Blood tests while you're on HRT

[BatshitCrazyWoman]

Very quick question, I've just had a text from my GP surgery which states I need to have my regular 3 month blood test for my medication, and to come in to get the blood test form.

In December last year I started to get my GP to prescribe my HRT instead of the Newson Clinic. I've been on it 16 months, and hadn't had any 'regular blood tests' whilst under the Newson Clinic. Is this necessary? I did skim read the NICE guidelines but could only see stuff about not needing a blood test before starting HRT if a women is over 45.

TIA

I should have said, I'm healthy and am on nothing but HRT.

Dear @BatshitCrazyWoman

I posted a similar question here this week entitled ‘What-to-discuss/ ask-for-at-a-HRT-review’ but unlike you I kinda want the test to see if it would tell me anything significant. I had one reply from a very experienced and Knowledgeable woman from this forum who said it’s not necessary and or accurate so you might be able to argue that, if you don’t want it.

Having 16 months under your belt and experience of the Newson clinic, I’d be grateful if you’d have a look at my post to see what I should be considering for my first review.

Thanks @Periperinotchicken I feel like my GP wants to test me, and then 'suggest' I come off HRT. I'm on testosterone prescribed by Newson too, as my GP won't prescribe it, so I did have a blood test to check that, and will have one annually. A blood test every three months seems like complete overkill, and will involve time off work for each one!

I'll look at your thread.

@BatshitCrazyWoman If anyone wants to take your blood you need to have a full discussion about why.

1 What is the reason for taking blood?
2 What are you wanting to identify in the sample? ie what is the blood test analysing?
3 How will this improve the treatment I am currently on, in the short and longer term?
4 What is the thinking behind repeating this test every 3 months?

I know you've posted twice on this on two threads. Are you also on testosterone? Is that what they want to test? I am not 100% but I have a feeling that sometimes they do like to test testo levels in women just to make sure you aren't using too much.

But that is a question for your GP.

In all the years on HRT I've never had a blood test. I did ask my consultant if it was worth doing one at any time and he said no, as levels can vary even when on HRT, so it would be meaningless. The 'test' is to go by symptom-control.

I do have other 'tests' like a pelvic ultrasound every couple of years, to check the womb lining and my ovaries, and also a bone density scan, but I pay for these privately

Sorry- in a hurry!- and see you have an annual testo check.

Can't understand the need for a blood test re HRT because obviously with it, your estrogen will be higher, and without it, lower.
So what's the test supposed to show?

@BatshitCrazyWoman three monthly blood tests would be a very strange requirement for a woman on HRT, even if it included a small dose of testosterone, and I suspect you've been sent that letter in error. I'd advise 'phoning the practice and asking about it.

Thanks, both of you. @JinglingHellsBells that's my feeling, I just wanted to check before I cross examine the GP receptionist!

Off to call them now ...

I've not posted this twice?

@BatshitCrazyWoman

I've not posted this twice?

You asked the question on this thread as well :) What to discuss/ask for at a HRT review

Oh yes, as an aside! Sorry.

Have called GP surgery, and they misread the letter they got from the Newson Clinic 🙄 The private doctor is going to contact them to tell them I don't need any blood tests.