Frequently asked questions

It supports sexual desire, sperm production, muscle, bone strength and red blood cell production, alongside other physical functions.

TRT supplies testosterone when a clinically significant deficiency has been confirmed and treatment is appropriate.

No. Men do not usually experience an abrupt, universal hormonal transition. Symptoms require assessment for testosterone deficiency and other causes.

Reduced libido, fewer spontaneous erections, fatigue, reduced strength and low mood can occur, but none confirms the diagnosis alone.

No. Circulation, diabetes, medication, anxiety and other factors can affect erections, including when testosterone levels are normal.

They can, but sleep problems, anaemia, thyroid disease and mental health conditions may produce similar symptoms.

Yes. Testosterone deficiency can occur at different ages, particularly with testicular, pituitary or certain medical conditions.

It means the testicles cannot produce sufficient testosterone despite signals from the brain.

It occurs when signalling from the hypothalamus or pituitary is insufficient to stimulate normal testicular testosterone production.

Yes. Obesity, illness, excessive alcohol, certain medicines and previous anabolic steroid use can contribute; addressing these may improve levels.

Men with compatible symptoms and confirmed testosterone deficiency may qualify after underlying causes, fertility plans and treatment risks are assessed.

Possibly. Repeat testing, SHBG, calculated free testosterone and the overall clinical picture may help determine whether treatment is justified.

TRT is generally not indicated without demonstrated deficiency. Persistent symptoms should prompt investigation of other explanations.

Age alone does not decide suitability. Clinicians consider confirmed deficiency, expected benefits, other illnesses and the ability to monitor treatment.

Some men can, but cardiovascular stability and individual risk require assessment. Recent events or uncontrolled heart failure may prevent treatment.

This requires specialist assessment. Active prostate cancer is a contraindication; selected previously treated patients may be considered with careful counselling.

Yes. Severe untreated sleep apnoea may make TRT unsuitable until the condition is assessed and managed.

No. Diabetes can coexist with low testosterone, but treatment still requires appropriate diagnosis and individual assessment.

Yes. It can suppress natural testosterone production and change the investigations, recovery advice and treatment options you need.

Sometimes. Certain hormonal patterns or symptoms warrant additional blood tests, specialist referral or pituitary imaging before treatment decisions.

Some changes emerge within weeks, while others take months. Response depends on the symptom, underlying condition and treatment regimen.

It may improve libido when testosterone deficiency contributes, but relationship, psychological and medication-related factors can still affect desire.

Not necessarily. It may help deficient men, but additional treatment can be needed for vascular, neurological or psychological causes.

Correcting deficiency can improve lean mass. Strength training and suitable nutrition remain necessary, and results vary.

Body composition may improve, but TRT is not a stand-alone weight-loss treatment and does not replace dietary or activity changes.

Some deficient men report improvement. TRT does not replace appropriate assessment or treatment for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.

It might help if deficiency contributes, but improvement is not assured. Sleep, medication and other medical causes should also be considered.

Treating genuine deficiency can support bone density over time. Established osteoporosis may still need separate assessment and treatment.

It may increase red blood cell production in deficient men, but the cause of anaemia must first be investigated.

It is different from high-dose steroid misuse. However, irritability or mood changes can occur and should prompt a treatment review.

Possible effects include acne, oily skin, fluid retention, breast tenderness and injection-site discomfort. Some require dose or formulation changes.

Tell your clinician. Treatment may involve skin care, acne medication or reviewing testosterone exposure.

It may accelerate male-pattern hair loss in susceptible men. Discuss the risk and suitable management options before treatment.

Hormonal changes can cause breast symptoms. A clinician should assess them rather than assuming they only reflect high oestrogen.

Fluid retention can occur. New or significant swelling needs assessment, especially with heart, kidney or liver disease.

TRT can increase red blood cells excessively. A significant rise requires assessment and may lead to dose reduction, interruption or other management.

It can. Blood pressure should be monitored and persistent increases discussed with your clinician.

No. Treatment requires individual risk assessment and monitoring; research findings do not establish safety for every patient or treatment pattern.

Current evidence has not established that TRT causes prostate cancer, but active cancer and concerning prostate findings require specialist assessment.

Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, stroke-like symptoms, a swollen painful leg or a severe allergic reaction require urgent medical help.

Many private clinics accept self-referrals. Some request medical records, a referral or GP involvement as part of their assessment.

Some can, although blood testing remains necessary and certain clinics require an initial physical examination or face-to-face appointment.

Often, if they are recent and include the required markers. Clinics may request repeat tests to meet their assessment standards.

Bring your symptoms, medication list, previous results, medical history and fertility goals, including details of prior hormone or steroid use.

Clinics commonly seek to share treatment information with your GP, with appropriate consent, to support coordinated care.

Compare consultations, medication, blood tests, injection supplies, delivery, follow-ups and optional medicines. A headline monthly fee may exclude some items.

Coverage varies, and ongoing hormone treatment may be excluded. Confirm consultations, investigations and medication coverage before booking.

Check destination rules before travelling and carry appropriate prescription documentation. Requirements differ by country and medicine.

Follow the product leaflet and pharmacy instructions. Different preparations have different storage requirements; keep medication away from children.

