Quick answer Hormone optimisation means restoring hormones — most commonly testosterone in men — to healthy levels when they are genuinely deficient, under medical supervision. Testosterone therapy (TRT) is a legitimate, evidence-based treatment for diagnosed low testosterone (hypogonadism) with symptoms — not a lifestyle enhancer for men with normal levels. A large 2023 trial found TRT was cardiovascular-safe when used as indicated, with real benefits and some specific risks to manage. It requires proper diagnosis via blood tests and ongoing monitoring. At My-Health this is physician-led and delivered privately in Dubai.

Hormones influence energy, mood, body composition, libido, sleep and long-term health — so when they fall out of range, the effects are wide-ranging. Hormone optimisation has also become heavily marketed, which makes an honest, medical explanation valuable. This guide covers what hormone optimisation actually is, who genuinely benefits, what the latest evidence says about testosterone therapy, the risks to manage, and how it works in Dubai.

What is hormone optimisation?

Hormone optimisation is the medical process of identifying and correcting hormone deficiencies or imbalances to restore healthy function. In men, this most often means testosterone; in women, it can involve oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, particularly around menopause. The key word is deficiency: optimisation is about bringing genuinely low or imbalanced hormones back into a healthy range under medical care — not pushing hormones above normal in the hope of an edge, which is neither safe nor evidence-based.

Testosterone therapy (TRT) for men

Testosterone naturally declines with age — roughly 1% per year after around age 30 — but some men have levels low enough, together with symptoms, to be diagnosed with hypogonadism. For those men, testosterone replacement therapy can meaningfully improve quality of life. Documented benefits in appropriately selected men include improved sexual function and libido, better mood, increased muscle mass and bone density, and improvement in anaemia.

What the evidence says on safety The TRAVERSE trial (2023) followed 5,246 men with hypogonadism and cardiovascular risk for about 2 years. TRT was found to be non-inferior to placebo for major adverse cardiac events — i.e. cardiovascular-safe when used as indicated. It did show some increased risk of specific events (certain arrhythmias, blood clots and fractures), which need monitoring. Crucially, these findings apply to men with diagnosed hypogonadism — not to men taking testosterone without a genuine deficiency.

That last point is the whole ballgame. TRT is a treatment for a diagnosed condition. Used that way, the benefit-risk balance is favourable and the evidence is reassuring. Used casually by men with normal testosterone chasing a performance boost, it is neither supported by evidence nor free of risk.

Hormones in women: BHRT and menopause

For women, hormone changes around perimenopause and menopause can cause hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes, low libido and bone loss. Menopausal hormone therapy — sometimes delivered as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) — can relieve symptoms and support bone health when appropriately prescribed. As with men, it should be individualised, based on symptoms and history, and managed by a physician who weighs the benefits and risks for each person. We will cover women’s hormone health in depth in a dedicated article.

Who is hormone optimisation for — and who isn’t it for?

It is appropriate for people with genuine, diagnosed hormone deficiency and related symptoms, confirmed by blood tests. It is not appropriate as a shortcut for men with normal testosterone, and there are important considerations to weigh:

• Fertility. TRT can suppress the body’s own testosterone production and reduce sperm production, so men who want to have children need to discuss this carefully before starting.
• Certain conditions. Some conditions (for example, certain prostate or breast concerns, untreated sleep apnoea, or a history of blood clots) require caution or make therapy unsuitable.
• Commitment to monitoring. Hormone therapy is ongoing and requires regular blood tests and review — it is not a one-off.

The responsible approach

Good hormone care follows a clear sequence: symptoms are assessed, blood tests confirm whether there is a genuine deficiency (usually with more than one measurement), other causes are considered, and only then is therapy started — at the lowest effective dose, with regular monitoring of hormone levels, blood count, prostate markers (in men) and symptoms. At My-Health, hormone optimisation is entirely physician-led, based on your bloodwork, and monitored over time rather than sold as a quick fix.

Not sure whether your symptoms are hormonal? Learn the signs of low testosterone, or see how hormones fit into a full baseline in the 360° health assessment.

How much does TRT cost in Dubai?

At My-Health, hormone optimisation (including TRT and BHRT) is managed on an annual basis, typically from around AED 4,000 to AED 7,800 depending on the therapy, testing and monitoring involved. Because proper hormone care includes diagnosis, prescribing and ongoing review, it is best thought of as a managed programme rather than a single purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is TRT safe?

For men with diagnosed low testosterone, the large 2023 TRAVERSE trial found TRT cardiovascular-safe when used as indicated, with real benefits. It does carry some specific risks (certain arrhythmias, clots, fractures) that require monitoring, and it is not appropriate for men with normal testosterone levels.

Who needs testosterone therapy?

Men with both low testosterone confirmed on blood tests and related symptoms (hypogonadism). Low levels without symptoms, or symptoms without confirmed low levels, generally do not warrant TRT.

Does TRT affect fertility?

Yes — TRT can suppress natural testosterone and sperm production. Men who want to preserve fertility should discuss alternatives with a physician before starting.

Can women have hormone therapy?

Yes. Menopausal hormone therapy or BHRT can relieve menopause symptoms and support bone health when appropriately prescribed and monitored.

How do I start hormone optimisation in Dubai?

With a proper assessment: symptom review, blood tests to confirm a genuine deficiency, and a physician-led plan with monitoring. My-Health provides this privately in Dubai.

Medical disclaimer This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Hormone therapy requires diagnosis and ongoing medical supervision. Do not start or stop hormone treatment without a qualified physician.

About the author

Dr. Anouk Tans is Medical Director at My-Health, a physician-led longevity and preventive-health service in Dubai. All medical care is provided by practitioners licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), delivered to your home.

Hormones done properly Symptoms are not a diagnosis — but they are worth investigating. My-Health offers physician-led hormone assessment and optimisation in Dubai, based on your bloodwork. Visit my-health.ae to book.