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Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
As testosterone levels begin to decline naturally, typically starting between the ages of 30 and 40, many men notice gradual changes in energy, libido, strength, focus and motivation. This gradual decrease is commonly associated with andropause, the hormonal shift that occurs in men with age, and can have a meaningful impact over time. In some cases, low testosterone is not just age-related but caused by hypogonadism, a medical condition where the body cannot produce adequate hormone levels due to issues with the testicles or hormone-regulating glands. Unlike natural decline, hypogonadism requires a medical diagnosis and may call for targeted treatment.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), a specific form of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), provides a medically supervised approach for men experiencing the effects of low testosterone, whether age-related or due to hypogonadism. Once a hormonal imbalance is confirmed through blood testing and clinical evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created to help bring testosterone levels back into a healthy range.
By reintroducing bioidentical testosterone in a controlled and individualized way, TRT can support improvements in energy, sexual health, muscle tone, mental clarity and emotional stability.
What TRT May Help With
When prescribed for clinically low testosterone and closely monitored by our medical team, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may help with symptoms such as:
- Low energy and fatigue
- Reduced libido and sexual function
- Changes in mood, motivation and emotional stability
- Difficulty with mental clarity, focus and concentration
- Loss of lean muscle mass and physical strength
- Reduced bone density
Results may vary from person to person, and TRT works best when paired with healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing medical follow-up.
What to Expect During Your Session
Every TRT plan starts with a hormonal health assessment and blood testing, supervised by our medical team.
Personalized Assessment
Your TRT journey begins with a comprehensive health evaluation. Blood tests are typically required before your first consultation to assess baseline hormone levels. During your appointment, our medical team will review your medical history, health concerns and lab results to determine if TRT is appropriate for you. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be created to support your hormonal health.
Proceed with Treatment
Once your customized TRT plan is in place, our medical team will walk you through the expected benefits, the possible risks and side effects, and answer any questions. Prescriptions are tailored to your specific needs and filled at a licensed pharmacy.
Follow-Up & Maintenance
Ongoing monitoring is essential to TRT. Regular follow-up appointments, typically every 3 to 6 months, include blood work to reassess hormone levels and markers such as red blood cell count and PSA, and to adjust treatment as needed. This helps keep your plan aligned with your evolving health goals.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any prescription treatment, TRT may cause side effects in some individuals. They are closely monitored by our medical team throughout treatment.
Common side effects
- Acne or oily skin
- Skin irritation at the site of application (for gels or patches)
- Fluid retention, which may cause mild ankle swelling
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)
Less common risks, monitored during follow-up
- Reduced sperm production, which can impact fertility
- Shrinkage of the testicles due to decreased natural testosterone production
- Elevated red blood cell count, increasing the risk of blood clots
- Stimulation of the prostate, potentially leading to urinary symptoms, and increased PSA levels requiring regular prostate screening
- Worsening of untreated sleep apnea
- Changes in cholesterol or liver function markers, monitored through lab testing
Contraindications
Before beginning TRT, a full medical evaluation is required. Our medical team will assess your health status, review your medical history and identify any potential risks to confirm that treatment is appropriate for your individual profile. TRT may not be suitable for men who:
- Have prostate or breast cancer, or a suspected prostate cancer
- Have an elevated red blood cell count
- Have severe untreated sleep apnea
- Have uncontrolled heart failure
- Plan to conceive in the near future, since TRT can reduce fertility
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TRT approved by Health Canada?
Yes. Testosterone products used in TRT are approved by Health Canada and must be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional. In our clinics, all hormone treatments follow rigorous medical standards to support patient safety and compliance with national regulations.
At what age should I start TRT?
There is no specific age at which you should start Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). The decision is based on your symptoms, medical history and confirmed low testosterone levels, not your age alone. While testosterone levels naturally begin to decline around age 30 to 40, treatment is only recommended when this decline causes clinically significant symptoms and is diagnosed through blood testing. If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass or mood changes, book a hormonal health assessment for a full evaluation.
How is TRT administered?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is available in several forms. The method of administration is selected based on your medical needs, lifestyle and our medical team's recommendation. Common options include: [À VALIDER : formes réellement prescrites, notamment gels nasaux, capsules orales et implants]
Testosterone gels and creams, including topical applications to the skin and nasal gels applied inside the nostrils
Intramuscular injections administered every 1 to 2 weeks at home or in a clinic
Testosterone patches worn on the skin and changed daily
Oral capsules available in specific cases and under medical supervision
Testosterone pellets, which are small implants placed under the skin that gradually release testosterone over several months
Our medical team will determine the most appropriate delivery method based on your lab results, health goals and personal preferences. All formulations prescribed in our clinics are approved by Health Canada and dispensed by licensed pharmacies.
Are there any risks associated with TRT?
Yes. Like any prescription treatment, TRT may cause side effects, such as acne or oily skin, fluid retention, reduced sperm production and an increase in red blood cell count. The full list is detailed in the side effects section of this page. All TRT treatments in our clinics are prescribed following a complete medical evaluation and monitored regularly to support your safety and well-being.
Can TRT affect testicle size?
Yes, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can lead to a reduction in testicle size in some men. This occurs because external testosterone signals the body to reduce or stop its own natural testosterone production, which can cause the testicles to shrink over time. This effect is usually reversible if treatment is discontinued, but it may vary depending on the duration and type of therapy. Our medical team will discuss this potential side effect with you and monitor changes throughout your treatment plan.
Does TRT affect hair growth?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may affect hair growth, but the impact varies from person to person. In some men, increased testosterone levels can accelerate hair thinning or male-pattern baldness, particularly if there is a genetic predisposition. For others, TRT may have little to no effect on scalp hair. Facial and body hair growth may increase in some individuals during treatment. Our medical team will assess your risk factors and monitor any changes throughout your treatment plan to make sure it aligns with your goals and overall health.
Does TRT increase belly fat?
TRT is not expected to increase belly fat when it is properly prescribed and monitored. It is not a weight-loss treatment, and changes in body composition vary from person to person. Some people experience mild fluid retention, which our medical team monitors during follow-up along with your other markers.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is offered in 4 cities
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Quebec
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