TRT on the NHS vs Private TRT: Which is best?

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You can get TRT on the NHS or privately, however there are many benefits to getting private TRT over the NHS route. In this article we discuss the Pros and Cons of NHS TRT vs Private TRT and provide you with a comprehensive overview of both NHS TRT and Private TRT and what to expect from each route.

TRT on the NHS in the UK

Explained below are the key NHS TRT points you should know about.

Can I get TRT on the NHS?

Yes, you can obtain TRT on the NHS however the route to obtaining TRT is time consuming, inefficient and ultimately NHS doctors do not use modern treatment methods compared to private TRT clinics. It’s also highly likely that you will not meet the criteria required in order to be approved for TRT on the NHS. There are also huge waiting lists for TRT on the NHS in England, the waiting times are so bad that you may find yourself in a queue for 6 months before even able to start treatment.

Low TRT cost

NHS TRT is more affordable than private options. You just have to pay the prescription fee which is around £9.90 per item. This makes it a cheaper route for long-term treatment.

Low normal testosterone ranges and strict eligibility criteria

Many men are refused treatment because NHS thresholds for low T are set at a lower end – around 8 to 8.6 nmol/L for total testosterone.

This means you may still be ineligible for NHS TRT if your testosterone level is marginally above the NHS cutoff, even with clear clinical signs like loss of muscle mass, low sex drive, brain fog and anxiety. 

Most GPs first look for other potential causes of low T signs you experience. These causes can be lifestyle-related such as lack of sleep, stress, excessive consumption of alcohol and poor diet.

They may request a testosterone blood test only when they have ruled out these causes.

Consider only total testosterone levels

The NHS generally checks only total testosterone levels when diagnosing low T.

However, research indicates that you can still have symptoms even if your total testosterone is normal but your free testosterone is low (free testosterone is the biologically available testosterone that your body tissues use for multiple purposes while total testosterone is the sum of free and bound (unavailable) testosterone).

That’s why many hormone experts recommend checking both total and free testosterone for a more accurate diagnosis.

GP knowledge can vary

When you first seek help for low T symptoms, you will usually see a GP. But GP knowledge and experience with testosterone deficiency can vary a lot.

Some may overlook symptoms or attribute them to lifestyle or ageing. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delays in getting the right tests and treatment.

Long waiting times

If you get referred to a hormone specialist by your GP, the waiting times can be very long; sometimes several weeks or months.

Because low T is considered non-urgent, many people are left waiting anxiously while still struggling with symptoms.

Limited TRT treatment options

The NHS offers only a few TRT medications. Generally, endocrinologists initially prescribe testosterone gels such as Testogel and Tostran. Even though they are effective, some men can have absorption issues, which reduce treatment effectiveness. They also prescribe only a few testosterone injection formulations which can impact treatment result.

What’s more, some low testosterone or hypogonadism treatment options like human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) are not widely offered on the NHS and men have to access them privately.

Less frequent follow-ups

Some studies show that many GP practices don’t consistently meet the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) guidelines for annual blood tests and TRT monitoring.

Private TRT in the UK

Private TRT in the UK provides men with a faster and more flexible route compared to NHS TRT. That’s why it has become popular among men who are experiencing low T signs but are unable to access TRT through their GP because of the strict NHS criteria.

Unlike NHS TRT, private TRT helps you improve your overall hormone health, not just medical deficiencies. This is because it provides a personalised treatment plan based on both symptoms and blood test results rather than rigid threshold numbers.

The best part is it is a faster route. You don’t have to wait for weeks or months to get access to testosterone. At private clinics like Balance My Hormones, you can get treatment approval in as little as 48 hours.

Our GMC-registered doctors are experts in hormone therapy. They will not only provide the best treatment, but will also guide you through the process with utmost care, comfort and support.

Balance My Hormones aims to treat its patients with their wants and needs in mind. If you have a preferred treatment, we can work around that to suggest a treatment that you’re comfortable with.

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TRT on the NHS vs private TRT UK

Watch our video guide on ‘Can You Get TRT on the NHS.’

What are the NHS low testosterone symptoms?

According to the NHS, men with low testosterone can experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Low exercise tolerance
• Poor concentration
• Night sweats
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low mood
• Mood changes

These symptoms can occur due to many other health problems. Hence, it is vital to identify their actual cause before starting a treatment.

How to get TRT on the NHS?

Here is how you can get a testosterone prescription on the NHS for your low testosterone levels:

1. Book a GP appointment: Visit your local GP to discuss your low T symptoms such as low sex drive, loss of muscle mass and tiredness. 
2. Get blood tests done: Your GP will order testosterone blood tests if they suspect low T is the problem. These tests are usually done in the morning between 7 AM and 10 AM as normal testosterone levels are higher during these hours.
3. Referral to an endocrinologist: You will be referred to a hormone specialist if your test results show you are testosterone-deficient.
4. Further assessment of the problem: An endocrinologist may conduct a few more tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the problem.
5. Treatment decision: Your specialist doctor may prescribe TRT if they think you are the right TRT candidate.

Who can get TRT on the NHS?

Men showing clear low T signs and testosterone levels below 8 nmol/L (confirmed by blood tests) may qualify for NHS TRT. Eligibility is determined after thorough medical evaluation by a GP and a specialist.

Can you get a testosterone test on the NHS?

You can get a testosterone blood test on the NHS if you are experiencing low T signs and your GP suspects low T might be the problem.

However, this can be a time-consuming process. If you want to get your hormone levels checked fast and accurately, you can book our blood test service online or order our at-home testosterone test kit.

 Order Blood Test

Does the NHS sell testosterone treatment online?

NHS treatment is prescribed by a healthcare professional after an in-person proper diagnosis and monitoring. For this, you need to first have an in-person consultation with your local GP, who may then refer you to an endocrinologist or urologist for specialist assessment. 

How long does it take to get testosterone from the NHS?

The entire process, from booking a GP appointment to getting testosterone prescription, can take several weeks to months. Regular TRT monitoring is also important, extending the overall time.

Waiting times vary by area and appointment availability so patience is essential when seeking NHS testosterone therapy.

Conclusion

NHS TRT is a good option for men looking for a cost-effective low T solution and who are ready to wait for weeks to months for doctor consultation and follow-ups.

But if you need a faster, more convenient and personalised solution, private providers like Balance My Hormones are the best option.

At Balance My Hormones, all you have to do is get in touch with us by phone, email, or you can reach out via our live chat feature on our homepage to discuss your hormone health, symptoms and concerns.

Our medical case manager can then arrange your blood tests based on your needs.

Once we receive your blood test back from the labs, you will have a face-to-face remote video consultation with one of our doctors specialising in advanced hormone therapies for men.

On your video consultation, the doctor will discuss your bloodwork results and which treatment they would recommend for your unique circumstances.

Once approved by your doctor for testosterone replacement therapy, you will receive your prescription order from a registered pharmacy supported by our staff. Contact us today to get rid of your low T symptoms and improve your overall health. 

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