Low Testosterone

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy

You can request to order testosterone replacement therapy online from our online doctor service. To use this service you must have already been diagnosed with low testosterone by your doctor or specialist. Our available treatments are Tostran Gel, Testogel Sachets, and Testogel Pump

 

We also offer a finger prick home testosterone test kit, available to order from our website.

Low Testosterone

Low Testosterone treatment options

    Overview

    What is low testosterone?

    Testosterone is the major sex hormone produced by the testes in men. It is vital for a number of functions in the body including producing red blood cells, maintaining bone density and muscle mass, and regulating sex drive. 

    In some men, testosterone levels in the body can fall below the normal level and cause symptoms. Low testosterone in men is also known as male hypogonadism.

    Causes

    Causes of low testosterone

    Testosterone levels steadily decline as men age, beginning around the age of 30. Older men have lower levels of testosterone. This is a normal part of ageing. This decline is gradual, and men are unlikely to suffer symptoms from this natural fall in levels.  

    The testes producing testosterone are regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain. Low testosterone can sometimes be caused by a problem or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

    Other causes include obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, removal of one or both testicles, and chemotherapy.

    Treatments

    Low testosterone treatment

    The treatment for low testosterone/hypogonadism is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). TRT consists of adding testosterone (through gels, tablets or injections) to the body to increase testosterone levels. This increases testosterone levels to a normal range and helps to correct any signs or symptoms that may be affecting a man’s quality of life.

    The time it takes for symptoms to improve varies from patient to patient. Some symptoms will improve within 3 months. Other symptoms, like erectile dysfunction, may take longer to improve. The maximum effect of testosterone gel on symptoms is generally seen after a period of time of 6-12 months.

    Treatments include:

    • Testosterone gels applied to the skin every day
    • Oral testosterone tablets taken every day
    • Injections of testosterone every 10-14 weeks

    Our online doctors are able to prescribe Tostran gel and Testogel sachets, or Testogel pump. Our doctors are unable to prescribe injections or oral tablets of testosterone. We recommend discussing both of these options with your GP or endocrinologist.

    Testosterone gels

    When testosterone gels are applied to the skin, the testosterone is absorbed through the skin barrier and into the bloodstream. This increase in testosterone improves hypogonadism symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.  

    The dose of testosterone gel depends on the dose you are prescribed. Tostran and Testogel pump are canisters that contain the gel. These have a pumping mechanism that delivers a certain dose with each pump. Your doctor will tell you how many pumps of gel to apply each day.

    Testogel sachets are individual sachets that contain the gel. The usual recommended dose is one sachet worth applied to the skin daily, but your doctor may prescribe a different dose.

    Side effects

    As with all medicines, there are risks and benefits when taking testosterone. The most common side effects with testosterone gel are skin reactions at the application site. This can include itching, burning, rash, and dryness. 

    Other side effects seen with TRT include nausea, weight gain, acne, hair loss, high blood pressure, and prostate changes.

    This is not a full list of side effects. For more information, consult the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

    Warnings

    Testosterone Replacement Therapy is not suitable for everyone. TRT may be unsafe for people with certain conditions such as chronic heart failure, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and liver or kidney disease.

    Testosterone therapy may be unsuitable for men taking blood thinners and corticosteroids (e.g prednisolone).

    When filling in a testosterone online consultation form for TRT, make sure you list any medical conditions you may have and any medicines you currently take.

    Symptoms

    Low testosterone symptoms

    Low testosterone symptoms can be both physical and psychological. There are many possible symptoms:

    • Decreased libido
    • A reduction (or absence) in morning/night-time erections
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Decreased body hair 
    • Gynaecomastia
    • Reduction in muscle mass and strength
    • Fatigue
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Mood changes (e.g depression, irritability, anxiety)
    • Poor concentration and memory
    • Long term low testosterone can lead to osteoporosis

    The most common symptoms are erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire and a reduction in morning/night-time erections.

    FAQ

    How do you fix low testosterone?

    Low testosterone should be treated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). This is when you take testosterone to increase the amount of testosterone in your body. TRT can be through testosterone gels, oral tablets or injections.

    What happens when a man’s testosterone is low?

    Low levels of testosterone in the blood can cause a number of physical and psychological symptoms. Effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced body hair, gynaecomastia, fatigue, and mood changes.

    How do I know if my testosterone levels are low?

    The symptoms described above may be present in men with low testosterone. To have a diagnosis of hypogonadism (low testosterone) a man must be showing signs and symptoms of low testosterone and a blood test must show low levels in the blood. Repeated blood tests over a period of time help to determine if a man has low testosterone levels. These tests may check levels of total testosterone or free testosterone in the body. A home blood test can be ordered from our website.

    What happens if low testosterone goes untreated?

    If low testosterone goes untreated, symptoms may have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life. Long term symptoms can include an increase in BMI and osteoporosis, as well as depression.

    Does low testosterone cause weight gain?

    Low testosterone can cause a decrease in muscle mass as well as an increase in BMI. Some men may gain fat whilst also losing muscle which can change the appearance and composition of the body.

    Can you buy testosterone over the counter?

    In the UK, any testosterone treatments must be prescribed by a doctor. If a product or supplement is marketed as testosterone but does not need a prescription, it is either fake or being sold illegally. The products on our website are fully regulated by the MHRA and prescribed by our GPs.

      Testogel Sachets

      Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
      50mg xTestogel Sachets x 30 Sachets £46.99

      Testogel Pump

      Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
      16.2mg/g xTestogel Pump x 1 £45.99

      Tostran Gel

      Medication Simple Online Pharmacy
      2% xTostran Gel 1 x 60g £39.99

      Low Testosterone Treatment Comparison