Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is hormone treatment for men with a testosterone deficiency confirmed by repeated blood tests together with clear symptoms such as low desire, fatigue and loss of muscle mass. Its aim is to restore hormone levels to the normal range and relieve the symptoms of deficiency.
Treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis, including morning testosterone measured at least twice, pituitary hormones, blood count and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The doctor then chooses the suitable form: short- or long-acting intramuscular injections, a gel applied to the skin, or other available forms. No anaesthesia is involved; injections are given in the clinic or the gel is used at home.
No hospital stay is needed, but regular monitoring of hormone levels, blood count and prostate is required, especially in the first months, to adjust the dose and detect side effects. Desire and energy usually start to improve within weeks, while effects on muscle and bone take several months.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zülfü Sertkaya is an Istanbul urologist who focuses on andrology. He graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2008, completed his urology residency at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2014, and holds the FEBU title (2017). He worked at state, university and private hospitals, including Memorial Diyarbakır and Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. Since 2022 he has run his own clinic in Zeytinburnu, focusing on penile prosthesis, Peyronie's disease, premature ejaculation and male infertility.
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In men with a confirmed deficiency it may improve sexual desire, energy, mood, muscle mass and bone density; it is not given simply for ageing without a diagnosis.
Men with symptoms of deficiency and low levels confirmed on at least two morning tests, after treatable causes and medical contraindications have been excluded.
Hormone tests, blood count, PSA and others are done, and the doctor discusses any plans to father children. Never stop any medicine, such as blood thinners, on your own; the doctor decides.
Either as intramuscular injections at intervals set by the doctor or as a gel applied daily to the shoulder or arm, taking care that the gel does not come into contact with women or children.
An intramuscular injection may cause brief mild soreness at the site; the gel is painless, though it can irritate the skin in some men.
No; normal life continues, but scheduled blood tests and follow-up visits must be kept.
Desire and energy usually improve within weeks, muscle and bone over months. The effect lasts as long as treatment continues, and symptoms often return if it stops.
They include a raised red blood cell count, acne, breast enlargement, fluid retention, worsening of sleep apnoea, and the need for prostate monitoring. No result can be guaranteed.
Yes. External testosterone suppresses sperm production and can markedly reduce fertility, so it is not advised for men planning a pregnancy soon; the doctor will discuss alternatives.
You can travel once the consultation is done and treatment has started; staying a few days to complete tests is advisable, with regular follow-up continued at home. Your doctor confirms the plan.
