Accessing blood test for testosterone?

[Toooldforthis36]

After 18mths on HRT had slipped back to fatigue/muscle weakness and general meh…

GP upped Oestrogen dose which has had minimal impact in 3mths

I asked about testosterone and he said it’s contentious and only really considered for libido issue..which I did tell him is a factor.

All other bloods normal, GP did a full screen of the usuals though I’ve never had hormonal levels tested (would have thought that would be useful prior to starting HRT to establish baseline but too late now 😳)

I’d really like to get a private blood test done so Incan go armed with info to GP and discuss - any recommendations?

Just tell him you’ve got no libido and try it.

Testosterone isn't that contentious !

You will need a blood test though for Testosterone if you are to be prescribed it privately. So you can private and get a blood test that way or ask for GP for a Testosterone blood test and go to private GP to ask for the prescription.
I get privately because I get a special cream formulated for women which I prefer (nhs Testosterone is formulated for men so you have to divide down for a female dose)

I did though? Got the brush off. Was hoping a test might give me some more ammo to go with (if low). And I would quite like to know for my own ref (and sanity!) xx

@Keepthosenamesgoing did you use a particular private provider? Memo specialist?

Mind ne asking which cream you use and if it helped - hope it did! X

I use Androfemme. And it transformed my life ! I was constantly tired, like barely functional. Turns out my testosterone was through the floor. Now back to normal levels and I am normal again too!

Edit to add: I went to Newson clinic. Did phone consult. They do a testosterone only consult I think nowadays

Superdrug do them for £55

To be honest, I don’t think a low T result would make any difference. Very low testosterone is considered “normal” for a menopausal woman, so they’d just fob you off by telling you it’s in normal range. I’d go back to your GP and tell them that you have no libido and it’s affecting your relationship (whether that’s true or not) and you want to try testosterone. If they refuse, ask for a referral to menopause clinic. It sounds awful, but they’ll often prescribe if they think that some poor man out there isn’t getting his leg over. 🙄 It’s sickening that women are being treated like this in 2024.

Look on the Newson website. You can get it done via them. They send you a pack and then find a local chemist that has a phlebotomist. That's what I do. Then you send off the bloods.

This is all really helpful, thanks all x

Testosterone is very good, can give you a boost and sharpen your brain. Tell GP your marriage is at risk over your low libido and lay it on thicker. They're more likely to help you if they think a man might in any way be inconvenienced by your suffering.

I also use Androfeme prescription is from a private menopause specialist in my town it’s not the newson clinic. I found mine on the British menopause society website.