HORMONAL HEALTH

Low testosterone, often referred to as “Low T” or hypogonadism, is a medical condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, a crucial hormone for maintaining male physical and mental health. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but sometimes, they can decrease to a point where it may cause symptoms and health issues.

Clinically low testosterone refers to a specific range of testosterone levels in the blood, which is considered below the normal threshold for a given age. These levels are determined through blood tests and are used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat hypogonadism. The exact threshold can vary between individuals and this is not a service that we currently offer.

Taking a testosterone supplement is not the same as having testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is a treatment given to patients with low testosterone levels, as identified by a blood test.

Testosterone supplements are for those who want to support normal testosterone levels. It’s not a substitute for TRT, so if you have (or think you might have) low testosterone we recommend that you speak to your doctor for further advice and more specific treatment.

No, testosterone supplements are not steroids. Testosterone supplements contain natural ingredients that help to maintain normal testosterone levels. Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are synthetic (man-made) versions of testosterone often abused by men wanting to increase muscle mass. Their use can lead to serious health problems including kidney failure, liver damage, heart disease and blood clots.

Natural testosterone supplements do not have the same effects as anabolic steroids. This means that they don’t enhance athletic performance and they don’t have the same dangerous side effects that anabolic steroids have. They also don’t show up in drug tests because natural testosterone supplements don’t contain any banned substances. Instead, testosterone supplements are nutritional supplements packed with vitamins, natural extracts, and minerals that help to support the normal production of testosterone in men.

Here's a summary of how to use an at-home blood test kit:

• Wash your hands in warm water for 4 minutes and then dry them.

• Use the lancet provided to prick your finger and collect a blood sample.

• Post your sample to our accredited partner laboratory using the pre-paid envelope included with your kit.

Full instructions are provided with your kit, which you should read thoroughly before use to ensure the best results. You can also click here to watch an instructional video on how to take a finger-prick blood test.

You may feel a slight scratch when taking a blood sample with a finger prick test. However, any feelings of discomfort should subside shortly after carrying out the test.

Once your blood sample reaches the lab, you should receive your results via email within 3 to 5 working days.

When you’ve received them you’ll be able to view them any time in the Numan app.

Like most supplements, they are best taken in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

There are also several other things you can do to support your testosterone levels:

• Get enough sleep (the NHS suggests most adults need between 6 and 9 hours of sleep each night).

• Maintain a balanced diet (try to eat a balance of carbs, healthy fats, whole foods, and protein).

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption (the NHS advises no more than 14 units - or 6 pints of average strength lager - a week).

Testosterone supplements are ideal for those who want to support normal testosterone levels. Please note that it’s not a substitute for testosterone replacement therapy, so if you have low testosterone we recommend that you speak to your doctor for further advice and more specific treatment.

If you think you may have low testosterone levels you can find out by using our simple Testosterone Blood Test (5 Biomarkers). Once your results are processed, one of our clinicians will review them and offer feedback. This feedback may be lifestyle advice to help you optimise your testosterone levels, or, if necessary, they can signpost you to a relevant health specialist for further treatment.

Common symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Tiredness

• Low libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Depression

• Lack of sleep

• Physical changes (loss of muscle mass and increased body fat)

• Impaired cognition

Low testosterone levels can cause a drop in libido (sex drive), which may make it harder to get an erection. Taking a testosterone supplement can help to maintain normal testosterone levels, which can help to support a normal libido.

It’s worth noting that it takes some time for the beneficial effects of testosterone supplements to build in the body. While this helps maintain testosterone levels in the long term, it may not be ideal for those who need an erectile dysfunction solution in the short term.

Therefore, if you need to treat erectile dysfunction in the short term, we recommend taking an ED consultation.

Our erectile dysfunction treatments are clinically proven and can reduce symptoms within a short period of time (e.g. Tadalafil Daily starts to work about 30 minutes after taking it).