How to Get TRT in Australia in 2024

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, however low testosterone is a real problem that can affect men of all ages¹. Alongside fatigue, a reduced sex drive, and poor concentration, low testosterone levels can affect your strength and vitality, making it hard for you to enjoy your life.

While there are several lifestyle modifications that can improve your testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) remains the gold standard for getting your hormone levels back up. 

But where can you get TRT in Australia? 

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about getting TRT in Australia—from how the treatment works to what factors qualify you for receiving TRT. 

Key Information

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment suitable for those experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. 
• You need to be diagnosed with testosterone deficiency by your GP, an endocrinologist, or a TRT clinic before you can get TRT in Australia. 
• TRT is available in different forms, such as injections, pellets, or pills. 
• Once TRT is administered, regular follow-ups are required to monitor symptoms. 

What is TRT? 

TRT is a form of hormone therapy that slowly administers testosterone back into the body. In men with low testosterone, TRT helps bring testosterone levels back to a healthy range and can significantly improve their energy levels, sex drive, and other symptoms of low testosterone².

Currently, TRT is available for men in Australia in a number of different forms. 

• Injections. TRT injections are the most popular way to increase testosterone levels, and are usually injected on your upper arm, upper thigh, or buttocks.  
• Topical gels. TRT topical gels are painless and easy to apply. They work by getting absorbed in your bloodstream through your skin, and can be applied anywhere on the body.
• Patches. As a stick-it-and-forget-it option, TRT patches can be applied to your upper arm or stomach. The patches are usually changed twice a week. 
• Pellets. TRT pellets need to be carefully implanted underneath your skin by a health professional, they are usually placed in the upper arm.  
• Oral pills. TRT pills are generally taken twice a day with food, and can be an easy way to incorporate treatment into your existing supplement routine. 

TRT can come with numerous side effects³. If you’re eligible to start TRT, your healthcare provider will go over these effects so you are aware. In some cases, dosage of the treatment may need to be adjusted. 

• Redness, rashes, or irritation at injection site 
• Oily skin and acne 
• Reduced sperm count 
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Chest pain  

The cost of TRT will depend on your prescribed treatment plan. In Australia, you can expect to pay between $1,700 - $2,400 per year for treatment.  

Who Can Prescribe TRT? 

Getting prescribed TRT is the only legal way you can get access to this treatment in Australia. Luckily, there are several ways you can get TRT prescribed, which can shorten waiting times and allow you to start treatment for low testosterone quicker. 

General Practitioners (GP)

Your GP is allowed to prescribe TRT to you under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)⁴. Because accessing TRT through public health channels is controlled by government regulations, the process is safe and reliable. 

However, a downside of getting TRT through your GP is the need to advocate for your symptoms. In some cases, your GP may recommend lifestyle interventions such as weight loss and stress control before undergoing TRT, which can cause frustration for those wanting to get a resolution underway. 

In other cases, they may recommend non-invasive TRT options such as topical gels or creams to try out, rather than injections which may not be as effective. 

Endocrinologists 

If your results show significant testosterone deficiency, your GP may refer you to an endocrinologist, or you can choose to visit an endocrinologist directly. 

Because an endocrinologist is a medical specialist treating individuals with hormone conditions, you can expect a longer waiting time and higher costs. However, because of their specialised knowledge, they may be able to explain your symptoms better and advocate on your behalf.  

TRT Clinics 

TRT clinics are rising in popularity in Australia due to their convenience and accessibility. You’ll typically be able to get TRT faster, due to quicker online consultations and the option to get TRT delivered straight to your door. 

You’ll still have to receive a diagnosis from a TRT clinic due to their strict regulations that keep you safe. However, you can receive healthcare (including the initial diagnosis and subsequent check-ins) from the comfort of your own home. You’ll just need an internet connection and access to the TRT clinic platform.  

It’s important to work with credible clinics, such as Enhanced Men’s Health. Your safety and data privacy will be kept secure as a priority so you can have better peace of mind, and you’ll get access to licensed medical practitioners.  

Avoid Illegal TRT 

In Australia, both the prescription and administration of TRT are strictly regulated⁵. The registration of health practitioners that can prescribe TRT is overseen by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), while the quality and safety of the treatment is overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).

While it may sound tempting to get TRT illegally or to self-prescribe, this can be dangerous. Counterfeit medications won’t have any beneficial effects, and worst of all, they can be toxic to your body if taken over a long period of time. 

In addition, self-prescribing TRT means you risk a potential overdose which can worsen side effects. Working with a licensed provider ensures you have all the information and medication you need to carry out treatment safely and effectively. It’s simply not worth it to take illegal TRT!

How to Get TRT in Australia: 3 Steps 

Regardless of whether you choose to work with your GP, and endocrinologist, or a TRT clinic, the process of getting TRT in Australia is similar. 

1. Medical consultation and blood test 

If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, the first step is always to get a medical consultation. Your healthcare provider may look at your medical history and ask questions about your current symptoms, like their severity and how long you’ve been experiencing them for. This allows them to get a holistic view of your condition. 

Next, they’ll confirm that you have low testosterone levels by carrying out blood tests. You may need to wait anywhere from 24 hours to a week to get the results of your blood test. Because testosterone levels can vary day to day, a second test may be carried out. 

In men, normal testosterone levels range based on age. Men between 19 - 49 should have levels between 249 - 836 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Men over 50 should have levels between 193 - 740 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)⁶. Any levels lower than these will indicate low testosterone. 

2. Diagnosis and treatment plan 

Once your blood test results have been confirmed, your healthcare provider will either diagnose you with low testosterone or not. If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone, they will draft up a personalised treatment plan with the TRT medication dosage, type, and specify how long you will need to take it for. 

3. Monitoring symptoms and check-ins 

The most important step of getting TRT is monitoring symptoms and having regular check-ins with your healthcare provider. This ensures everything is working as expected and your symptoms are slowly getting better. 

Check-ins are also the perfect time to ask questions, explore any concerns about the treatment if needed, and touch base with your healthcare provider.

The Lowdown 

Having low testosterone can be frustrating to live with—it can affect your work, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. TRT allows you to get back the life you want to live, especially with recent advances which enables you to treat low testosterone in a safe and effective manner. 

In Australia, you can legally get TRT from your GP, an endocrinologist, or a TRT clinic. For convenience and a lower price point, TRT clinics are a popular and recommended choice.