone Quiz

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism refers to reduced testosterone production by gonads in the male body, often due to abnormalities in the brain or testes. It’s diagnosed through a blood test and treated with TRT.

What does TRT stand for?

TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

Is TRT worth it?

For men with clinically diagnosed low testosterone, yes, TRT can definitely be worth it, addressing symptoms and improving affected men’s health and well-being.

How to get TRT on the NHS?

Getting TRT through the NHS can be challenging. Most NHS doctors don’t have extensive TRT knowledge, so they do not prescribe TRT readily.

You’ll first need to book a GP consultation; they may refer you to a specialist who will check blood test results, symptoms, and health conditions to evaluate whether exogenous testosterone may help.

How to get a TRT prescription?

First, check your testosterone levels via testosterone tests, then book a free consultation with our private clinic doctors to begin discovering the underlying cause(s) of your current health condition. If needed, our private clinic doctors can then provide a TRT prescription.

How much is TRT per month?

The cost of TRT varies with dose, medication type, and frequency. Contact us today to explore our unique pricing packages.

Will TRT improve libido?

Several studies show TRT can improve libido and sexual function in men with low testosterone.

Will TRT help build muscle?

TRT may support increased muscle mass; higher testosterone levels can promote protein synthesis and reduce muscle protein breakdown.

Will TRT help with fatigue?

Testosterone is involved in increasing vitality and energy levels in men. Thus, many low testosterone men feel more energised after starting TRT.

Can TRT help with anxiety?

Testosterone influences mood and emotional health. Some evidence suggests TRT may alleviate anxiety and improve symptoms of depression in low testosterone men.

Will TRT shrink my testicles?

TRT may reduce testicle size due to the pituitary gland in the brain producing less luteinizing hormone, thus signalling the testes not to produce additional testosterone, resulting in a lack of activity; this is reversible by readjusting testosterone doses or discontinuing TRT.

Will TRT cause man boobs?

TRT may increase breast tissue by converting testosterone into oestrogen (a female sexual and reproductive development hormone). High levels can cause “man boobs.” However, the risk is relatively low with proper oestrogen control and TRT monitoring.

Does TRT increase risks of prostate cancer?

TRY may increase prostate cancer risks, depending on your prostate’s health. Studies investigating the link show mixed results. Hence, healthcare professionals usually perform further tests to check TRT is a safe treatment for you.

Will I lose fertility on TRT?

TRT may negatively influence fertility by reducing testicular testosterone and sperm production. Some doctors simultaneously prescribe HCG injections to help.

Is TRT steroids?

TRT and anabolic steroid use are similar to the role testosterone plays, but used for different purposes. TRT is a legitimate medical procedure to elevate testosterone levels in deficient men. Anabolic steroids are non-medical and typically enhance athletic performance.

How to lower hematocrit on TRT?

There are options to lower red blood cell counts while on TRT, e.g., monitor hormone levels, adjust testosterone doses, or consider different delivery methods.

How much HCG to take with TRT?

Dosage depends on factors such as fertility considerations, individual needs, and hormone levels. Typically, the starting HCG dose is between 250 and 500 IU.

What’s the best age to start TRT?

There’s no “best” age to start TRT, but it’s generally more common among older men. Younger men with testosterone deficiencies may also benefit.

How to inject TRT?

1 Wash hands
2 Prepare injection site
3 Draw the appropriate dosage of medication in the syringe
4 Remove air bubbles
5 Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle and inject the medication

How is TRT administered?

Administration routes include transdermal/subcutaneous injections and topical creams