TRT UK On NHS

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In the UK, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be accessed through the National Health Service (NHS) or private clinics. While the NHS provides TRT to individuals who meet specific medical criteria, the process can sometimes involve longer waiting times and more stringent eligibility requirements. Consequently, many people opt for private clinics, seeking quicker access to TRT and more personalised care.

This article explores how to start testosterone replacement therapy through both the NHS and private healthcare providers in the UK, highlighting the reasons why some individuals choose one route over the other.

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What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a hormone therapy used to address low testosterone levels in men. This therapy involves supplementing the body with bioidentical testosterone to restore normal levels. TRT is most commonly administered via injection but can also be administered by pill, implant, gel, and patches.

There are two main ways of getting TRT Therapy in the UK, through the NHS or through a private clinic like Balance My Hormones. Getting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) on the NHS is not always a straightforward matter. Despite its excellent standard of care, the NHS often prevents those who really need testosterone from getting it. Its centralised structure can stifle doctors’ ability to make decisions on individual cases, the TRT treatments the NHS can offer are limited, and you don’t get much of a say in what type you want to receive.

Testosterone Deficiency Causes

Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, can arise from various causes. They are usually categoried into primary, secondary, and functional hypogonadism.

Primary Hypogonadism is related to testicular causes. Some common causes include:

• Genetic Disorders
• Injury or Trauma
• Infection
• Medical Treatments
• Undescended Testicles

Secondary Hypogonadism is related to hypothalamic or pituitary causes:

• Pituitary Disorders
• Hypothalamic Disorders
• Trauma
• Genetic Conditions
• Functional Hypogonadism
• Obesity
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Chronic Illness
• Medications
• Chronic Stress and Depression
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Natural Ageing Processes

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, starting around 30 and decreasing by about 1% per year, leading to symptoms in older men, known as late-onset hypogonadism, andropause, or male menopause.

Lifestyle Factors

Your everyday lifestyle plays an important role in your overall health. The following lifestyle factors can negatively affect your hormone balance:

• Poor diet & nutrient deficiencies
• Lack of Exercise
• Sleep Deprivation/poor sleep quality
• Poor General Health

Low Testosterone Symptoms

Men with low testosterone levels can experience a variety of symptoms, often alongside conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary disease. Some of the most common signs of low testosterone include:

• Low sex drive/libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased muscle mass
• Increased weight gain
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination at night
• Facil and body hair loss
• Pelvic floor pain
• Depression
• Poor concentration or memory
• gynecomastia (man boobs)

If you have two or more of these symptoms, you may have ab-normal testosterone levels and we recommend booking a free consultation. Our specialised doctors can discuss your health and available treatments.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: NHS

GP Consultation:

Getting testosterone treatment through the NHS begins with a visit to your General Practitioner (GP). During this consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms, and your GP may decide to order blood work to assess your testosterone levels. Your blood sample will then be sent to a lab for analysis.

Blood Test Analysis:

Once your GP receives your blood results, a consultation will be scheduled to review them. It’s important to note that the NHS has stricter criteria for TRT eligibility compared to private clinics. The NHS typically requires a testosterone level below 8.6 nmol/L, a threshold considered dangerously low by most private clinics.

Referral to Endocrinologist:

If your testosterone levels are below 8.6 nmol/L, your GP will refer you to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist will evaluate your case and recommend the most appropriate TRT option.

Treatment Options:

NHS options are limited compared to those offered by private clinics due to restrictions on off-licence medications. The NHS generally prefers less expensive methods of administration, such as testosterone patches and gels, even though they may be less effective. Additionally, follow-up consultations to monitor progress may be less frequent once your TRT commences.

Advantages/disadvantages of Getting TRT Through the NHS

Navigating the options for TRT through the NHS can be a crucial decision for those experiencing low testosterone levels. Have a look at some of some of the main advantages and disadvantages of the NHS route.

Advantages of Getting TRT Through the NHS

Less Expensive: The NHS operates on a government-funded model, meaning services, including TRT, are subsidised by taxpayers. Consultations are typically free, with the main cost being your prescription.

Disadvantages of NHS Route

Long Wait Times: The NHS is known for long wait times due to high demand and limited resources, causing non-urgent conditions like low testosterone to be sidelined.