Use your clinic’s clinical support channel for routine problems. Urgent symptoms need urgent healthcare rather than waiting for an email response.

It is the transition around menopause when ovarian hormone patterns change, often causing symptoms and altered menstrual cycles.

Usually after 12 months without a natural period, provided another cause, such as hormonal contraception, does not explain the absence.

The average UK age is approximately 51, although the timing varies considerably.

POI describes reduced ovarian function before age 40. It needs assessment because reproductive, bone and longer-term health implications differ.

Yes. Symptoms may begin years before periods stop, including when cycles still appear fairly regular.

Yes, but heavy, persistent or unusual bleeding should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to hormonal changes.

No. Sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, mood changes and concentration difficulties can also occur.

Yes. Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep and life circumstances can contribute, although mental health symptoms may also require separate treatment.

Yes. These symptoms can accompany menopause, but persistent, severe or focal pain needs assessment for other causes.

They commonly continue for several years, but duration and severity vary. Some symptoms persist much longer.

It replaces hormones that decline during the menopausal transition, principally to relieve symptoms and, where appropriate, protect bone health.

Yes. Suitable HRT can be prescribed during perimenopause after an individual assessment.

Systemic oestrogen can stimulate the womb lining. Adequate progestogen helps prevent abnormal thickening and reduces the associated endometrial cancer risk.

Often, following a total hysterectomy. Endometriosis or other circumstances may mean combined treatment is still advised.

Oestrogen is used continuously, with progestogen during part of each cycle. A scheduled withdrawal bleed is usually expected.

Oestrogen and progestogen are used every day. It is generally chosen after menopause and aims to avoid scheduled bleeding.

Oral treatment is swallowed; transdermal treatment uses patches, gel or spray. Route affects convenience and some risks, particularly blood clots.

It is a progesterone preparation structurally identical to the body’s hormone, used to protect the womb lining alongside systemic oestrogen.

Yes, when suitable and within its recommended HRT replacement interval. It can also provide contraception.

No. Licensed body-identical medicines have standardised quality controls. Compounded mixtures are not established as safer or more effective.

Combined systemic HRT increases risk, with duration affecting that increase. Oestrogen-only treatment has a different risk profile; individual counselling matters.

Not automatically. The pattern of family history and any inherited risk should be assessed, sometimes with specialist input.

No. Oral systemic HRT increases clot risk; transdermal oestrogen generally has a more favourable clot-risk profile.

It requires individual assessment, often with specialist advice. Route, the cause of the clot and ongoing risk all matter.

Often, yes. Transdermal oestrogen may be preferred to limit fluctuations; HRT is not itself a primary migraine treatment.

Controlled blood pressure does not automatically exclude HRT. Uncontrolled hypertension should be assessed and treated before prescribing.

Yes. Active or significant liver disease requires careful assessment and may make certain treatments unsuitable.

Often, but symptoms and fibroid behaviour may need monitoring. New bleeding or pelvic symptoms should be reviewed.

It can. Combined treatment may be recommended even after hysterectomy, depending on residual disease and specialist advice.

Possibly, but the balance of benefits and risks changes with age and time since menopause, requiring careful assessment.

Lower oestrogen affects genital tissues, causing dryness, irritation and discomfort. These changes may persist without treatment.

It treats local symptoms such as dryness and irritation, using low-dose preparations applied inside or around the vagina as directed.

Yes. Local treatment may be added when systemic HRT does not adequately control vaginal or urinary symptoms.

Usually not solely for standard low-dose local treatment. Systemic oestrogen requirements are different.

It can be used long term when appropriate because symptoms may return after stopping. Persistent symptoms still need review.

It may reduce recurrent UTIs associated with menopause. Current infection symptoms still require appropriate assessment and treatment.

No. Eczema, lichen sclerosus, infection and other conditions can cause itching and may require examination or specialist care.

Lubricants, moisturisers, local oestrogen and treatment of underlying conditions may help. Persistent pain warrants examination and sometimes psychosexual support.

No. Contraception may still be needed during perimenopause and for a period after the last natural menstrual period.

Not necessarily. Its replacement date for womb-lining protection can differ from its contraceptive duration; confirm the relevant date with your clinician.

Yes. Options include symptom-specific medicines, menopause-focused CBT, vaginal moisturisers and suitable lifestyle measures.

It can help manage the impact of hot flushes, sleep problems and associated distress, either alongside other treatments or when HRT is unsuitable.

Yes. Available options depend on your medical history, other medicines and local prescribing guidance.

No. Evidence, quality and safety vary, and interactions can occur. Discuss supplements with a clinician or pharmacist.

There is no strong evidence that HRT causes substantial weight gain. Ageing, activity, sleep and other factors often contribute.

Hormonal changes can alter fat distribution, while ageing, muscle loss and lifestyle factors can influence overall weight.

A combination of resistance, weight-bearing and aerobic activity supports muscle, bone and cardiovascular health, adapted to your ability.

Address night sweats, maintain consistent sleep routines and review persistent insomnia, snoring or other possible sleep disorders.

They may worsen sleep or hot flushes in some people. Reducing intake can help identify whether they are personal triggers.

Yes. It can address pain-related anxiety, relationship concerns and other psychological factors, alongside physical treatment when needed.