Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Australia (And How To Get It)

Testosterone Replacement Therapy In Australia (TRT)

TRT is a therapy that helps to treat low levels of testosterone in men. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Low levels of testosterone can cause a number of problems, such as decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, decreased bone density, and decreased libido. TRT involves the administration of testosterone replacement therapy through injections, patches, or gels.

Australia is one of the few countries that has approved the use of TRT. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the Australian equivalent to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has approved three forms of testosterone replacement therapy: injections, patches, and gels. In Australia, TRT is only available to men with diagnosed hypogonadism, which is a condition characterized by low levels of testosterone.

What is TRT?

TRT is short for Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It is a form of hormone replacement therapy that involves the administration of testosterone to treat low levels of testosterone in men. Symptoms of low testosterone can include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. TRT may be recommended for men who have been diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone.

‍

How to get TRT in Australia?

There are a few things you will need to do in order to get started with TRT in Australia. The first step is to have a blood test done to determine if you have low testosterone levels. If you do, the next step is to find a doctor or men's TRT clinic that focuses onn TRT in Australia. While both of these options have their pros and cons, there are several reasons why using a TRT clinic may be the better option for you.

Here is a break down of the 2 ways to get TRT prescribed legally in Australia:

‍

1. Through a private TRT Clinic in Australia such as Enhanced Men's Clinic:

First, TRT clinics have doctors who are experienced in providing TRT. This means that they have the experience and knowledge necessary to prescribe the right dose of testosterone and to monitor your treatment closely. They can also help you address any potential side effects that you may experience.

Second, TRT clinics offer comprehensive care. In addition to providing TRT, they can also help you with other issues that may be affecting your health, such as hormone imbalances or obesity.

‍

2. Through your GP:

This can be a long-winded and frustrating process, but it is low cost. Most men find they cannot get approved for treatment unless testosterone levels are very low (below 6nmol/l in most men). A lot of men have symptoms of low testosterone with numbers twice that level!

In Australia, GPs and endocrinologists usually use either creams or gels (which simply aren't as effective as frequent testosterone injections). And the times that doctors do opt for injections, they use an out dated and somewhat ancient injection administration of once a fortnight or once per month! Causing men to have decent testosterone levels for a week, and then dropping back down to low levels, causing a roller coaster of hormonal fluctuations.

Doctors also aim for a low-medium level of testosterone (around 15nmol/l). This is one of many reasons why a lot of doctors think that TRT does not work – their protocols don’t give the results that men expect. It's worth noting that many men only find symptom resolution once their testosterone levels are toward the top of reference ranges.

When patients decide to go through a GP, the side effects are often poorly managed as off-label medications such as HCG and aromatase inhibitors are generally not prescribed to men who require them - due to lack of knowledge and experience with TRT patients. This can result in treatment being somewhat ineffective with plenty of men suffering from high estrogen levels, and not having any way to lower them.

‍

Why get TRT in Australia through Enhanced Men's Clinic?

If you're considering TRT, you may be wondering where to go for treatment. One option is Enhanced Men's Clinic in Australia. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting TRT through Enhanced Men's Clinic:

• The clinic has a team of experienced doctors who will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. They also offer support and advice to help you get the most out of your treatment.
• Our TRT Clinic uses the best treatment options with flexible and tailored protocols to meet your individuals needs.
• Our doctors and patient care coordinators aim for optimal testosterone levels, using the lowest effective dosage, whilst avoiding a lot of the side effects and symptoms that men often experience when getting TRT through their GP or other clinics

‍

Is it easy to get TRT in Australia?

Getting TRT in Australia can be a complicated and length process when going through the PBS. However, when working with a TRT clinic such as Enhanced Men's Clinic, it is a simple and straight forward process. Here's how it works:

1. Check that you have low testosterone symptoms
2. Get a blood test showing low total or free testosterone levels on 2 occasions
3. If testosterone levels are low then you can move to a consultation with one of our patient care coordinators, which can be done remotely for most men.
4. After your consultation, you can sign up for treatment, chat with a doctor and get TRT medication delivered within 7-10 days from an Australian pharmacy.

What are the benefits of TRT?

There are many benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which is why it is becoming a more popular treatment. Some of the benefits include increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and increased muscle mass. TRT can also help to improve cognitive function and sexual performance. Additionally, TRT may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions - for those with hypogonadism that is. TRT would have little to no benefit for men with normal testosterone levels.

‍

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Low testosterone, or low T, is a condition that affects men and can result in a number of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, poor sleep, low confidence, low energy, fatigue, depressed mood, and difficulty concentrating. Low T can also lead to problems with bone health, muscle mass, and body composition. There are a number of possible causes including aging, hypogonadism, steroid use, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic liver disease.