Lack of TRT Knowledge Among NHS GPs: GPs often lack specialised knowledge in TRT, leading to misdiagnosis or overlooked symptoms, as TRT is a niche field within endocrinology and urology.

Low ‘Normal’ Testosterone Ranges: The NHS sets a low threshold for diagnosing low levels of testosterone, making it difficult to receive treatment unless symptoms are severe.

Non-Bespoke: NHS treatment options are limited, often prescribing only topical treatments due to cost, and cannot offer supplementary medications like HCG to preserve fertility.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Balance My Hormones

Contact Us

The first step to receiving TRT with Balance My Hormones is to complete the patient intake forms to help us understand your unique situation and determine the best treatment for you. Contact us via phone, email, or our live chat on the homepage.

Order Blood work

Next, complete blood work to confirm the underlying cause of your symptoms are due to low testosterone. You can order blood tests online or speak with our medical case managers to arrange them. Blood test kits are delivered discreetly to your home, processed in accredited labs, and analysed by our specialist doctors.

Doctor Consultation

Once your blood test results are in, you’ll have a face-to-face video consultation with one of our doctors specialising in hormone therapies. The doctor will discuss your results, recommend treatment, explain the TRT process, and answer any questions.

Treatment

Upon approval, you’ll receive your prescription from a registered pharmacy. We provide ongoing support with regular blood work and consultations to monitor your progress throughout your treatment.

Advantages/disadvantages of Getting TRT Through a Private Clinic

Many people prefer to get TRT through private clinics because of the personalised experience. Take a look at the key benefits and drawbacks of getting TRT through a private clinic.

Advantages of Private Clinics

No long waits for consultations or bloodwork results: With Balance My Hormones you can get treatment approval in as little as 48 hours.

Specialist doctors who are experienced in hormone therapy: Our specialist doctors are experts in hormone therapy. They will not only provide the best treatment, but they will also guide you through the process with utmost care, comfort, and support.

Specialist equipment to administer treatments: Private clinics often have top-of-the-range equipment that aids in our high success rates and efficiency of treatment.

Wider range of treatments and medications: The NHS can’t provide essential off-licence mediations such as HCG which improves your fertility while on TRT.

Bespoke treatment: Balance My Hormones aims to treat its customers with their wants and needs in mind. If you have a preferred treatment method such as injection over gel, we are able to work around that to suggest a treatment that you’re comfortable with.

Monitoring bloodwork and follow-up consultations: Private clinics often provide ongoing care so the progress of your treatment can be closely monitored to produce the highest possibility of treatment success.

Home blood tests: No need to travel for your blood test, you can complete your blood test in the comfort of your own home. They’re even sent out in discrete packaging!

Disadvantages of Private Clinics

More expensive than the NHS route: Private clinics often take a more bespoke route to TRT which adds to the cost of the overall treatment.

Possible Side Effects of TRT

Reduced Ability to Conceive: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may decrease sperm production and reduce fertility, potentially impacting a man’s ability to conceive.

Acne: One common side effect is the development or worsening of acne due to increased oil production in the skin.

Cancer Risks: Although TRT is not directly linked to causing cancerous tissues, there is ongoing debate about its potential to stimulate growth in existing prostate cancer, making regular monitoring essential.

Impact of Smoking: Smoking can exacerbate some side effects of TRT and negatively affect overall health, potentially complicating the benefits of the therapy.

Cardiovascular Disease: There is a potential for increased risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions.

Despite these potential side effects, TRT is safe when administered under medical supervision, and side effects are relatively rare. Proper dose management and regular monitoring can help minimise risks and ensure the therapy’s effectiveness.

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Final Thought

There are undoubtedly GPs and endocrinologists in the NHS who do an excellent job. But to qualify for TRT on the NHS, patients have to jump through countless hoops which can negatively impact your personal life. It can be a painful process that can frankly feel like a bit of a lottery.

At Balance My Hormones you don’t have to wait months to see a specialist. You can start the process with experienced hormone replacement therapy the right way. You can get approval for treatment in as little as 48 hours, provided you have the appropriate blood tests and forms complete. If you don’t have a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, then you don’t pay a doctor’s fee, we aim to treat patients as individuals – not just a lab number. Best of all, you don’t have to go out and visit your doctor. You can have a remote consultation in the comfort of your own home. Want to know more? Click the button above and get in contact with us today.

Evidence Based Research

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.

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