How to get TRT in the UK: NHS, private clinics and online

Been low on energy lately? Perhaps you’ve also noticed a dip in your libido or strength. These could all be signs of low T, stress, or other medical conditions. Our blood test helps you rule out hormonal issues so you can identify the root cause.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the standard treatment for clinically low T. Here’s how to get TRT.

Key Takeaways

• TRT is prescription only and available via the NHS, though waitlists can be long
• You can also get it on private prescription from a TRT clinic, which is usually much quicker
• To get a prescription, low T needs to be confirmed via blood tests
• Voy is a CQC-regulated TRT clinic offering at-home testing and specialist-led treatment without GP referrals

TRT on the NHS vs private clinics

Can you get TRT on the NHS? Yes, although it’s not always straightforward. For example, with demand for GP services on the rise, it can be tough to get an appointment.

Your other option is private prescription. Here’s how the two compare.

Getting TRT on the NHS

Even when your symptoms clearly point to low testosterone, getting diagnosed and treated through the NHS is rarely quick or simple. There are several reasons for this:

• Testing threshold: The NHS typically requires total testosterone below 8 nmol/L to qualify for treatment, which is lower than BSSM guidelines. NHS testing also only measures total testosterone, not free testosterone. Some men with low free testosterone would not be diagnosed through standard NHS testing
• Misdiagnosis: Low mood, fatigue and reduced libido are frequently attributed to depression or lifestyle rather than hormonal causes, with antidepressants prescribed instead
• Referral waits: GPs cannot prescribe TRT directly. You must be referred to an endocrinologist, which can take up to 50 weeks. Even then, treatment is not guaranteed without a clear organic cause
• Limited medications: NHS options are mainly testosterone gels, which can have long-term absorption issues, or Nebido and Sustanon injections, which can cause significant hormonal fluctuations between doses.

Getting TRT privately

If you are looking for a TRT clinic, going private is the fastest and most straightforward route. You do not need a GP referral, you are seen by a specialist from the start, and you can begin treatment within weeks rather than months.

With a private clinic like Voy you get:

• Two blood tests to check your levels: a simple at-home finger-prick test, followed by a full venous blood test at a clinic
• A specialist clinician review, not a generalist GP
• A personalised treatment plan based on your results and symptoms
• Access to a wider range of medications
• Ongoing monitoring included as standard

The difference in experience is significant. Rather than navigating a system that was not designed with testosterone deficiency in mind, you speak directly to clinicians who specialise in it.

How to get TRT

To give you an idea of how the process looks, here’s how to get TRT with Voy:

1. Symptom screening

First, we’ll ask you some questions to assess whether you might have low T. We use the standard ADAM (androgen deficiency in ageing males) questionnaire, which is widely used by doctors.

Some questions we ask include:

• Do you have a decrease in libido?
• Do you have a lack of energy?
• Have you noticed a decrease in strength and/or endurance?

2. Take a blood test

If we suspect low T, you’ll then check your levels with a testosterone blood test. We use a simple, at-home finger prick test. For the most accurate result, take your test in the morning. Testosterone levels are at their highest between 7am and 10am and decline through the day. This applies to both the initial finger-prick test and the follow-up confirmatory test.

3. Confirm the result

Because testosterone can be influenced by a bunch of things, from stress to sleep, you’ll need to do a more comprehensive follow-up test to confirm your result. A qualified clinician will have to do it this time: you can go to a walk-in clinic or request a home visit.

4. Speak to a doctor

Next, it’s time to speak with a doctor. They will explain your results and ask you about your health, medical history, and lifestyle, so they can design a personalised TRT treatment plan.

5. Start TRT

Your treatment plan kicks off. It will be perfectly tailored to you, including advice on medication, lifestyle, or supplements. Our monthly plan includes follow-up reviews with our doctors, who will be in touch regularly to monitor your progress.

How to get TRT online

Yes, you can get a TRT prescription online. But watch out: make sure you’re working with a qualified and registered provider. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee what you’re buying is genuine or safe to take. To give an example: it’s estimated that 36% of anabolic steroids on the black market are fake.

Online providers should be registered with either the Care Quality Commission (clinics) or General Pharmaceutical Council (pharmacies, like us!). This information should be on their website.

When you buy through back channels, the product might not contain what it says it does, or it could be the wrong dose. Taking TRT at an incorrect dose can lead to serious side effects, like permanently affecting your sperm production. It’s just not worth the risk.

Is TRT legal?

TRT is a controlled drug, which means that it’s only available on prescription. It’s perfectly legal to access it this way. But it’s illegal to supply or use a controlled drug without a prescription. 

Can TRT be bought over the counter?

No. Testosterone is a controlled drug and available on prescription from a licensed clinician. It can legally be dispensed by a registered pharmacy, whether you are buying in person or online. Supplying or using it without a prescription is illegal.

Products sold in health stores as "testosterone boosters" are a different thing entirely. Because they contain unregulated herbal ingredients, vitamins and minerals, they can be sold over the counter without a prescription. They do not contain testosterone and work through secondary pathways rather than directly replacing the hormone. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, a blood test is the most reliable way to confirm whether your levels are low, and prescription TRT is the clinically proven treatment for confirmed deficiency.

Why men choose Voy for TRT

So, why Voy? To name a few reasons:

• Personalised treatment. Our experienced clinicians will create a plan tailored to you
• Access to the clinicians. We’re on hand to help, whenever you need us
• Clinical excellence. Our programme is led by a national TRT expert; we’re the top research-driven TRT clinic in the UK

On TRT, you could reach healthy T levels in six weeks. That could mean:

• Improved mental clarity
• Increased energy and motivation
• Harder erections and higher sex drive

…and more. See what that looks like in practice with real TRT before and after stories, or take our quiz to get started.