By Mike Kocsis | 10 minutes read | Last updated: March 9, 2022 Categories: Testosterone TRT
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that aims to restore testosterone levels to optimal physiological range. TRT involves providing the body with bioidentical testosterone (T) to help relieve low T symptoms. The most common way for testosterone to be administered is through injection or topical methods such as creams and gels but it can also be administered by patch, pill, or implant.
Some men are born with low testosterone, but you can also develop insufficient testosterone levels through lifestyle choices or ageing processes. If you are concerned you may have low T levels, take our 60s Hormone Imbalance Quiz, and find out whether you’re in need of medical assistance today.
Symptoms of low testosterone
Men suffering from low testosterone levels can experience a range of symptoms. Many of these symptoms can also present themselves alongside other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary disease. Some of the most common low T signs are listed below:
- Low sex drive/libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass
- Increased weight gain
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination at night
- Body and facial hair loss
- Pelvic floor pain
- Depression
- Poor memory or concentration
If you have two or more of the symptoms listed above, we would advise you to book a free consultation. Our doctors are specialised professionals where you can discuss your health and available treatments further.
Medical research on TRT
Body composition and strength
Wang et al (2000) studied the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on body composition and strength in hypogonadal men (men with low T levels). 227 hypogonadal men received gel testosterone treatment over the span of 180 days. Their body strength was assessed on days 0, 90, and 180 and measured by assessing the maximal force-generating capacity of the muscles used when performing bench and leg press exercises. The study found that testosterone gel increased muscle strength, lean body mass, and decreased fat mass in hypogonadal men.
Cognitive function, mood, and depression
O’Connor et al (2002) studied the effects of testosterone on cognitive function. 30 eugonadal 19–45-year-old men received 200mg of exogenous testosterone or 200mg of sodium chloride weekly for 8 weeks. 8 hypogonadal 23–40-year-old men received 200mg testosterone biweekly. The study found reductions in negative mood parameters (tension, anger, and fatigue) in hypogonadal men after 8 weeks of testosterone treatment.
Sexual function
Mohit Khera et al (2011) comprised a study that aimed to find out whether a testosterone replacement therapy could improve sexual function in hypogonadal men. 271 hypogonadal men experiencing erectile dysfunction were put on a 12-month course of testosterone gel. The effects of the gel were measured by the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) – a self-reported screening tool for examining sexual function. Results showed a correlated increase in testosterone levels and sexual function including sex drive/libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory function, and level of bother.
What are normal testosterone levels?
Testosterone levels vary throughout a man’s life. They generally peak at 20 and begin to steadily decline from around 30 years of age. Studies have found that the rate of decline is around 3-10% per decade but a normal testosterone level for a male of 19+ years is 240-950 ng/dl. It’s important to note that there are many factors that can compromise testosterone levels such as certain medications, conditions such as diabetes or cancer, and even testicular trauma so we would advise you to get in touch with one of our specialist doctors to discuss your testosterone results.
How to get TRT
If you’re displaying any of the symptoms mentioned above and are worried you may have low testosterone levels, we would urge you to take a blood hormone test to assess your testosterone levels.
Once you have your blood test results, you have the choice of receiving TRT from either the NHS or a private clinic like Balance My Hormones.
NHS Route
Once your GP has confirmed a low testosterone diagnosis from your blood work, they will refer you to an endocrinologist who will decipher the best hormone treatment for you. It sounds straightforward but the average NHS hormone replacement therapy experience isn’t so smooth. Many GPs lack sufficient TRT knowledge and are likely to equate low testosterone symptoms to other conditions such as depression or anxiety. In the case that you are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, the wait for an endocrinologist appointment can take months and even then, there is no guarantee you’ll receive the type of treatment you want.
Balance My Hormones Route
With Balance My Hormones there are no long waits for bloodwork or endocrinologist appointments. In fact, you can get treatment approval in as little as 48 hours! Our specialised doctors are experienced in hormone therapy and aim to treat patients according to their individual needs. Consultations are remote so you can be assisted from the comfort of your own home. Should you have any queries, our doctors and Balance My Hormones staff are a phone call away.
Our aim is to support people with low testosterone levels and guide them through their TRT journey with the utmost care, comfort, and support. Our doctors and staff are on call to answer any questions you may have about the TRT process but if you have any immediate queries, we have comprised a list of the most frequently asked questions about TRT in the UK below.
FAQ’s
What are the side effects of TRT?
As with any treatment, there is a small risk of side effects. Some TRT side effects include testicular shrinkage, lowered sperm count, acne and oily skin, hair loss or growth, and gynecomastia. They might sound worrying but experiencing side effects from testosterone treatment is generally rare, but should they arise, our doctors are trained to manage them. In addition, there are medications such as HCG that can be prescribed alongside your hormone treatment to stop adverse side effects from developing.
What are the benefits of TRT?
