How to get TRT

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one of the most effective ways to restore healthy testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone. Low testosterone can lead to symptoms like low energy, reduced sex drive, mood changes, poor concentration, loss of muscle mass, or erectile dysfunction.¹

TRT isn’t about chasing higher hormone levels for performance or aesthetics, it’s a medical treatment designed to bring your testosterone back into a healthy range and relieve these symptoms. And like any medical therapy, it’s only safe and effective when it’s prescribed, monitored, and managed by healthcare professionals.¹

Below, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get TRT safely, and explain why choosing a regulated service like Numan is the safest way to do it.

Step 1: Recognise the signs of low testosterone

The first step in getting TRT is knowing whether you might actually need it. Symptoms of testosterone deficiency often develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for ageing or lifestyle factors. Common signs include:²

• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction

• Fatigue, low energy, or poor motivation

• Depressed mood or irritability

• Loss of muscle mass or strength

• Increased body fat

• Reduced bone density or frequent injuries

• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

It’s important to remember that these symptoms alone don’t prove low testosterone, and that they’re to be seen as the signal to take the next step - blood testing.

Step 2: Get a blood test

Testosterone levels vary widely from person to person and even throughout the day, so a blood test is carried out to confirm whether your levels are genuinely low. This test is usually done in the morning (when testosterone peaks) and often repeated to confirm the results.³

At Numan, this is the first step in your TRT journey. Our at-home blood testing kits make the process simple and convenient, and results are reviewed by UK-registered clinicians who can interpret your levels in the context of your symptoms. For a second test, a venous blood test is carried out for further accuracy.

Step 3: Book a consultation

If your blood test confirms low testosterone, the next step is a clinical consultation. During this appointment, a clinician will:

• Review your blood test results in detail

• Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle

• Rule out any underlying causes or contraindications (such as untreated sleep apnoea or prostate cancer)

• Assess cardiovascular risk factors and overall health

TRT isn’t suitable for everyone, and it should never be started without professional medical advice. A personalised treatment plan ensures you’re getting the right therapy, at the right dose, for the right reasons.

Step 4: Choose the right treatment

If TRT is recommended, your clinician will help you choose the treatment option that best fits your needs and preferences. Common formulations include:

• Gels or creams: absorbed through the skin and easy to apply daily.

• Injections: given every few weeks or months, offering longer-lasting effects.

• Patches: worn on the skin and replaced daily.

• Oral capsules: newer options that are taken daily.

Each has its own pros and cons, including convenience, dosing flexibility, and cost, so your choice will be based on your lifestyle and medical profile. At Numan, we work with you to select the most suitable option for your goals and circumstances.

Step 5: Ongoing monitoring and follow-ups

TRT isn’t a “set it and forget it” treatment. It requires regular monitoring to ensure it’s both safe and effective.¹ This is one of the biggest reasons to get TRT through a regulated healthcare provider rather than a black-market source.

A responsible provider would offer:

• Regular blood testing to track testosterone, blood cell counts, PSA levels, and more.

• Follow-up consultations  to review symptoms, adjust doses, and manage side effects.

• Safety monitoring to check cardiovascular health and prostate function.

This level of supervision is essential because TRT can increase red blood cell counts, affect fertility, and slightly raise PSA levels,  all of which require careful medical oversight.^1,2

Why you should never get TRT from unregulated sources

Because TRT is often discussed in gyms and online forums, some men are tempted to buy testosterone illegally or use “test boosters” marketed as natural alternatives. Both options are risky:⁴

• Black-market TRT is often unregulated, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or counterfeit.

• Unlicensed treatments frequently contain ineffective or potentially harmful ingredients, and many haven’t been tested for safety in humans.

These routes come with significant risks, including heart attack, stroke, infertility, and mood disorders. The safest, most effective way to get TRT is through a licensed pharmacy and under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.

The numan take

Getting TRT is about understanding your body, addressing the root causes of low testosterone, and working with professionals to find the safest and most effective treatment plan. By choosing a trusted provider, you’re gaining ongoing medical support, regular monitoring, and a treatment plan designed around you.

References

1. Bassil N, Alkaade S, Morley JE. The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009;5(3):427–48. 

2. Traish AM, Miner MM, Morgentaler A, Zitzmann M. Testosterone deficiency. Am J Med. 2011;124(7):578–87. 

3. Crawford ED, Poage W, Nyhuis A, Price DA, Dowsett SA, Gelwicks S, et al. Measurement of testosterone: how important is a morning blood draw? Curr Med Res Opin. 2015;31(10):1911–4

4. Magnolini R, Falcato L, Cremonesi A, Schori D, Bruggmann P. Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market - a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):1371.