Testosterone Deficiency
Also known as andropause, or the male menopause, this drop in the male sex hormone affects more than 790,000 men in the UK, and prevalence is increasing year on year. Symptoms include loss of sex drive, feeling tired, lacking motivation or enthusiasm, depression and irritability, erectile problems, decreased muscle mass and increased body fat.
Our doctors assess each patient as an individual, identify any underlying causes for low testosterone, and offer a range of testosterone replacement therapies and treatments. In the right patient, testosterone replacement can be life-changing and is not an inevitable consequence of age.
We assess and treat each patient as an individual
What Is testosterone deficiency?
Everyone has heard of testosterone; it is the principle male sex hormone, and is responsible for everything from muscle growth, facial hair, sex drive, and a sense of wellbeing. But testosterone is also so much more. Testosterone affects the way we think, our concentration, mood and drive. It affects our overall energy levels, bone density, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and has an impact on virtually every organ in the body.
After the age of 30, our testosterone drops by about 1% per year, but this is not the same for every man, there also many external factors that influence how fast we lose our testosterone.
What is a normal level?
Many patients who come to see us are symptomatic of low testosterone, have had their levels checked, and been told their testosterone levels are normal.
But this interpretation of the result may not be correct. Reference ranges for testosterone vary widely throughout the UK, with no apparent reason why some laboratories set their lower limit at a specific level.
Furthermore, even in cases where total testosterone may be within an acceptable range, many men have not had their free testosterone assessed, and are therefore simply dismissed as not having a testosterone problem.
What can I do if I think I have low testosterone?
There are a multitude of companies that offer immediate testosterone tests, both finger-prick and formal blood samples. So if it is so easy to diagnose testosterone deficiency, why not just get a blood test and approach a doctor with the result?
The first problem is that not all tests are accurate, and there are huge variations in results depending on external factors, time of day of test, finger prick vs venous sample etc.
Other problems with diagnosing testosterone deficiency are the variations in determining what is a normal result (as discussed above). Perhaps the biggest problem when looking at testosterone deficiency, however, is the fact that many of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency overlap with other medical conditions such as thyroid disease, anaemia, or even diabetes.
Therefore, we would advise before getting a blood test to look for low testosterone, speak to a specialist doctor first to work out which tests are the right ones for you.
How do I treat Testosterone Deficiency?
If your results show that you might benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, our doctors will decide what type of treatment is best for you. There is no single “best” therapy and the decision on treatment is a joint decision between you and your doctor.
At H3 Health we follow national guidance on treatment, safety, and monitoring, and only use UK approved medications supplied through accredited pharmacies. Safety is essential for our patients.
Would you like to find out more?
If you’re interested in finding out more you can browse our blog articles on testosterone, read Man Alive (written by our Medical Director, Dr Jeff Foster) or speak to one of our men’s health experts.
How can H3 Health Help?
H3 Health is made up of doctors who specialise in all aspects of men’s health, but particularly in the area of Testosterone Deficiency. The medical staff are led by Dr Jeff Foster, an acknowledged expert in Testosterone Deficiency identification and treatment.
H3 Health are able to provide face-to-face or remote consultations at a time and date convenient to you. These initial consultations last for 30 minutes and the male Doctor will discuss your symptoms in detail and, if appropriate, discuss potential treatment.
You can book an initial appointment online 24/7 using our secure booking system now – book an initial testosterone deficiency consultation.
If you have further questions about our testosterone deficiency services, take a look at our FAQ.
Patient Satisfaction
82% of respondents to our patient satisfaction survey rated their ‘Overall Experience with H3 Health’ as ‘Very Good’
100% of respondents to our patient satisfaction survey would ‘Recommend Us To A Friend’
The whole experience has validated my search for a second opinion to that of my GP. This has avoided a misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment.
The remote video call appointments are great as it saves time/cost in travelling for a face to face appointment.
I felt that Dr Jeff listened to me and explained everything in a way that I could understand clearly. He was very friendly, patient and professional
The whole process was so easy from start to finish, I wish I had done it sooner. Thanks so much to the team for sorting my appointments and to Dr Turner and Dr Foster for their kindness and understanding.
