The venesection was painless to say the least, thank you for using local anaesthetics; highly recommended
Age-related declines in testosterone levels generally affect men over 40 years old. However, men may be younger when they start to notice symptoms of decreased testosterone levels due to the onset of early male hypogonadism, sometimes referred to as male menopause. You may also require TRT if you have damaged your testicles or had to have one or both removed due to injury or cancer.
As the body’s natural supply of testosterone declines with age, some men may not experience any adverse effects of low testosterone. Still, other men notice severe symptoms that negatively impact their physical and mental health. At Harley Street MD, we know how essential providing confidential advice and treatment is and have several testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) treatment options. These include oral, intramuscular and transdermal formulations to help you get your health and wellbeing back on track.
Treatment with transdermal testosterone ensures the proper absorption of a specific dose of the drug is attained by applying a testosterone patch to the skin. Patients getting TRT should carefully monitor their treatment reactions and adverse effects, and their serum testosterone levels should be tested two to three months after using patches. Transdermal testosterone is one of those methods, which supplies testosterone through the skin via a patch or gel.
Do I Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
Choosing to have testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a personal decision. You can use TRT for any symptoms of low testosterone that affect you physically or mentally. You can ask your GP for a test to determine if you have low testosterone.
Clinical symptoms associated with low testosterone levels include:
• Loss of libido — can be gradual or sudden and can be impacted by many other symptoms linked to low testosterone.
• Fatigue — you may lack energy or motivation to do physical activities.
• Erectile dysfunction — you may not be able to get or maintain an erection.
• Testicular atrophy — causes one or both testicles to shrink, which can result in decreased functioning of the testicles.
• Disturbed sleep — could be difficulty getting to sleep, waking up during the night or waking early and not being able to get back to sleep.
• Metabolic syndrome — this is not a disease. A collection of risk factors, including high blood pressure, insulin resistance and abnormal cholesterol levels, may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Mood disorders — low mood, depression and anxiety are common. You may also find that your mood changes suddenly and for no reason.
• Reduced cognitive function — may be due to sleep disturbance but can also occur for no apparent reason. It could impact your concentration levels and ability to make decisions, among other things.
• Reduced muscle mass — muscle mass may be harder to retain, and building muscle can become extremely difficult.
• Hair loss — you might notice slight to significant hair loss, which can occur slowly or quickly.
• Lower bone density — osteoporosis and fractures can result from decreased bone density. You may also find that your joints ache and feel stiff.
Why Is Testosterone Prescribed?
Whether you and your doctor decide to use a testosterone transdermal patch, gel, oral prescription or injection, TRT is prescribed to help with a condition called hypogonadism. This is caused by low testosterone and may occur at any age. Not every man with low testosterone will have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and it can be challenging to have tests or TRT covered by the NHS.
When you choose Harley Street MD for testosterone tests with the option of TRT, you will get a private, one-hour consultation with a male doctor to talk about signs of low testosterone, followed by a 30 minute follow-up appointment to review your blood and urine analysis.
You will also receive blood tests that test:
• The entire hormone profile — LH, FSH, testosterone, oestradiol, SHBG, prolactin and free androgen index
• Cortisol levels
• DHEA-S
• Anaemia
• Leukaemia
• Liver function
• Bone metabolism
• Diabetes
• Full cholesterol profiles
• Vitamin D levels
• Thyroid function (free T3, free T4 and TSH)
• Prostate profile blood test (prostate cancer screening) — If elevated, an advanced screening (total and free PSA)
Furthermore, monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and measurements of weight, height, BMI and body fat, and a physical examination, including the prostate and testicles, will be performed. If it is determined that you have low testosterone levels, you will have a choice of TRT options to begin immediately if you would like.
Transdermal Testosterone Patch vs Transdermal Testosterone Gel
Transdermal testosterone replacements come in the form of a patch or gel you apply to the skin. Some men prefer the ease of using a patch, while others feel more in control using gel. Both options are available, and during your follow-up consultation, we will discuss each option’s benefits and disadvantages.
Occasionally a transdermal testosterone patch or gel may cause a reaction, and you may need to swap to a different form of TRT. If this is the case, we can prescribe oral testosterone, or you can opt for testosterone injections. The first step is to come in for a free consultation so we can run extensive tests to check your overall health before recommending hormone replacement therapy.
Currently, four major brands of transdermal testosterone are available in the UK.
1. Testim gel (in a tube)
• Applied once a day
• Between 50mg to 100mg testosterone daily
2. Testogel gel (in a sachet)
• Applied once a day
• Between 25mg to 100mg testosterone daily
3. Tostran gel (multidose dispenser)
• Applied once a day
• Between 60mg to 80mg testosterone daily
4. Androderm patch
• Replaced every 24 hours
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Side Effects
We will create a well-planned TRT treatment to help negate any adverse negative side effects. However, some men experience mild side effects, including:
• Irritability
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Headaches
Previously, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) was connected to cardiovascular issues. Still, a study published in June 2023 by The New England Journal of Medicine and a study from 2022 published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity shows TRT does not increase the risk for heart attacks or strokes.
Our experienced Harley Street doctors specialise in men’s health and testosterone replacement therapy. Book a confidential consultation today, and let us help you restore your wellbeing and vitality.
