How can I get TRT in the UK?

‍

TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases the amount of testosterone in your body to bring your levels back to normal, either through injections, applying gels or patches, or taking capsules. This can help relieve symptoms caused by low testosterone.

‍

It’s normal for men’s testosterone levels to start decreasing naturally after the age of 30 (by about 1-2% per year), but sometimes they can start dropping sooner, or drop off faster than they should, leaving your testosterone level lower than it should be. 

‍

It’s thought that around 45% of men over 40 will suffer from low testosterone at some point.

‍

Testosterone plays an important role in men’s bodies, so low testosterone can cause several unwanted symptoms, from poor sleep to a low sex drive. TRT works to bring the testosterone levels back up to within a normal range, alleviating the symptoms and getting you feeling like yourself again. 

‍

If you think you may have low testosterone levels, or you’ve already had a blood test to confirm that you do, you may be wondering how to get TRT in the UK. There are a few different options, and we’ll walk you through them (and the pros and cons of each) in this post.  

‍

But first: why a professional diagnosis is so important

You should never take testosterone that has not been prescribed to you by a qualified medical professional. There are a few reasons for this: 

‍

1. Low testosterone can be a symptom of a few underlying medical issues. It’s important to first rule out the possibility that low testosterone is being caused by something else. 
2. In the UK, it’s illegal to take testosterone that hasn’t been prescribed to you. Testosterone is a powerful hormone, so it’s important that it’s only distributed by trusted professionals, and that you take the exact right amount for you. 
3. TRT is not right for everyone (even if you have low testosterone). A medical professional will review your bloodwork alongside your medical history to work out the best course of action for you. They’ll also check whether, for example, you’re likely to be trying for a baby in the near future.
4. The symptoms of low testosterone overlap with other conditions. There are many symptoms associated with low testosterone, but experiencing them doesn’t necessarily mean you have low testosterone. It’s important to avoid self-diagnosing and remain open to advice from your doctor. 

‍

Can I get TRT on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS can prescribe TRT to treat low testosterone levels. In fact, we’d always recommend seeing your GP as a first port of call as soon as you start experiencing negative symptoms, or if you just don’t feel like your normal self. 

‍

Getting TRT through the NHS: How it works

If you’ve been experiencing any or a combination of the following symptoms, we recommend visiting your GP: 

‍

• Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• Loss of morning erections
• Less interest in having sex
• Brain fog 
• Poor sleep
• Increased or stubborn body fat
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Feeling low, depressed, or not enjoying things as much as you used to
• Losing muscle 
• Hair loss 
• Weaker bones

‍

However, keep an open mind: many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions or lifestyle factors and don’t necessarily mean you have low testosterone. Your doctor should investigate all possible avenues.

‍

But equally, there is no harm in asking a doctor to test your testosterone levels. 

Endocrinology (hormone health) is a relatively small part of overall medical training, so testosterone deficiency is something the average GP might be less familiar with; there is no harm in sharing your own research and concerns with them.

‍

The next stage is a blood test to assess your natural testosterone levels. This may be done with an at-home blood test kit, where you’ll prick your finger and fill up a small vial with blood (ideally between 7am and 11am, when your testosterone level is naturally higher). Alternatively, a doctor or nurse can also take blood from your vein with a needle and syringe.

‍

Your doctor will review your bloodwork and refer you to an endocrinologist if you have low testosterone levels. 

‍

From there, the endocrinologist will recommend your treatment, and you will only need to pay the prescription fee for this (or, it will be handled in the way that’s usual for your NHS prescriptions). They may suggest injections (administered every few weeks to few months), or a gel. 

‍

Note that the exact process may vary from practice to practice, but this is broadly the NHS approach. 

‍

Pros and cons of getting TRT through the NHS

‍

Pros:

‍

• Low cost. Prescriptions in the UK currently cost £9.90 for each medicine or appliance dispensed, making NHS-prescribed TRT cheaper than private alternatives
• Holistic medical view. Your doctor will have full access to your medical history, and may be more familiar with you and your health.

‍

Cons:

‍

• Low threshold for ‘low testosterone’. NHS guidelines generally consider testosterone levels under 8 nmol/L as low, although clinical judgement is required. This may mean that men whose testosterone is ‘quite low’ or even just ‘a bit low’ most likely won’t qualify for NHS-prescribed TRT, even if they’re experiencing symptoms. 
• Only looks at total testosterone level. Put simply: there are different types of testosterone in the body, and there’s an optimum level and ratio of each. The NHS, will typically only look at your overall testosterone level, without digging deeper into the various types.
• Slower treatment. Many men seek out private alternatives because it’s taking too long to get an appointment with an endocrinologist. Some doctors may be hesitant to consider the possibility of low testosterone at all. 
• Preference to avoid injections. NHS doctors may be more hesitant to prescribe injections instead of gels. Injections deliver a predictable amount of testosterone quickly, so some studies suggest they’re a more effective option. 