Why do some men need TRT?

When it comes to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Some people think that only middle-aged or older men need TRT, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, an increasing number of younger men are seeking TRT treatment because their bodies aren’t producing enough testosterone. So, why do some men need TRT?

There can be a lot of reasons why a man’s body might not be producing enough testosterone. It could be due to age, but it can also be caused by injuries, illnesses, or even genetics. Here are some of the common reasons:

• Environmental: Such as fertilisers, EDC's (endocrine disrupting chemicals), plastics, and micro plastics leaching chemicals into the water supply and food.
  

• Steroids: Often a full recovery of the HPTA does not occur after the shutdown of natural testosterone production which happens during the use of anabolic steroids.
  

• Soy: Phytoestrogens from some foods such as soy and mint can reduce testosterone levels.
  

• Stress: Chronically increased cortisol production may reduce testosterone levels.
  

• Genetics: Genetic conditions can lead to low levels of testosterone.
  

• Old Age: Testosterone levels may decrease with age, often referred to as andropause.
  

• Pesticides: Pesticides and other chemicals can reduce hormone production.
  

• Obesity: Increased body fat can lead to higher conversion of testosterone into estrogen which reduces testosterone levels and suppresses testosterone production.
  

Some of the potential factors above are certainly more controversial than others, It is difficult to establish whether all of the factors listed are among the possible causes of low testosterone and hormone imbalances in some men, as it can be difficult to find out the reason for low levels at an individual level.

‍

What medications are used during Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT involves the use of Testosterone, and it is administered through injections, gels, or pellets.

‍

Testosterone Injections

When it comes to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), there are a variety of different forms of the hormone that can be used. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences before making a decision about which form is best for you.

The most common form of injectable testosterone used in TRT is testosterone Enanthate. This is a long-acting form of the hormone that can provide sustained levels of testosterone for roughly one week. Allowing men to administer their TRT twice a week for stable blood serum levels of testosterone.

In recent years, the use of testosterone gel has become increasingly popular. However, there are some disadvantages to using testosterone gel compared to other methods of receiving testosterone replacement therapy.

For many men Testosterone gels are not as effective as testosterone injections because they often do not provide a constant level of testosterone in the body, due to absorption issues and the fast rate at which it is absorbed into the blood stream. Testosterone injections provide a steadier level of testosterone and are therefore more effective. Majority of men on TRT opt for testosterone injections due to their increased efficacy.

‍

What blood tests do I need before getting TRT?

For people considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it is important to understand the blood tests required beforehand. Here is a list of what we test for:

Hormones

Free and total Testosterone, E2 (Oestradiol), SHBG, FSH/LH, Prolactin

Liver & Kidney

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR, Calcium, Corrected Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Total Protein, Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Bilirubin, Gamma GT, AST, ALT, Globulin

Lipids

Cholesterol, HDL/LDL, Non-HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL/HDL Ratio, Chol/HDL Ratio

Blood Count

Haemoglobin (hb), RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Haematocrit, White Cell Count, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, Platelets, MPV

Other

Glucose, High Sensitivity CRP, Cortisol

How much does TRT cost in Australia?

The price of TRT will vary depending on the clinic and the dosage of testosterone that is required. Generally speaking, the cost of TRT will range from $100 to $200 per month in Australia.

It is important to note that not all health insurance plans will cover the cost of TRT. Patients should contact their insurance company to find out if TRT is covered under their plan.  

‍

How can I get prescribed Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Australia?

We start by getting new patients to complete our in depth blood test. This is to see if you have low testosterone levels, and also allows us to investigate as to why your testosterone levels are low.

We then book you in for an initial consultation, and if you're a suitable candidate for TRT then we explain how treatment works. Then our doctor writes your prescriptions and treatment protocol.

The scripts are then sent to one of our trusted pharmacies, and your treatment will be delivered within 7 days. Once treatment begins we request that you get bloodwork done every 4-6 months so we can closely monitor your health.

During your time as a patient at Enhanced Men's clinic you have unlimited access to follow up consultations so you can ask us questions at any time, ask to change protocol etc.

