Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly prevalent in the United Kingdom as a treatment for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. With various synthetic testosterone brands available in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the different types and their unique characteristics. Understanding these options can help discuss the most suitable choice for individual needs with healthcare providers.
Gels
Several testosterone gel and cream brands are available, each with its unique formulation and application instructions:
- Testogel: A popular testosterone gel applied daily to the skin. Delivers between 25mg to 100mg of testosterone daily
- Tostran: Another gel formulation with a metered-dose applicator for precise dosing. Delivers between 60mg to 80mg of testosterone daily
- Testim: A testosterone gel known for its quick-drying formula. Delivers between 50mg to 100mg of testosterone daily
- Androgel 1.62%: Available in pump or sachets.
- Testavan: The recommended starting dose of Testavan® is 23 mg/day testosterone, which is one pump actuation [1.15 g/1.25 mL of gel]). The dose may be adjusted to 46 mg/day testosterone (two pump actuations) or 69 mg/day testosterone (three pump actuations; maximum recommended dose) Application to shoulder(s)
- Vogelxo: (info reqd)
- Fortesta: Applied daily to the front and inner thighs
These products typically come in sachets or pump dispensers, allowing for easy and accurate dosing.
Patches
Testosterone patches offer a convenient alternative to gels and creams:
- Andropatch: A widely used testosterone patch.
- Intrinsa: Although primarily used for women, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for men.
- Androderm: These patches are no longer available in the UK as of November 1, 2024
Patches are typically changed daily and applied to different areas of the body to minimise skin irritation.
Injectable Testosterone
Injectable testosterone products come in various formulations and brand names:
- Sustanon: A mixture of four testosterone esters for balanced release. Injected intramuscularly usually every two to four weeks. The four esterised testosterone compounds are: testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone propionate, testosterone isocaproate and testosterone decanoate.
- Undecanoate: A long-acting testosterone injection. Injected strictly intramuscularly and very slowly every ten to twelve weeks. Brand names Aveed / Nebido / plus many others
- Testosterone Enanthate: Injected into glutes muscle .. very slowly .. usually every one – three weeks. Brand names Delatestryl / Xyosted / others
- Cypionate: The most commonly used testosterone ester in the UK. Inject into subcutaneous fat under the skin weekly / twice weekly
Others
- Testopel: A pellet implant for long-term testosterone delivery.
- Natesto: A nasal gel offering an alternative administration route.
- Restandol: Testocaps (Tablet) it is usual to take three or four capsules daily for the first few weeks. It is likely that your dose will be reduced to one to three capsules daily after this time. Take the capsules with a meal.
- Jatenzo: Testosterone undecanoate liquid filled capsules . Strengths: 158 mg, 198 mg, 237 mg, dose is dependant and your provider will steer the course, usually taken twice a day.
- Axiron: Underarm spray. Administered through the skin of the armpit for treatment of low testosterone levels
- Striant SR: 30 mg Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablet. A ‘gum’ that is placed on your gum line usually twice a day+
Go to the most serious bodybuilding gyms in the UK, and it won’t take too much effort to find a supplier of black market testosterone either made in an underground lab or imported from abroad. While this can be a tempting option for some, you must ask yourself if it’s wise to put something you do not know about in your body and consider the legal implications.
