TRT in Australia: The Complete Legal and Medical Pathway

The Australian TRT Landscape

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine in Australia, regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means you can't just buy it online or from a "wellness clinic" without proper medical oversight.

But here's the good news: if you have a legitimate medical need, accessing TRT in Australia is straightforward — if you know the right pathway.

Step 1: Get Comprehensive Blood Work

Before any doctor can prescribe TRT, you need blood work showing clinical hypogonadism (low testosterone). This isn't negotiable — it's both a legal and medical requirement.

What You Need to Test

Total Testosterone: Must be tested at least twice, in the morning (7-9am), on separate days
Free Testosterone: The biologically active form
SHBG: Affects how much testosterone is available
LH and FSH: Pituitary hormones that regulate testosterone production
Estradiol: To establish baseline before treatment
Full Blood Count: To rule out other conditions
Liver and Kidney Function: Required for safe prescribing

Where to Get Tested

You have two options:

Your GP: Request the tests above. Some GPs are hesitant to order comprehensive panels, so be prepared to advocate for yourself.
Specialist Clinic: Clinics like Biov8 offer comprehensive panels as part of their initial consultation package.

Step 2: Consult with an AHPRA-Registered Doctor

Only doctors registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) can prescribe TRT. This includes GPs, endocrinologists, and specialist telehealth doctors.

What to Expect in the Consultation

The doctor will:

Review your blood work
Assess your symptoms (fatigue, low libido, brain fog, muscle loss)
Rule out other causes (thyroid issues, sleep apnea, depression)
Discuss risks and benefits of TRT
Determine if you meet the criteria for treatment

Diagnostic Criteria

To qualify for TRT in Australia, you typically need:

Two separate morning testosterone readings below 10-12 nmol/L (approximately 300-350 ng/dL)
Clinical symptoms of hypogonadism
No contraindications (prostate cancer, severe sleep apnea, high hematocrit)

Note: Some doctors are more conservative, while others (especially those specializing in men's health) understand the concept of "optimization" and may treat higher levels if symptoms are present.

Step 3: Choose Your Treatment Protocol

If you're approved for TRT, your doctor will prescribe one of the following:

1. Testosterone Injections (Most Common)

Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate: Injected intramuscularly every 1-2 weeks
Pros: Cost-effective, stable levels, easy to adjust dosage
Cons: Requires self-injection (or clinic visits), potential for peaks and troughs
Cost: $50-150/month (depending on dose and pharmacy)

2. Testosterone Gel (Topical)

Testogel or Androgel: Applied daily to shoulders or abdomen
Pros: No needles, steady absorption
Cons: More expensive, risk of transfer to partners/children, variable absorption
Cost: $150-300/month

3. Testosterone Pellets (Less Common)

Implanted under the skin: Lasts 3-6 months
Pros: Set-and-forget, stable levels
Cons: Requires minor surgical procedure, harder to adjust, expensive
Cost: $500-1000 per insertion

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring (Mandatory)

TRT isn't a "prescribe and forget" treatment. Australian regulations require ongoing medical supervision, including:

First 3 Months

Blood work at 6 weeks (testosterone, estradiol, hematocrit)
Follow-up consultation to assess response
Dosage adjustment if needed

Ongoing (Every 3-6 Months)

Testosterone and estradiol levels
Full blood count (to monitor hematocrit — TRT can increase red blood cells)
Liver function tests
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for men over 40

Cost Breakdown

Here's what you can expect to pay for TRT in Australia:

Item	Cost	Frequency
Initial Consultation	$150-300	One-time
Comprehensive Blood Panel	$200-400	Initial + every 6 months
Testosterone (injections)	$50-150	Monthly
Follow-up Consultations	$100-200	Every 3-6 months
Ancillary Medications (AI, HCG)	$50-100	Monthly (if needed)

Total first-year cost: $2,000-4,000
Ongoing annual cost: $1,500-2,500

Telehealth vs. In-Person Clinics

In Australia, you can access TRT through:

Telehealth Clinics (Recommended for Convenience)

Biov8: Leading longevity clinic, comprehensive approach
Mosh: Mass-market telehealth, basic TRT
Pilot: Similar to Mosh, subscription model

Pros: Convenient, specialized doctors, comprehensive monitoring
Cons: Not covered by Medicare, private pay only

Traditional GP or Endocrinologist

Pros: May be covered by Medicare (consultation only, not medication)
Cons: Many GPs are hesitant to prescribe TRT, long wait times for endocrinologists

Red Flags: What to Avoid

The Australian TRT market has some bad actors. Avoid:

"Research chemical" websites: Selling unapproved peptides and SARMs — illegal and dangerous
Clinics that prescribe without blood work: Violates TGA regulations
Overseas pharmacies: Importing Schedule 4 drugs without a prescription is illegal
Clinics promising "no monitoring": Unsafe and non-compliant

How Varney Can Help

Navigating the Australian TRT landscape can be confusing. Varney connects you with AHPRA-registered specialists who:

Understand optimization (not just treating disease)
Offer comprehensive blood panels
Provide telehealth consultations
Ensure ongoing monitoring and compliance

Take our 2-minute assessment to get matched with the right clinic for your needs.

The Bottom Line

TRT is legal and accessible in Australia — if you go through the proper medical channels. Don't cut corners. Work with AHPRA-registered doctors, get proper blood work, and commit to ongoing monitoring.

Your health is worth doing it right.