FAQs

Thoughtful Man - Testosterone Replacement Therapy FAQs

Find Answers To Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone and TRT

If you're worried about low testosterone levels, we're here to help.  As a first step to feeling better, you can either book an appointment to see your GP or, alternatively, request an at-home blood test from Urban TRT.  We will assess your levels and contact you to discuss your options. 

Before you do this, please take a moment to review the information below about testosterone and the treatment options available.

Can younger men suffer with low testosterone?

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Yes, while it’s true that testosterone levels gradually decline with age, low testosterone can affect men at any stage of life.

Contributing factors such as stress, poor nutrition, limited physical activity, excess alcohol as well as underlying medical conditions can lead to reduced testosterone even in younger men. TRT can help restore hormonal balance and enhance quality of life, whatever age you start treatment.

How can I get a testosterone blood test in Ireland?

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If you're living in the Republic of Ireland and you're worried that your testosterone levels might be low, you can book an at-home testosterone blood test through Urban TRT Ireland.

Our experienced doctors can review your results with you and advise you and on next steps to help you get back to feeling your best.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

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Low testosterone levels in men can cause a wide range of symptoms, which may affect physical, mental, emotional, and sexual health.  Common signs include lack of energy, reduced muscle mass, low libido, erectile dysfunction and anxiety.

Take a look at our comprehensive list of the symptoms of low testosterone, and our ADAM questionnaire, to find out more.   A simple testosterone blood-test will then help you start on your journey to feeling better.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women typically include fatigue, weight gain, especially an increase in belly fat, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, thinning hair, loss of strength and more.

Can I get TRT in Ireland from the HSE?

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Yes it is possible, under some circumstances, to access TRT from the HSE in Ireland.  When you book an appointment to discuss possible low testosterone levels with your GP, they will first carry out tests to rule out any other causes for your symptoms.  These can include stress, depression, poor diet, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, smoking and more.

If it is concluded that your symptoms are possibly caused by late-onset hypogonadism, you may be sent for additional blood tests. The threshold for qualifying for a diagnosis of low testosterone via the HSE is likely to be far lower than at a private clinic (diagnosis on the NHS in the UK requires a total testosterone level of as low as 8.6 nmol/L for total testosterone).  In professional experience, men can begin to suffer symptoms such as low energy and reduced sex drive even at levels as high as 15 nmol/L - well above the typical clinical thresholds for diagnosis.

While TRT is available through the HSEl, the process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate. Waiting times for testing are reported to be several months and by the time treatment begins, your symptoms may have already had a significant impact on your quality of life.

 

By contrast, Urban TRT Ireland offers a faster, far more personalised alternative. Book a convenient at-home blood test today, and one of our fully qualified TRT specialists will follow up with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

What are the treatment options for low testosterone?

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At Urban TRT Ireland we our specialist doctors are able to prescribe the very latest testosterone replacement treatments online.   Available medication includes injections, testosterone gels and oral tablets, and our team will advise you on the best type of treatment for your needs. To find out more, or discuss further, please book a call with our TRT support team.

Please note that TRT medications can only be prescribed after two blood tests and a full consultation with one of our doctors.

You can purchase TRT safely online at Urban TRT Ireland.

 

Do you offer testosterone treatments for women?

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At present, Urban TRT Ireland does not offer Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women with low testosterone. However, we hope to introduce this service in the near future.

If you are interested, please submit an online enquiry and we will be in touch should this treatment become available.

Will my medication be sent to me automatically once I set up subscription with Urban TRT Ireland?

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No.  After the initial set up of your account and and dispatch of your medication, your payment will be taken automatically on a monthly basis.  This payment does not generate a new order of medication.  This is to ensure you always have the correct amount medication and the correct prescription for your needs.

We do not dispense and dispatch any medications automatically.  Please contact us to arrange your repeat prescription when needed.  Full details of how to do this will be supplied when you start your account with us.

Do I need to use hCG with my TRT prescription?

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We recommend that most patients on testosterone medication use hCG to maintain testicular function, fertility and avoid testicular shrinkage.

However, this is not mandatory and will be discussed with your doctor during your initial consultation.  Find out more about hCG.

What does my Urban TRT Ireland Bundle include?

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All of our bundles contain:

  • Your prescribed medications and any ancillaries
  • Injection packs
  • Support from the medical admin team
  • Follow-up consultations with our doctors
  • All blood tests including clinic visits to have a nurse take your sample where needed.

Please note that the testosterone only bundles do not include HCG.

Am I able to switch to a different bundle?

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Yes.  You will be able to switch to a different TRT bundle if agreed with your Urban TRT doctor during a follow up consultation.

What blood tests are included in my bundle?

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The blood tests included are at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and then 12 months.

Following this you are required to take a blood test every 6 months.

What is not included in my bundle?

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Your Urban TRT TRT bundle does not include the following:

  • Any additional blood tests beyond the standard ones listed above.
  • If a blood test fails, we will provide a free replacement once. Any further retesting will require the purchase of both the test and a clinic visit.
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, such as Tadalafil.

Nurse visits can be requested at an additional cost of €60, if you would prefer that to visiting a clinic for your blood tests.

What are the ancillaries included in my TRT bundle?

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Ancillaries which may be prescribed include anti-oestrogen medications (aromatase inhibitors).  These will be prescribed if the doctor considers it necessary and they are included in the monthly subscription price.