‍

Where can I buy TRT? Private clinic options

The alternative to getting TRT through the NHS is to explore private options – either in-person medical clinics, or online ones (like Ted’s Health). 

‍

Some men choose to go private for speed – they want to get answers and alleviate their negative symptoms as quickly as possible. 

‍

But not everyone who’s interested in TRT is experiencing negative symptoms; some are simply looking for ways to further optimise their wellbeing and performance, and a small 'top-up' of testosterone (sticking within the safe range for your age) can still have a positive impact. 

‍

Ted’s Tip: Testosterone plays a significant role in men’s bodies, so treatment should be carefully personalised to match your existing levels of testosterone. We would always advise against taking testosterone that has not been prescribed to you by a medical professional. In the UK, it is illegal to buy or sell testosterone that has not been prescribed to you, and it’s also dangerous. 

‍

Accessing TRT through Ted’s Health: How it works

‍

Different practices will have a slightly different approach to assessing your testosterone needs and recommending treatment. 

‍

Below is a summary of how it works here at Ted’s Heath. 

‍

Ted’s Tip: Ted's Health is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. We’d recommend only working with practices that are also regulated by this body. 

‍

1. Order your at-home blood test in just a few clicks

You can do this test at home and then post it back to us. Some of our patients take a blood test because they’re experiencing some of the symptoms we outlined above, but others are just curious to know more about their testosterone levels, and either is fine. Allow roughly 30 minutes to complete the blood test. If you prefer, you can go to a nearby pharmacy to have your sample taken, or a healthcare professional can come to your house.

‍

2. Meet with one of our specialist doctors for a 30-minute video consultation

No hanging around in waiting rooms: all our consultations are done over video at a time that suits you. Your doctor will talk through the results of your blood test, your symptoms, your medical history, your lifestyle, and any medication you’re already taking. They’ll also talk you through testosterone deficiency and TRT options.

‍

3. Complete a second blood test (Confirmatory Blood Test) 

‍

We ask you to take a second blood test to confirm whether there is a true deficiency or whether the first test gave a one-off/erroneous result. At this point, we also look at a few other markers, including other hormones (LH, Prolactin etc) and your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and we also check your kidney function. 

‍

This is done as a baseline prior to starting medication for safety reasons

‍

4. Your doctor will create a personalised treatment plan

‍

Taking into account your symptoms, lifestyle and bloodwork, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. If your testosterone levels are at the upper end of what's expected for your age, we won’t recommend treatment. 

‍

Your doctor will be on hand to meet with you throughout your treatment. You’ll have Blood Monitoring Tests every three months to check everything’s normal, but you’re welcome to contact us at any point if you notice any changes you want to discuss.

If you choose to stop TRT, your doctor can help you transition safely, and your testosterone levels will be monitored as your body adapts to its natural baseline.

‍

Pros and cons of getting TRT privately

‍

Pros:

‍

• Work with a specialist, and see the same person every time. Consult with a doctor who specialises in testosterone and TRT, and is used to treating patients facing similar symptoms and concerns.
• Fast testing. Your blood test will arrive in a matter of days, and your bloodwork will be processed quickly. If it’s needed, you will be able to start treatment faster than you would through the NHS.  
• Easy-to-organise, discreet consultations. It’s easy to book an appointment with your Ted’s Health consultant, and the fact that they’re online makes it more convenient, too.
• Treatment tailored to you. We’ll review the ratios of different testosterone in your body, as well as your overall level, and we’ll regularly check in on your progress and symptoms. Patients with marginally low testosterone would often still benefit from treatment, but wouldn’t be offered this through the NHS.

Cons: 

‍

More expensive. Private treatment will always cost more than NHS treatment. But with the option of online practices, it doesn’t need to be drastically more so. Expect to pay upwards of £30 per month, with the actual cost varying depending on factors such as the type of TRT (injections, gels, or pills), frequency of consultations, and clinic pricing structure.

‍

FAQs

How much does TRT cost when you go private?

This depends on many different factors, including the practice, the format of TRT, and the dosage. As a rough guide, expect to pay upwards of £30 per month.

‍

Is it possible to get TRT without seeing a doctor?

No. Here in the UK, it’s illegal to take or sell testosterone that has not been prescribed to you by a doctor. That said, you don’t always need to go to a doctor’s surgery: many online clinics, including Ted’s Health, offer consultations with doctors over video call.

‍