What is a TRT check?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment for conditions which result in low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the development of the male reproductive system, muscle mass and body hair. Testosterone levels decline with age in males, a process known as andropause, resulting in physiological changes including reduced muscle strength and bone density.

Symptoms of low testosterone include reduced bone and muscle mass and low sex drive. Monitoring of TRT is important, as negative side-effects of the treatment include skin conditions, low sperm count, increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. While it is not clear that TRT increases the risk of developing prostate cancer, a test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is included in this check. PSA tests are not specific for prostate cancer and can produce both false positives and false negatives.

Why take the test?

This check tests for a number of important health factors associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). These include testosterone levels and associated hormones to check for proper hormone balance, a blood count to ensure blood and immune health is not adversely affected and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer screening. It is advised to take this test before starting TRT and at intervals during treatment for monitoring purposes.