Testosterone blood test

[Itisnearlyspring]

I was thinking of booking a private blood test to check my testosterone levels as I have symptoms including low libido, difficulty gaining muscle and low bone mass. I am already on HRT 75mg oestrogen patches and 200mg utrogestan for 12 days a month.

I was wondering if there is a specific time of month I should book this, are levels constant over the month?

Also I am thinking of getting the full hormone panel done to check my levels of oestrogen and progesterone as it is not much more expensive and I want to make sure they are optimised due to bone density issues. Again is there a specific time of month I should book this?

I would go via the GP but they are being obstructive and I would rather go in armed with the blood results.

I went to mine fully armed with some privately done tests and they wouldn’t even look at them. Was told that they would have to conduct their own tests and go off those results.

Depending on your area your GP might not be able to prescribe testosterone for you, so just consider what you’ll do with the results once you have them.

The hormone levels won’t be entirely accurate as you’re on HRT so it doesn’t really matter when you have them done.

Thanks both. I was thinking I could go to superdrug for testosterone if the GP does not prescribe it.

Is there no guidance for what oestrogen/progesterone should be when on HRT? I am keen to get my levels up as I have bone density issues but cannot see any guidance on what it should be.

I thought that progesterone and oestrogen levels can fluctuate so much so tests aren't going to be relevant?

Regarding T, my blood test said that my Free Androgen Index (which is the key number) was undetectable my levels were so low.

Ive gone from less than 0.04 to 0.08 in 4 months. The maguc number to get to, is 2.

No because numbers rarely correlate to symptoms. Very low SHBG and estradiol levels can indicate absorption issues, but a woman can have normal estradiol levels and feel rubbish...

If you have bone density issues your vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and zinc are just as important as hormones. Maximise nutrition and consider supplements. You could always increase your oestrogen to 100mcg if appropriate.

Hiya the Superdrug route isn’t a cheap option it’s the most expensive one to do. I found my private menopause specialist who’s local on the British menopause society. There was quite a few in my area some were just private others were also NHS / private. I’d highly recommend you taking this route instead of Superdrug.

Adding on to testosterone rather than hrt levels;
When I first got tested (referral to NHS gynae after several years, for severe emotional stuff as well as some stroke like symptoms, I shit you not) onset at meno.T
levels were "non existent" so was prescribed.
It made a radical difference.

Checked again three months later, & levels now sky high (?) so told to reduce to 20% initial dose. Id had no side effects, and now on low dose x 2 a week, I'm back to brain fog, depression, isolating myself, no drive, no libido etc.

I'd love to know more about why levels can be so individualised
and also the maximum limits that gynecologists use as 'acceptable'
(Especially I met someone last week who uses it daily) but my research hasnt found anything conclusive.

Good luck everyone.

PS it took around two years of symptoms to get GP to agree a referral to a gynae.

Testosterone worth it 💯💯💯💯

PS also gynae told me too high levels of T create estrogen reuotake issues, I've now had to have endo biopsy for very very thick endo causing issues & awaiting results.
PPS also just a bit more on my search ....I also tried a private clinic (Newsome I think) for hormone testing & access to T, (when GP kept putting pressure on to use anti depressants) but meno medical effects were too complex so was refused!

I had a testosterone test and initial prescription at superdrug. I then managed to get a different online pharmacy to provide me with 30 sachets of testogel for about £50 after I sent screenshots of all my superdrug info. I've just been on it after weeks and will repeat the test soon to recheck my levels. Superdrug is £18 for 3 sachets so a fraction of the price at the other one.

The pharmacies have sent details to my GP.

@OlderNotYetWiser thanks for this, what a great way of doing it. Would you be willing to say or hint which pharmacy? Thanks.

@MariazMariaz it was e-surgery.com

I ordered online then they emailed for more info and I sent them screenshots of all the superdrug data. It was then authorised and arrived a few days later.

It's ridiculous that women are normally charged a massive amount more than men for the same product.

Thanks so much @OlderNotYetWiser much appreciated