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Private blood test (finger) hormone results - advice

2 replies

80smomma · 25/04/2026 11:31

Hi everyone.
So after being told numerous times my GP won't test my hormone levels I decided to get a home test - the ones where you use your finger.

I am on HRT (100mg progesterone, 3 pumps of estrogel - continuous). I've always had symptoms of high estrogen/estrogen dominance and have tried to discuss this with GPs and nurses but they just say continue with the HRT. It isn't helping and I continue to have sore breasts, bad PMS/PMDD, anxiety, low mood, fatigue (plus other symptoms). I also have fibroids, a "bulky uterus" and family history of BC. None of this seems to influence or matter in their decisions of treatment.

So, my results come back and the progesterone and testosterone are within normal range (I was surprised that my testosterone was actually in the higher end despite having no sex drive).
The estrodiol was 3000pg/ml - for reference, the highest range at certain points in the cycle is about 750. They said it would suggest the test may have been contaminated, as it is a finger so there could be traces of gel on it. I did read the instructions and avoided using my left hand for the 2 days prior and tested before applying the gel on that day.
I emailed my GP to say can I PLEASE have a venous test just to put my mind at ease, I want to wean off the estrogel, and do I need to increase progesterone.
My reply was, basically - if you want to test again you'll have to go private, didn't address the progesterone issue and then said it's unlikely I need to increase estrogel as I'm not having hot flushes.
I mean, how helpful !!!!!

Just wanting to see if anyone else has experience of these tests.

Thanks x

OP posts:
ItsEitherAMasterpieceOrADisasterpiece · 25/04/2026 17:02

Can you ask the gp for a referral to a menopause clinic if a private blood test is out of the question? I know the waiting lists are really, really long, but better to be on a waiting list than not.
Spire do private venous samples for hormone testing, but you have to contact them for prices.

Google suggests finger contamination lasts up to 4 weeks I’m afraid. That’s info from medichecks who do finger prick blood tests.

Private blood test (finger) hormone results - advice
80smomma · 25/04/2026 20:06

ItsEitherAMasterpieceOrADisasterpiece · 25/04/2026 17:02

Can you ask the gp for a referral to a menopause clinic if a private blood test is out of the question? I know the waiting lists are really, really long, but better to be on a waiting list than not.
Spire do private venous samples for hormone testing, but you have to contact them for prices.

Google suggests finger contamination lasts up to 4 weeks I’m afraid. That’s info from medichecks who do finger prick blood tests.

Thank you for your reply and sharing this information.
I am seeing a private gynaecologist on Monday, after waiting 18m for NHS and still no appointment.
I will ask her about a venous test - which would avoid potential contamination.

It's just so frustrating how some GPs will offer tests and others won't.
X

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