Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Personalised Support for Low Testosterone

Symptoms of low testosterone include (but are not limited to): Low libido, fewer erections, fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression, difficulty maintaining or building muscle, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, brain fog.

Yes, testosterone plays a key role in male sex drive, and low testosterone levels can result in decreased libido (sexual desire).

Low testosterone is usually age-related and linked to the andropause, but can also be caused by:

• Illnesses including type 2 diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and certain lung diseases such as COPD
• Genetic inheritance, including disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and hemochromatosis
• Trauma to the testes or developmental issues
• Drug use, including steroids
• Certain STDs such as HIV
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Testosterone is measured in ng/dl (nanograms per decilitre). Normal levels vary greatly between men, and due to small sample sizes and varying factors between test subjects (age and illness), it is difficult to produce a standard figure for optimal testosterone.

It is thought that up to 25% of men who receive testosterone therapy do not have their testosterone tested prior to receiving TRT; a worrying statistic, as this does not allow for accurate prescription of treatment based on the patient’s current levels.

At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we find your optimal testosterone level by conducting a comprehensive evaluation, including symptom analysis, and produce a treatment plan in line with your goals and expectations.

TRT works by replacing depleted testosterone with bioidentical testosterone – this is identical to the testosterone in your own body. There are several ways to administer TRT, including lozenges and topical creams.

Any man who is experiencing symptoms of low testosterone can consider approaching a specialist for TRT. These symptoms include: fatigue, difficulty sleeping, low libido and fewer erections, difficulty maintaining or building muscle, unexplained weight gain, mood swings and brain fog.

There are several studies on the associated risks between TRT and prostate and breast cancer in men. This is because both of these cancers are linked to high testosterone levels. However, these studies have often produced skewed results due to the use of higher-than-normal dosages and small sample sizes.

Yes. We conduct blood tests to analyse your hormone profile before we begin treatment. This is so that we can get an accurate picture of your testosterone levels to help us tailor your treatment. Find out more.

There are a handful of common, but usually minimal, side effects of TRT. These include: water retention, nipple itchiness, irritability, and increased sex drive. It’s important to report any side effects to your Marion Gluck Doctor doctor during treatment, as they will tailor your prescription to alleviate these issues.

This varies from patient to patient and depends on age, lifestyle and testosterone levels prior to treatment. You may start to experience results within as little as one month, though we usually say to allow at least 8 weeks.