At e-Surgery, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality medical treatments and exceptional customer service. As a leading online healthcare provider in the UK, our goal is to make private medical options both affordable and easily accessible. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), can be positively life changing for men experiencing low testosterone levels when used appropriately.  

This article aims to address the most common questions about TRT, giving you helpful and important information about this important treatment. 

How does TRT work? 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) works by supplementing the body’s natural testosterone levels. It’s designed for men whose bodies don’t produce enough testosterone naturally. Natural production of testosterone can be inadequate for a number of reasons including testicular dysfunction, previous drug use or simply ageing. TRT can be administered in various forms, including gels, patches, injections, or pellets implanted under the skin. 

By increasing testosterone levels to a normal range, TRT can help alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as: 

  • Decreased libido 
  • Erectile dysfunction 
  • Fatigue 
  • Reduced muscle mass 
  • Increased body fat 
  • Mood changes 
  • Decreased bone density 

What are the common side effects of TRT? 

Like all medical treatments, TRT can cause side effects in some users. Common side effects may include: 

  • Acne or oily skin 
  • Mild fluid retention 
  • Stimulation of prostate tissue 
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement (make sure to stop treatment if you experience this as it can lead to gynecomastia which can only be treated with surgery) 
  • Decreased testicular size 
  • Lower sperm count that can cause fertility issues (please read below about fertility) 
  • Changes in cholesterol levels (frequent blood tests are essential) 

TRT can also increase your risks of certain serious events such as stroke and heart attack. This is why it is crucial to be upfront with your regular treatment provider and make them aware of your full medical history. It is also absolutely essential to have regular blood tests to keep an eye on your health whilst using TRT. This includes a full blood panel, hormone levels (including oestrogen) and your blood lipid levels. This is normally done every 3 months, or as determined by your regular specialist.  

Regular TRT use on its own will normally reduce fertility levels, which can be permanent. Make sure you fully understand this risk and discuss with your regular TRT specialist about measures you can take to reduce the chances of reducing your fertility, such as adjunct HCG injections.  

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and they can often be managed with proper medical supervision. You can use our free Ask-a-pharmacist service for answers to any questions you may have about potential side effects of TRT. 

What medication other than testosterone is part of TRT? 

Depending on your individual needs and blood test results, your TRT specialist may prescribe additional medication that forms part of comprehensive TRT treatment. Examples of this are exemestane for reducing oestrogen levels and HCG injections for maintaining testicular size.  

How can I reduce some of the common side effects of TRT? 

To minimize potential side effects: 

  • Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully 
  • Have regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor your testosterone levels 
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet 
  • Stay hydrated to help with fluid retention 
  • Use acne treatments if skin issues occur 
  • Report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately 

When should you take TRT? What is the dosing schedule? 

The dosing schedule for TRT depends on the form of testosterone you’re using: 

  • Gels: Applied daily, usually in the morning 
  • Patches: Applied daily, often in the evening 
  • Injections: Typically administered every 1-2 weeks 
  • Pellets: Implanted every 3-6 months 

Your doctor will determine the best dosage and schedule for your individual needs. It’s crucial to follow their instructions precisely. 

How should you use TRT products? 

You should always use your TRT treatment exactly as your doctor has instructed and if you are unsure of the details, speak to them first. 

The application method varies depending on the form of TRT: 

Gels: 

  • Apply to clean, dry skin, usually on the arms or shoulders, avoiding the breast area. 
  • Allow the gel to dry before dressing 
  • Wash hands thoroughly after application 
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others at the application site 

Patches: 

  • Apply to clean, dry skin on the back, upper arms, or thighs and avoiding the breast area 
  • Rotate application sites to prevent skin irritation 
  • Replace daily as directed 

Injections: 

  • Usually administered by a healthcare professional 
  • If self-injecting, follow proper sterile technique 
  • Rotate injection sites 

How should TRT treatment be stored? 

Storage instructions may vary depending on the specific TRT product. Generally: 

  • Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight 
  • Keep out of reach of children 
  • For gels and patches, check the packaging for specific storage instructions 
  • Injectable testosterone should be stored as directed by your pharmacist 

Any other precautions? 

Testosterone medication should never be handled by women or children. Ensure that you leave enough time for the gels to be absorbed before coming in contact with women or children as some of the gel can rub onto them and cause harm. Infromation about administration of specific gels can be found in your PIL (patient information leaflet). 

What if I received my TRT product and it seems damaged or compromised? 

If your TRT product appears damaged, has been exposed to extreme temperatures, or seems otherwise compromised, do not use it and contact e-Surgery customer service at [email protected] 

Why might my order be on hold? 

Your order may be on hold due to: 

  • ID verification issues 
  • Additional information required by our clinical team 
  • Need for further medical history or test results 

We’ll contact you promptly if we need any additional information to process your order. 

Where Do We Ship TRT? 

e-Surgery’s pharmacy and prescription service is only available to individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales.  

If you have any issues with the delivery of your product, please contact us within 14 days of the expected delivery date at [email protected]. We will be unable to help you if your item tracking details state the item has been delivered and you are contacting us 14 days after the date of your stated delivery. 

In case of an emergency, what should I do?  

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction to your TRT product: Stop using the medication immediately. Call your local emergency services (111 or 999) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.  

Inform medical staff that you’re using TRT and provide details about your dosage and product. Always carry your medication information with you and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. 

Summary 

At e-Surgery, we’re committed to providing safe and effective TRT to support your health goals, whilst keeping prices as affordable as possible. If you have any questions about TRT usage, packaging, or delivery, please contact our customer service team. We’re here to help!