What is testosterone?
Testosterone is one of the Androgens, the group of sex hormones that give men their ‘male’ characteristics (collectively called virilisation). The major sex hormone in men is testosterone, which is produced mainly in the testes. It is essential for the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. The brain signals sent to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control testosterone production in men. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone. A “feedback loop” closely regulates the amount of hormones in the blood. When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production.
What does testosterone do?
Testosterone plays multiple vital roles, such as:
Penis and testes development.
Deepening of the voice during puberty.
The appearance of facial and pubic hair starting at puberty; later in life, it may play a role in balding.
Muscle size and strength.
Bone growth and strength.
Sex drive (libido).
Sperm production.
Testosterone may also help maintain a normal mood.
Can you have too little testosterone?
In recent years, research has focused on the effects of testosterone deficiency, especially among men. As men age, testosterone levels drop gradually, about 1% to 2% each year.
The testes produce less testosterone, with fewer signals from the pituitary signalling the testes to make testosterone. Their livers produce more sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. This reduces the active (free) form of testosterone in the body.
1 in 4 men over the age of 30 may have lower testosterone levels than what might be considered normal.
Low testosterone can impact the lives of fit, healthy men in various ways.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in adult men include:
Reduced body and facial hair.
Loss of muscle mass.
Flabby pectoral muscles.
Low libido, impotence, small testicles,
reduced sperm count, and infertility.
Hot flushes.
Irritability, poor concentration, and low mood.
Disturbed sleep patterns.
Weight gain.
Brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture.
If you have any of these symptoms, you are not alone. Many men over the age of 30 experience similar symptoms.
Testosterone levels typically start to decrease in men during their 30s, but some may develop testosterone deficiency earlier. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please take our ADAM assessment. It takes less than 20 seconds and requires no data entry.
Our expert team can design and implement a bespoke plan tailored to your needs. Guided by some of the world’s leading TRT experts, you can change your quality of life.
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy
(TRT) can help you?
Some men who have testosterone deficiency have symptoms or conditions related to their low testosterone that will improve when they take testosterone replacement. For example, a man with osteoporosis and low testosterone can increase bone strength and reduce his fracture risk with TRT.
Testosterone levels are checked through a simple morning blood test, and symptoms related to testosterone levels are evaluated using a validated assessment such as the ADAM questionnaire (Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male).
The challenging part is interpreting the results and deciding the best way forward. Testosterone levels vary over the course of the day. Even with a reduced level that is replicated on a repeat blood test, the decision to begin testosterone replacement therapy and decide the appropriate testosterone dose requires a careful conversation with your doctor. Your doctor needs to take into account your full medical history and any other medications you may also be taking.
Capsules
Implants
Injections
Gels
Ease of use
Easy.
Difficult – implanted under skin.
Difficult.
Difficult.
Frequency of dosing
1 -2 tablets, once or twice daily.
Inserted every month.
Inject yourself 2 – 3 times a week.
Apply gel to your arms and shoulders once a day.
Efficacy and speed of action
Patients report impact within 1 – 2 weeks. Dosing can be changed to reach peak testosterone.
Medium onset, long duration.
Rapid onset of effect.
Varied responses.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Ease of taking and consistent levels.
Requires implant under skin.
May cause some discomfort.
Hard to modify dosing.
Rapid onset but can lead to peaks and troughs. Many patient do not like injections.
Bruising on upper arm due to injection puncture.
Can be messy to apply.
After gel application, contact with others must be avoided for at least one hour.
Capsules
Injections
Gels
Ease of use
Easy.
Difficult.
Difficult.
Frequency of dosing
1 -2 tablets, once or twice daily.
Inject yourself 2 – 3 times a week.
Apply gel to your arms and shoulders once a day.
Efficacy and speed of action
Patients report impact within 1 – 2 weeks. Dosing can be changed to reach peak testosterone.
Rapid onset of effect.
Varied responses.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Ease of taking and consistent levels.
Provides consistent mimicking of the body's natural testosterone production.
Rapid onset but can lead to peaks and troughs. Many patient do not like injections.
Bruising on upper arm due to injection puncture.
Can be messy to apply.
After gel application, contact with others must be avoided for at least one hour.
Capsules
Injections
Gels
Ease of use
Easy.
Moderate.
Difficult.
Frequency of dosing
1 -2 tablets, once or twice daily.
Inject yourself 2 – 3 times a week.
Apply gel to your arms and shoulders once a day.
Efficacy and speed of action
Patients report impact within 1 – 2 weeks. Dosing can be changed to reach peak testosterone.
Rapid onset of effect.
Varied responses.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Ease of taking and consistent levels.
Rapid onset but can lead to peaks and troughs.
Can be messy to apply.
Provides consistent mimicking of the body's natural testosterone production.
Bruising on upper arm due to injection puncture.
After gel application, contact with others must be avoided for at least one hour.
Your personalised treatment with Dr Sra, UK TRT Clinical Lead.
What our patients say
Paul, 42
“Since using TRT, my energy has dramatically increased, and I get a much better sleep. My mood has also been better; it’s like I am myself again.”
Daniel, 46
“Trying KYZATREX was the best decision I’ve made! I feel like myself again. My wife also mentioned that I seem happier in general.”
Peter, 57
“Harley Street TRT helped me with my depression and poor concentration, which I have been struggling with for years, not knowing it was connected to my low testosterone.”
Amy, 44
“Dr Sra recommended that Richard start taking TRT capsules – twice a day, which has helped him so much with his energy and hot flushes. He is much more like he was before. We are very happy with the results, and it’s only been three months.”
James, 41
“Having issues with my blood pressure, I was scared to try TRT. It was the best decision I’ve made.”
Jamie, 26
“I had no idea that my poor concentration and anxiety could be caused by low testosterone. I thought I was too young for it. TRT capsules have helped me to get back on track with my life and achievements in jiu-jitsu.”
Paul, 39
“I’ve been using KYZATREX for over four months, and the results are amazing! My energy is back, and I feel in shape again. My partner and I are very happy.”
Emma, 42
“Steve has been using TRT implant for over a year now. We couldn’t be happier. It’s like our love life is back to where it was, even better!”
Mark, 53
“I’ve been struggling with being overweight for a couple of years now. It happened out of nowhere, as I used to be very fit. I love sports, especially cycling. Since using a TRT implant, my health and shape have improved, making me feel much better in my skin.”
Sam, 46
“I’ve always been fit and had much energy, so feeling suddenly low, frustrated, and gaining weight was upsetting. I learned what was going on only after my friend mentioned starting his TRT. Since using KYZATREX, I am feeling much better.”
Matt, 51
“I used to have to inject myself, which meant that I had bruises all over my arms. Since I have switched to capsules, it’s much easier.”
Edward, 46
“My GP prescribed a Testosterone gel, but I did not feel any impact, and it was very sticky. I hated that I could not hug my partner or kids in case it transferred. Dr Sra suggested capsules, which are a lot easier to take.”
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Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday: Emergencies only. Please call to book an appointment.
Harley Street Specialists Limited T/A Harley Street TRT is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 912492. We act as a credit broker not a lender and offer finance from a lender. Harley Street Specialists Limited is registered at Office 9, Dalton House, 60 Windsor Avenue, London, United Kingdom, SW19 2RR. Company Number 11169759.
Harley Street TRT Ltd – Company Registration Number (UK) – 16329654