Male Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQs
What happens when I visit the clinic?
When we begin working together, I will invite you for a 50 minute consultation at the clinic in central Hove. I will take you through an in-depth health review, taking into account your medical history and lifestyle, which can both affect your testosterone levels. I will take a very thorough set of blood tests during the appointment. As soon as the results are back, I will contact you to discuss our options regarding testosterone replacement therapy. We will discuss what is right for you as an individual and the different treatment options and further necessary monitoring.
If a course of TRT treatment is required, we will work together to make a plan, potentially starting treatment straight away. If testosterone replacement therapy is started, I will organise follow-up appointments to monitor and review how you respond to treatment.
Isn’t it normal to have low testosterone as I get older?
Testosterone is a key male hormone and levels do fall naturally as we age. You may have heard the terms ‘andropause’ or ‘male menopause’ in relation to this process. If testosterone levels fall dramatically, however, this can have a big impact on your health.
I believe that testosterone replacement therapy should be given as treatment because of the huge health benefits it provides. Male hormone replacement therapy can help with a range of problems, including improving sex drive and erectile dysfunction, improving energy levels and low mood, reducing fat and increasing lean muscle.
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an effective and safe treatment to combat the symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
We all respond slightly differently to treatment. I will monitor you closely to ensure that any side effects are minimised and the treatment you receive is safe and effective.
How is testosterone replacement therapy administered?
At the moment, testosterone replacement therapy is not available in tablet form. This means that you have two options for treatment: an injection, or a gel that is absorbed through the skin.
Each method has advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss what is best for you at your appointment to ensure you have the best experience with testosterone replacement therapy.
Can I have an appointment online?
I prefer to see patients face to face as I like the personal approach, especially during the first appointment. This is important as it means we can build trust before we start treatment.
If you are not local to Brighton, we can have a consultation via video call.
All monitoring, prescribing and follow up can be managed remotely.
How much will Male Hormone Replacement Therapy cost?
An initial 50 minute consultation and assessment at the clinic is £280. The thorough screening blood test that I do costs £180.
Any thirty minute follow-up appointments are charged at £150 per appointment.
Depending on the method we decide is right for you, the cost of male hormone replacement therapy varies. Testosterone gel currently sits at around £60 per month.
We can discuss your options and costs in more detail at your consultation.
You can also get in touch to ask more questions about male hormone replacement therapy before booking a consultation.
Could I be treated for low testosterone on the NHS?
While the NHS offers some testosterone replacement therapy, it is limited.
Most NHS GPs do not have specialist training in this area and are unlikely to have experience and expertise in prescribing and monitoring testosterone deficiency.
The NHS is also limited by an inflexible cut off for testosterone levels in blood. This means that some patients who could significantly benefit from male hormone replacement therapy cannot access this treatment because they do not fall in the threshold for treatment.
I can offer a more personalised approach, tailoring treatment options and intensity to your specific needs.
Testosterone for women and transgender patients
Prescribing testosterone for female and transgender patients is a specialist field in which I do not have expertise. I am only qualified to prescribe testosterone for men.