Having suffered the impact of Low Testosterone for several years, also being aware of it and it’s effects, I was frustrated with the inability of my GP to take it seriously or even consider any treatment. Having researched potential options, including reading Dr Fosters book, I took the plunge and set up a meeting with H3 health, It was a relief to finally know that I would be listened to and the condition taken seriously. The whole process of the appointment, follow up tests and then treatment was amazing. I now feel like I’m starting to get ‘me’ back. I’d highly recommend H3 Health (and Jeff) to anyone, especially to any Men who are suffering with low T. It’s life changing!
My treatment and care under Jeff Foster has been brilliant. Jeff is a very knowledgeable and informative professional. I have had many discussions and consultations with Jeff – he is a very down to earth person and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
I’ve been using Doctor Jeff’s services for around 12 months now. Very professional, yet highly personable. Very good results and professional timely service. Easily contactable via a variety of different channels for the patient’s convenience. All round excellent service, which I will definitely continue to use. I would have no hesitation referring other people in my family and network to this practice.
Data up to June 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about our Testosterone Deficiency service
Your initial consultation will be for approximately 30 minutes.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) medication costs vary depending on the type of medication used. But for example:
- Sustanon injected testosterone costs approximately £35 per month
- Testogel , topical testosterone replacement costs £40 per month
- Nebdio long-acting injectable testosterone costs £45
We also prescribe single testosterone injectables, and topical creams. For other specific prices please contact us.
Every patient on testosterone replacement therapy will be monitored as per the British Society of Sexual Medicine guidelines which advise a 3 and 6-month follow-up. These reviews involve a blood test and doctor review to make sure the medicine is working properly, your treatment is optimised, and it is safe.
All our doctors follow national guidance via the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the British Society of Sexual Medicine (BSSM). Accordingly, a normal testosterone level should be between 15-30nmol/l, irrespective of age. In the NHS, the lower limit of testosterone is usually set at around 6-8nmol/l however, there is no specific reason for this.
We strongly recommend that all men who are told they have normal testosterone levels, but are symptomatic of testosterone deficiency, should book an appointment to determine whether their total testosterone is actually low. Could it be their free testosterone that’s below target, or is there another issue causing similar symptoms that could be treated?
The simple answer is yes. Testosterone is a widely used and abused drug, and many patients who have previously taken TRT from other clinics or used anabolic steroids are surprised to find out how much safety monitoring is involved in prescribing TRT. However, unmonitored testosterone replacement can result in high blood pressure, psychological disturbance, blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. At H3 Health we are here to make your health and wellbeing our priority, and not just a quick fix.
Unless there are any reversible causes for your low testosterone, (such as obesity, alcohol consumption, some medications etc…), when you stop taking the medication, your testosterone levels will simply go back to what they were before treatment. In a small percentage of patients, we are able to use TRT to help them change their lifestyle enough that they may not need to remain on testosterone replacement, and may be able to produce hormone naturally.
Wherever possible you will always see the same doctor as you progress through your treatment with us.
Latest Testosterone related advice
The struggle of HRT supplies for women vs testosterone for men
Our Medical Director, Dr Jeff Foster, reflects on the HRT shortage, how we got into this position, and if similar supply challenges are affecting men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) too.
Low testosterone: Why is more important than How
Dr Jeff Foster, Men's Health Specialist, gives a reminder on why testosterone is so important to men's health and what your options are if you think you may be suffering from low testosterone.
The January Health Curse
Why do so many people start the year with good health intentions and then fail to keep them going? Dr Jeff Foster explains.
Man Alive. The Ultimate Guide To Men’s Health by Dr Jeff Foster
Our message to the guys is to be kind to yourselves, look out for your health and if you'd like some guidance try reading Man Alive by Dr Jeff Foster
Can changes to my diet increase testosterone levels?
Many things impact on our health and wellbeing. In terms of testosterone, its loss tends to be multifactorial, including triggers such as age, disease, and also what we eat. However, there are many foods that will support our bodies.
Top 5 Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
With nearly 1 million men already diagnosed with testosterone deficiency in the UK, and testosterone itself being synonymous with the idea of strength, virility, and wellness, it is surprising that so many men who suffer with low levels of testosterone still struggle to obtain a diagnosis. With that in mind, here are the 5 most common symptoms of testosterone deficiency (TD)
