In short
Through a doctor: a consult, two morning blood tests, a diagnosis, then a prescription if treatment is appropriate. A GP can do all of it, including by telehealth.
On this page
You get TRT in Australia through a doctor. There’s a consult, two morning blood tests, a diagnosis and then a prescription if treatment is appropriate. A GP can do all of it, in person or by telehealth, and brings in a specialist when one is needed.
Step 1: See a GP
Explain what you’ve noticed and for how long. The GP asks about your health, sleep, weight, alcohol and medicines, because all of them affect testosterone. No referral is needed to see a GP.
Step 2: Have two morning blood tests
Testosterone is measured before about 10am, after an overnight fast. If the first result is low, it’s repeated on a different morning, along with LH and FSH. One low result isn’t a diagnosis. See testosterone test in Australia.
Step 3: Find out why
If both tests are low, the next question is the cause. Sometimes it’s a problem in the testes or pituitary gland. Often it’s weight, sleep apnoea, another illness or a medicine, and treating that brings testosterone back up. Your GP may order more tests or refer you to an endocrinologist.
Step 4: Decide about treatment
If treatment is appropriate, your doctor explains the forms, the side effects and the monitoring. You’ll be asked about plans for children, because treatment lowers sperm production. A doctor may hold off if you have prostate or breast cancer, a high red blood cell count, untreated severe sleep apnoea or unstable heart disease.
Step 5: Get the prescription
- PBS. If your results meet the PBS thresholds and a specialist is involved, you pay the PBS co-payment.
- Private. Otherwise it’s a private prescription at the pharmacy’s price.
Prescriptions are usually sent electronically to your phone. See TRT cost in Australia.
Step 6: Keep up the reviews
Expect blood tests in the first few months and at least yearly after that, checking your testosterone, red blood cell count and PSA, and whether your symptoms have improved.
Ways not to get it
Buying testosterone online or from a gym contact is illegal without a prescription, and the product may not be what the label says. It also skips the tests that keep treatment safe.
How long it takes
The two blood tests set the pace. For most men it’s a few weeks from the first consult to a clear answer.
Next step: talk to a GP
Request an appointment and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
References
- Yeap BB, et al. Endocrine Society of Australia position statement on male hypogonadism. Medical Journal of Australia. 2016.
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: Testosterone
- Healthy Male: Androgen deficiency
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.