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 read through the information below about testosterone and the treatment options available to you.

What is a Full Male Hormone Blood Test?

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This comprehensive TRT blood test covers a broad spectrum of markers linked to testosterone production and overall health, including:

  • Total and Free Testosterone
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
  • Albumin
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
  • Oestradiol & Prolactin
  • Lipid Profile (Cholesterol and Triglycerides)
  • Full Blood Count (FBC) & Haematocrit (HCT)
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
  • Thyroid Function (TSH & T4, FT3)
  • Liver & Kidney Function (LFT & U&Es)
  • Cortisol
  • Vitamin D, B12, Folate (B9)
  • HbA1c
  • Ferritin (Iron Storage)

Together, these results provide valuable insights into hormone balance, organ function, and nutritional health. They help confirm whether TRT is appropriate and highlight any underlying issues that should be addressed first.

What do you test for in the initial blood test?

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Your initial blood test will assess several key bio-markers:

  • Total Testosterone
  • Free Testosterone
  • Albumin
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

These results not only confirm how much testosterone is present, but also show how effectively your body is using it. This can help explain many common symptoms linked to hormonal imbalance.

What are the signs of low testosterone in men?

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Low testosterone can present in many ways, but common symptoms include:

  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Reduced muscle strength and mass
  • Increased body fat
  • Low libido or erectile difficulties
  • Mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating or poor memory
  • Sleep disturbances

If you experience several of these, it may be worth having a blood test.

How can I find out if I have low testosterone levels?

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You can start by completing our quick and confidential ADAM questionnaire online, which helps to identify common symptoms of testosterone deficiency. If your results suggest you may have low testosterone, the next step is to purchase a blood test online. This will provide accurate insights into your hormone levels and overall health.

What treatments do you offer men with low testosterone?

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Urban TRT Gibraltar's doctors have partnered with a leading Gibraltarian laboratory and phlebotomy clinic which means we can offer you a complete service from diagnosis to treatment.  We offer a reliable blood testing service and expert treatments including:

1. Injectable Testosterone: Typically administered 1–2 times per week, either intramuscularly or subcutaneously depending on the formulation.

2. Topical Testosterone (Gel or Cream): A daily application to skin (arms, shoulders, thighs, or abdomen). Easy to use at home and allows dosage adjustments.

3. Oral Testosterone (Tablets): Available upon request. Simplest to administer but generally the most expensive option. Must be taken twice daily with food.

How often do I need blood tests during TRT?

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Monitoring is essential for safe and effective TRT. Typically, you’ll have blood tests before starting treatment, then again after 6–8 weeks to assess progress and make any adjustments. Once your levels are stable, ongoing monitoring every 3–6 months is recommended.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

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TRT is a medical treatment designed to restore testosterone levels back to a healthy range. This is usually achieved through gels, injections, or other prescribed methods. At Urban TRT Gibraltar, treatment plans are tailored to your individual needs, based on your blood test results and symptoms.

Why is testosterone important for men’s health?

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Testosterone is a vital hormone that influences muscle mass, bone strength, fat distribution, libido, mood, and energy levels. When testosterone levels drop below optimal ranges, it can affect not just physical performance but also emotional wellbeing and long-term health.

What should I expect when using a treatment for hair loss

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When starting any hair loss treatment, it’s important to remember that hair regrowth is a gradual process. During the first one to three months, noticeable changes may be minimal. However, patience is key—just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, achieving a fuller head of hair takes time.

By consistently using your treatment twice daily, you should begin to see a reduction in hair loss after three to six months, with new hair starting to grow. Initially, regrown hairs may be fine and light in colour, but over time, they should develop the same texture and thickness as your natural hair.

After six months or more, hair loss should slow significantly, and areas of thinning should become less noticeable. You may also see improved scalp coverage, with hair appearing stronger, thicker, and healthier.

Are your hair loss treatments suitable for everyone?

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Our treatments are designed for men aged 18 to 65 experiencing mild to moderate male pattern baldness.

A full list of precautions and warnings can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet or the Safety Information Page included with each treatment.  It’s essential to read this information carefully before using any hair loss treatment for the first time.  If you have any concerns, please discuss these with your prescribing doctor or the Urban TRT support team.

What are the potential side effects of hair loss treatments

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As with most medications, hair loss treatments may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Being aware of potential side effects ensures you can use your treatment safely and effectively.

A comprehensive list of possible side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet or the Safety Information Page provided with each treatment. Always read this information before starting a new treatment.

If you have any concerns about the treatment being offered, please discuss these with the prescribing doctor at Urban TRT.  Our experienced support team will also be happy to help.

How long do hair loss treatments take to work?

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The time it takes to see a reduction in hair loss and the regrowth of new hair depends on the type of treatment you choose. As hair growth is a naturally slow process, it usually takes a few months to notice any changes. This is normal, and the best results are usually observed after six months of treatment.

What happens if I stop using my hair loss treatment?

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If you discontinue treatment, any hair regrown during its use is likely to be lost within three to four months. For sustained results, ongoing treatment is recommended.

To support your hair regrowth journey, we provide monthly refills of your treatment, ensuring you never run out. By maintaining consistent use, you can preserve regrown hair and encourage continued hair growth.

What if I forget to use my hair loss treatment for a day?

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Missing a single day of treatment is not a cause for concern. While consistency is important for optimal results, it typically takes three to four months for regrown hair to be lost once treatment is stopped. Therefore, an occasional missed dose should not affect your overall progress.

Important: If you forget to use your treatment, do not take a double dose to compensate. Simply resume your regular schedule the following day.

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

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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 TRT 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 £30, 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.

How do I arrange a venous draw for my blood test?

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Your full hormone blood test (Blood Test 2) will require a venous draw, rather than a finger prick test.

We will help you to arrange this at a clinic local to you (either a Goodbody Clinic or your local Superdrug Clinic).   Alternatively you can choose to have a visit from a nurse to take your blood test in the comfort of your own home.  We will help you arrange this through our partner agency, Heim.

When you checkout to pay for your blood test, you will be offered the choice of which approach you want to take and will be charged accordingly.  Find out more about our prices for blood testing in the UK.

 

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 a nurse to carry out my blood test at home?

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Yes. If you would prefer to have your blood test carried out at home rather than visiting a local clinic, this can be arranged for an additional fee.

Nurse visits are charged at £65 for new patients and initial visits. Follow up visits for existing patients are charged at £30.