Please note that hCG is only included in specific hCG packages.

Is there a minimum subscription period?

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Yes.  Your subscription requires a minimum 4-month commitment.  This is due to the quantity of medication provided with your first order.

Can younger men suffer with low testosterone?

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Yes, while it’s true that testosterone levels gradually decline with age, low testosterone can affect men at any stage of life.

Contributing factors such as stress, poor nutrition, limited physical activity, excess alcohol as well as underlying medical conditions can lead to reduced testosterone even in younger men. TRT can help restore hormonal balance and enhance quality of life, whatever age you start treatment.

Does testosterone make you angry?

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Balanced testosterone levels typically improve mood, reduce irritability and enhance overall emotional wellbeing.

Aggression is a difficult concept to measure accurately as it's subjective and personal.  That said, studies have shown that aggressive behaviour is more commonly linked to hormonal imbalances or misuse of testosterone, not properly managed TRT.

Can I get TRT in Ireland from the HSE?

«

Yes it is possible, under some circumstances, to access TRT from the HSE in Ireland.  When you book an appointment to discuss possible low testosterone levels with your GP, they will first carry out tests to rule out any other causes for your symptoms.  These can include stress, depression, poor diet, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, smoking and more.

If it is concluded that your symptoms are possibly caused by late-onset hypogonadism, you may be sent for additional blood tests. The threshold for qualifying for a diagnosis of low testosterone via the HSE is likely to be far lower than at a private clinic (diagnosis on the NHS in the UK requires a total testosterone level of as low as 8.6 nmol/L for total testosterone).  In professional experience, men can begin to suffer symptoms such as low energy and reduced sex drive even at levels as high as 15 nmol/L - well above the typical clinical thresholds for diagnosis.

While TRT is available through the HSEl, the process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate. Waiting times for testing are reported to be several months and by the time treatment begins, your symptoms may have already had a significant impact on your quality of life.

 

By contrast, Urban TRT Ireland offers a faster, far more personalised alternative. Book a convenient at-home blood test today, and one of our fully qualified TRT specialists will follow up with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Do I have to use injections for TRT?

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No, there are are topical options available if you prefer.  Gels, such as Testogel, are a convenient way to administer testosterone, which is absorbed through the skin into the blood stream after being rubbed in.  Your Urban TRT doctor will discuss your treatment preferences with you and the options available, and prescribe the most appropriate for your needs.

How long does it take for TRT to work?

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How quickly TRT works is different for each individual who is treated.  Some people will notice a slight improvement after their first TRT treatment, whilst in others it can take weeks or even months for the full effects to be felt.  But everyone who is treated does feel better eventually, so it's important to be patient.

Increased energy levels are often the first sign that the treatment is taking effect.  This is frequently coupled with improved mood, heightened concentration levels plus an improvement in morning erections.

Your Urban TRT doctors will monitor your progress and it's important that you let them know how you are feeling.  They will adjust your dose as needed to ensure you make a full recovery from the debilitating symptoms of low testosterone.

Why is a PSA test important before starting TRT?

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A prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) is always recommended before starting TRT, in order to provide a baseline level.   As a precaution, your PSA should checked again 6 - 12 weeks after starting therapy.  Please note, however, that research does not support the claim that TRT increases the risk of prostate cancer.  In fact, clinical studies have suggested that men with normal testosterone levels have a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer than those with low levels.

At Urban TRT your health and wellbeing is always our top concern.  We provide proper medical supervision during your treatment to ensure your safety and mitigate any concerns you may have.

We offer PSA blood tests from our own partner laboratory, but blood tests from other regulated laboratories are accepted, provided they are recent and contain testosterone and PSA levels.

How long will I have to take TRT for?

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The benefits of TRT will stop once you stop taking the treatment.   It will be your decision how long you want to continue taking TRT for and whether you want to stay on the treatment for life.  Typically TRT is viewed as along-term commitment.

Although you may not want to rely on TRT indefinitely, it's important to understand that stopping treatment would mean a full return of your symptoms.

If you are considering discontinuing the treatment, we recommend a balanced TRT approach, combined with HCG.  This is the safest way to preserve your natural testosterone production.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can also support your testosterone production and enhance wellbeing. We recommend eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep and losing any excess weight.

Before stopping TRT, consult your Urban TRT doctor for a safe, controlled reduction plan

 

Who shouldn't take TRT?

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Certain individuals should avoid testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) due to potential health risks.

TRT is not advised in individuals with the following conditions:

  • Active prostate cancer
  • Male breast cancer
  • Elevated red blood cell levels (haematocrit >54%)
  • Severe, chronic heart failure.

If you are planning to start a family, you should discuss this with your doctor, who will be able to prescribe medication to protect your fertility.

How low do my testosterone levels need to be for me to be eligible for TRT?

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Generally, TRT treatment is offered to individuals whose testosterone levels fall below 15 u/nmol as an indication for therapy.

Do you offer Nebido testosterone injections?

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Nebido is a type of TRT injection that releases testosterone into the body gradually over a period of time.  These treatments are known as a depot injection and are offered by the NHS in the UK to men with qualifying levels of low testosterone.

We do not currently offer this particular treatment at Urban TRT as in our experience, it does not result in steady testosterone levels.  Book a blood test to understand your own testosterone levels and discuss your TRT options with one of our doctors.