‍

References

1. Wu, Y., Eisenegger, C., Sivanathan, N. et al. The role of social status and testosterone in human conspicuous consumption. Sci Rep 7, 11803 (2017)
2. Wenker EP, Dupree JM, Langille GM, Kovac J, Ramasamy R, Lamb D, Mills JN, Lipshultz LI. The Use of HCG-Based Combination Therapy for Recovery of Spermatogenesis after Testosterone Use. J Sex Med. 2015 Jun;12(6):1334-7. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12890. Epub 2015 Apr 22. PMID: 25904023.
3. Croes K, Den Hond E, Bruckers L, Govarts E, Schoeters G, Covaci A, Loots I, Morrens B, Nelen V, Sioen I, Van Larebeke N, Baeyens W. (2015) Endocrine actions of pesticides measured in the Flemish environment and health studies (FLEHS I and II). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 22(19)
4. Søeborg T, Frederiksen H, Mouritsen A, Johannsen TH, Main KM, Jørgensen N, Petersen JH, Andersson AM, Juul A. (2014) Sex, age, pubertal development and use of oral contraceptives in relation to serum concentrations of A, AS, 17α-hyerone, Δ4-anone, testosterone and their ratios in children, adolescents and young adults. Clin Chim Acta. 1;437:6-13.
5. Rasmussen JJ, Selmer C, Østergren PB, Pedersen KB, Schou M, et al. (2016) Former Abusers of Anabc Androgenic Steroids Exhibit Decreased Testosterone Levels and Hypogonadal Symptoms Years after Cessation: A Case-Control Study. PLOS ONE 11(8): e0161208.
6. Nagata C, Inaba S, Kawakami N, Kakizoe T, Shimizu H. (2000) Inverse association of soy product intake with serum andrn and estrogen concentrations in Japanese men. Nutr Cancer. 36(1):14-8. doi: 10.1207/S15327914NC3601_3. PMID: 10798211.
7. Smith,G., Ben-Shlomo, Y., et al. (2005) Cortisol, Testosterone, and Coronary Heart Disease Prospective Evidence From the Caerphilly Study Circulation. 112:332-340
8. Wang Y, Gong C, Qin M, Liu Y, Tian Y.(2017) Clinical and genetic features of 64 young male paediatric patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 87(6):757-766. doi: 10.1111/cen.13451. Epub 2017 Sep 13. PMID: 28833369.
9. Liu CC, Wu WJ, Lee YC, Wang CJ, Ke HL, Li WM, Hsiao HL, Yeh HC, Li CC, Chou YH, Huang CH, Huang SP. (2009) The prevalence of and risk factors for androgen deficiency in aging Taiwanese men. J Sex Med. 6(4):936-946. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01171.
10. Croes K, Den Hond E, Bruckers L, Govarts E, Schoeters G, Covaci A, Loots I, Morrens B, Nelen V, Sioen I, Van Larebeke N, Baeyens W. (2015) Endocrine actions of pesticides measured in the Flemish environment and health studies (FLEHS I and II). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 22(19):14589-99. doi: 10.1007/s11356-014-3437.
11. Eriksson J, Haring R, Grarup N, Vandenput L, Wallaschofski H, Lorentzen E, Hansen T, Mellström D, Pedersen O, Nauck M, Lorentzon M, Nystrup Husemoen LL, Völzke H, Karlsson M, Baumeister SE, Linneberg A, Ohlsson C. (2017) Causal relationship between obesity and serum testosterone status in men: A bi-directional mendelian randomization analysis. PLoS One. 27;12(4):e0176277. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176277.
12. Yeap, B.B., Hui, J., Knuiman, M.W., Flicker, L., Divitini, M.L., Arscott, G.M. et al. (2020) U-Shaped Relationship of Leukocyte Telomere Length With All-Cause and Cancer-Related Mortality in Older Men, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 10.1093/gerona/glaa190
13. García-Cruz E, Piqueras M, Huguet J, Peri L, Izquierdo L, Musquera M, Franco A, Alvarez-Vijande R, Ribal MJ, Alcaraz A. (2012) Low testosterone levels are related to poor prognosis factors in men with prostate cancer prior to treatment. BJU Int. 2012 Dec;110(11 Pt B):E541-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11232.x.  PMID: 22584031.
14. Celec P, Ostatníková D, Hodosy J. On the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functions. Front Neurosci. 2015;9:12. Published 2015 Feb 17. doi:10.3389/fnins.2015.00012
15. Farthing MJ, Mattei AM, Edwards CR, Dawson AM. Relationship between plasma testosterone and dihone concentrations and male facial hair growth. Br J Dermatol. 1982 Nov;107(5):559-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1982.tb00406.x. PMID: 7126460.
16. Jacob BC. Testosterone replacement therapy in males with erectile dysfunction. J Pharm Pract. 2011 Jun;24(3):298-306. doi: 10.1177/0897190010397715. Epub 2011 Mar 31. PMID: 21676853.