Advanced TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
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What is the Advanced TRT Blood Test?
Our Advanced TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Blood Test measures markers in your blood which can help you to monitor and manage your testosterone replacement therapy.
What is TRT?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment for testosterone deficiency – also known as hypogonadism. It occurs in men when the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone and can lead to symptoms such as low sex drive and erectile problems, lack of energy and low mood as well as decreased muscle mass and bone density and increased body fat.
What’s included in the TRT blood test panel?
The Advanced TRT Blood Test includes tests for a range of hormones (to monitor changes caused by testosterone supplementation), full blood count (to track red blood cell production) and other markers which are likely to be affected by treatment including liver and kidney function and cholesterol. It also includes a test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein which can be raised in cases of prostate cancer (although it can be raised in benign conditions as well).
What's Included?
How to prepare for your test?
Special Instructions
Prepare for your Advanced TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours beforehand. Please avoid ejaculating for 48 hours prior to this test. Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours beforehand. Avoid fatty foods for eight hours before your test, you do not need to fast. Hormonal contraception can affect the results of this test. Taking a break from this and waiting for your periods to restart before your blood test will give more accurate results. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we strongly recommend selecting a venous sample to minimise contamination sometimes seen with finger-prick tests. Otherwise, administer any hormone supplements using gloves, and make sure your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks before taking the test. Hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin even after minimal contact and remain there for weeks despite vigorous handwashing. You should take this test before you take any medication or vitamin/mineral supplements. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. If you are a woman take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods.
Frequently asked questions
What does TRT mean?
TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy. It is a form of treatment for men with testosterone deficiency who are also experiencing symptoms of low T. These include reduced sex drive, problems maintaining an erection, low mood, loss of muscle mass and gaining body fat. It involves taking exogenous testosterone (testosterone which is not produced naturally in the body), either in the form of a gel, tablet or by injection.
Why do I need to test before and during TRT?
Taking testosterone supplements can significantly influence other processes in your body – notably hormone and red blood cell production, but also liver and kidney function and cholesterol levels. It is important to test before starting TRT to establish your normal levels for these markers and then again during treatment to monitor the effects of supplementation.
How often should I test during TRT?
We recommend that you test before your TRT begins and then again 6 months later to monitor the effects of treatment.
How can I reduce my haematocrit level on TRT?
There are various ways to reduce haematocrit while on TRT including giving blood, lowering your dose or changing to a topical cream or gel. If you want to donate blood, please do so under medical supervision and ensure that your haematocrit is within acceptable levels for the donation centre.
Will my fertility improve again after TRT?
In most cases sperm count and quality recovers to previous levels once treatment has finished. This process can take time though and depending on the duration and dose used in treatment it may take 12 months or more to get back to normal. In some cases TRT permanently impacts fertility which may limit the ability to conceive in future.
Will TRT affect my fertility?
A common side effect of TRT is low sperm count or infertility (the inability to conceive). Taking testosterone medication or supplements can change the levels of other hormones circulating in the body – in this case it can supress the release of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland, leading to decreased sperm production. Infertility caused by TRT is usually reversible. This TRT profile tests for various male reproductive hormones (including FSH, LH and prolactin) to help you monitor the effects that treatment may have on your fertility.
Is TRT a risk for prostate cancer?
While current research indicates that TRT is unlikely to increase the risk of prostate cancer caution is still advised, particularly for men who already have prostate cancer. We recommend having a physical examination of your prostate gland before commencing TRT and monitoring your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels during your treatment. However, you should be aware that there are shortcomings in testing PSA. For more information on testing PSA, read our helpful medical guide, what is PSA and should I test it?
Does this test tell me if I can take TRT?
TRT can have a positive, life-changing effect on men with low natural levels of testosterone, but it is not appropriate for everyone. This test will confirm if you have low testosterone, but you will also need to show symptoms of testosterone deficiency to be eligible for treatment. The British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that treatment is not given to men with certain stages of prostate cancer, breast cancer, high haematocrit (the percentage of red cells in your blood), severe chronic heart failure or an active desire to have children. This profile contains tests for haematocrit and for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein which can be raised in cases of prostate cancer. It can also be raised in benign conditions too.