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally begin to decline. TRT aims to optimise imbalanced testosterone levels to alleviate the symptoms that low testosterone levels cause.
Some benefits of TRT include:
- Improved libido
- Decreased body fat
- Increased energy levels
- Increased brain function and cognitive ability
- Improved sleep
- Decreased risk of diabetes
- Better body composition and strength
- Enhanced cardiovascular health
- Improved ability to handle stress
Is TRT safe?
Like any medical treatment, TRT does come with its risks. But the risks are not common and are manageable should they arise. Balance My Hormones patients are closely monitored by our specialist doctors to ensure your safety and an optimal response to treatment.
Can TRT cause infertility?
TRT can lower your sperm count but a lower sperm count doesn’t render you infertile. If the sperm count risk is concerning you, we do offer a balanced TRT with HCG solution which helps to preserve fertility while on testosterone treatment.
How much does TRT cost?
The cost of TRT varies depending on the patients’ specific needs. Some treatments are more expensive than others, but we can assure all our treatments offer value for money, first-class delivery, and ongoing support. We strive to be as transparent about costs as possible but ultimately it comes down to the type of treatment that’s best for you, and the time it takes to restore, maintain, and monitor your testosterone levels. We have included a table of the prices for some of the treatments we offer below so you can have an idea of the general cost.
| TRT Treatment Options | TRT Cost Bandings |
| Treatment packages | Between £99-£149 |
| Doctor Consultation | £199 |
| Comprehensive Blood Test | £155 |
| Basic TRT test | £49.95 |
| Fertility Treatment packages | From £35 |
| Erectile Dysfunction treatment packages | From £24 |
If you would like to further enquire about our costs for TRT, please do not hesitate to book a call where we can discuss costs more specifically to your medical needs.
Can I increase my testosterone levels naturally?
Physical activity, sun exposure (vitamin D), getting good sleep and having a healthy diet are some of the proven ways you can increase your testosterone levels naturally. They are a good place to start if you suspect your testosterone levels are low, but it should be noted that natural methods are not guaranteed to bring your testosterone levels up to optimal range.
The only way to know if your testosterone levels are in optimal range is to have a blood test. Our discrete blood test kits are processed in accredited labs and are sent out to you to be administered in the comfort of your home.
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism occurs when your sex glands (gonads) don’t produce enough or any hormones. For men, the hormone is testosterone and for women, it’s progesterone and oestrogen. You can be born with hypogonadism, or you can acquire it through injury, infection, or natural ageing processes.
Will TRT give me man boobs?
Gynecomastia (breast growth) can be a side effect of TRT. Some men convert testosterone into oestrogen faster than others which can stimulate breast growth. Developing gynecomastia from TRT is rare but should the issue arise, our expert doctors are able to manage such symptoms.
Will TRT cause hair loss?
There are studies that show high levels of DHT directly correlating to hair loss. DHT is a synthetic form of testosterone in your body that is usually created when testosterone combines with other elements in your body. The assumption is that testosterone injections can increase DHT levels and therefore cause hair loss but there is no conclusive evidence of a link between testosterone treatment and hair loss.
Some proven reasons for hair loss in men include stress, low testosterone, treatment shock, genetics, and the natural ageing process.
Can I get TRT through my GP?
Yes. Some GPs will prescribe TRT through the NHS but appointment wait times can take months and you may not be able to have a say in the treatment you receive.
With Balance My Hormones you can get treatment approval in as little as 48hrs. You will receive the contact information of your TRT specialist doctor who will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have at any point of your TRT journey. You can get in touch with our team below.
Will TRT shrink my testicles?
Sometimes, TRT can interrupt the pathway between the brain and the testes causing the gonads to reduce natural T-production. If a patient is concerned about testicle size or fertility, we do offer medication such as HCG. HCG is taken alongside testosterone which inhibits the effect of bioidentical testosterone on your testes.
Will TRT help me lose weight?
TRT has many benefits and decreased body fat is one of them. Not only does bringing your testosterone levels into optimum range help you lose weight, but it helps you keep the weight off as well.
Can TRT cause cancer?
Testosterone is the hormone that controls how the prostate grows and develops so there is understandably a lot of concern and debate around the use of bioidentical testosterone and prostate cancer. Studies and long-term data strongly suggest that testosterone replacement therapy neither increases the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) nor causes a resurgence of PCa in normal men.
Will TRT increase my risk of a heart attack or stroke?
One of the most talked-about TRT concerns is whether the treatment increases the chance of having a heart attack and stroke. There have been studies that suggest there is a link but many of these studies have been discredited for deceptive data or incorrect methods.
There is plenty of evidence that suggests TRT can reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality rate among testosterone deficient men. If you are concerned about the cardiovascular effects of TRT, we would urge you to get in contact with us where our doctors can better address your concerns and offer you more focused support.
Bibliography/Further Reading/References/Study Material/Scholarly Text
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About the Author: Mike Kocsis
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.
Last update: March 9th, 2022
