Blood Tests Available with My TRT Clinic
Basic (Finger Prick)
At Home Kit-
Proteins - Albumin, SHBG
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Hormones - FSH, LH, Oestradiol
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Adrenal Hormones - DHEA Sulphate
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Results within 48 - 72 hours
Enhanced Test
Venous Draw-
Proteins - Albumin, SHBG
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Hormones - FSH, LH, Oestradiol
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Adrenal Hormones - DHEA Sulphate
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Plus 40 Health Biomarkers
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Results within 48 - 72 Hours
Enhanced Test + Nurse
Venous Draw-
Professional Blood Draw from Qualified Nurse
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Proteins - Albumin, SHBG
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Hormones - FSH, LH, Oestradiol
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Adrenal Hormones - DHEA Sulphate
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Plus 40 Health Biomarkers
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Results within 48 - 72 Hours
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Low Libido
Men with low testosterone may experience a decrease in their libido or sex drive. This can lead to fewer spontaneous erections and a decrease in overall sexual satisfaction.
Erectile Dysfunction
ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a common symptom of low testosterone.
Low Energy Levels
Men with low testosterone often report feeling tired and lacking in energy. This can make it difficult to complete daily tasks and can interfere with work and personal life.
Low Muscle Mass
Testosterone helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Men with low testosterone may experience a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat.
Anxiety and Depression
Low testosterone can also lead to mood changes, such as irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Difficulty Sleeping
Some men with low testosterone report difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling tired.
The Details of Our Blood Tests
At our clinic, we prioritise offering tailored blood testing options to ensure you have access to accurate and detailed information about your health, particularly as it relates to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). We understand the importance of reliable and timely results, which is why all of our blood test results are made available within 48 to 72 hours through our secure online patient portal. This allows you to quickly access your results from the comfort of your home, and it facilitates efficient communication between you and our healthcare professionals regarding your ongoing treatment plan.
We offer three distinct blood testing services to suit your needs, each designed to provide crucial information about your testosterone levels and overall health:
Basic (Finger Prick)
Our Basic Test is a straightforward option that uses a finger prick to determine an initial testosterone reading. This method is minimally invasive, easy to perform, and can be done in the comfort of your home with a simple at-home kit. The finger prick test is ideal for those looking for a quick and effective way to check their testosterone levels, particularly if they suspect they may be experiencing low testosterone. It provides a reliable first step in identifying whether your testosterone levels are below the normal range, which is often the initial indicator of the need for TRT. With this test, you can get a basic understanding of your hormone levels and take the first step toward a more comprehensive TRT plan if needed.
The markers tested in the Basic Test include:
Proteins:
- Albumin: A protein made by the liver that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body and transport hormones.
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): This protein binds to sex hormones, including testosterone, and regulates how much testosterone is available for use by the body.
Hormones:
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): A hormone involved in regulating reproductive processes and sperm production.
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Stimulates the production of testosterone in men.
- Oestradiol: A form of estrogen that also plays a role in regulating testosterone levels.
- Total Testosterone: Measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, including the amount bound to proteins like SHBG and albumin.
- Free Testosterone: This is the fraction of testosterone not bound to proteins and available to the body’s tissues.
- Free Androgen Index (FAI): A ratio that gives a broader picture of testosterone’s availability.
- Prolactin: A hormone that can affect testosterone levels when in imbalance.
Adrenal Hormones:
- DHEA Sulphate: A precursor to testosterone that is produced by the adrenal glands and can influence overall hormone balance.
Enhanced Test (Self Venous Draw)
For those seeking a more detailed analysis, our Enhanced Test offers a deeper look into your health by measuring not only your testosterone levels but also an additional 40 health biomarkers. This test involves a self-administered venous blood draw, which you can perform at home with the provided instructions and equipment, or you can arrange a professional to draw the blood for you. The Enhanced Test offers a more comprehensive overview of your health, assessing factors such as liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, and other essential biomarkers that can affect your overall well-being. This wider scope of testing helps ensure that any underlying health conditions are identified and managed effectively in conjunction with your TRT. By understanding more about your body’s overall health status, we can tailor your TRT program to suit your specific needs and monitor any potential impacts of hormone therapy on your body’s systems.
This test is performed through a self-administered venous blood draw, or the blood draw can be arranged via your own clinic and covers a broad range of critical health indicators, including:
Testosterone Markers:
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone (Calculated)
- Free Androgen Index (FAI)
White Blood Cells (important for immune function and detecting infections or inflammatory conditions):
- White Cell Count
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
Red Blood Cells (key indicators of oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia):
- Haemoglobin
- Haematocrit
- Red Cell Count
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the size of your red blood cells.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Indicates the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Measures the concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Assesses the variation in red blood cell size, which can indicate certain health conditions.
Clotting Status (important for assessing blood clotting ability):
- Platelet Count
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
Clotting Status (important for assessing blood clotting ability):
- Platelet Count
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
Kidney Health (assessing kidney function and potential kidney disease):
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Liver Health (measuring liver enzymes to assess liver function):
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Proteins:
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Globulin
- SHBG
Diabetes Markers:
- HbA1c: A key marker for blood sugar levels, used to screen for diabetes and monitor long-term blood glucose control.
Cholesterol and Lipid Profile (essential for assessing cardiovascular health):
- Total Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio: A critical measure for evaluating heart disease risk.
- Triglycerides
Inflammation:
- C-Reactive Protein High Sensitivity (CRP-HS): A marker that can indicate inflammation in the body and is linked to heart disease risk.
Iron Status (important for understanding energy levels and diagnosing anemia):
- Iron
- Ferritin: A measure of iron stores in the body.
Thyroid Function:
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): An essential marker for thyroid health, which can affect metabolism and energy.
- Free Thyroxine (T4): A key thyroid hormone that impacts metabolic rate.
Hormones:
- FSH
- LH
- Oestradiol
Prostate Health (for men over 50 or those at risk):
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): A marker used to screen for prostate health, especially for signs of prostate cancer.
Enhanced Test with Nurse Assistance (Venous Draw by a Nurse)
We recognise that some individuals may prefer or require professional assistance with blood draws, especially for venous blood collection. For added convenience, we offer the Enhanced Test with Nurse Assistance, where a qualified nurse will visit your home or a designated location to perform the venous blood draw. This service ensures that the blood draw is done efficiently and accurately by a healthcare professional, minimising any discomfort or anxiety you may have about performing the draw yourself. The nurse-assisted option includes the same comprehensive testing of testosterone levels and 40 additional biomarkers, offering an in-depth picture of your health. This option is ideal for those who may feel more comfortable with professional support or who want to ensure the highest level of precision in the blood draw process.
Why Comprehensive Testing is Important for TRT
When it comes to testosterone replacement therapy, understanding your overall health status is critical to ensuring the therapy is safe and effective. While testosterone levels are the primary focus, many other biomarkers play a crucial role in your well-being, especially during hormone therapy. Factors like liver and kidney function, lipid profiles, and glucose levels can influence how your body responds to TRT. Comprehensive testing not only helps identify potential issues before they become serious but also allows your healthcare provider to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
By offering a range of testing options, from the Basic Test for quick and easy testosterone assessment to the Enhanced Test for a full picture of your health, we make it possible for you to choose the level of detail and support that best suits your needs. Our online portal ensures that once your results are available, you can easily access them and begin discussing your TRT plan with your healthcare provider. Whether you choose the self-administered venous draw or opt for nurse assistance, we are committed to providing you with accurate, timely, and comprehensive testing that empowers you to take control of your health and TRT journey.
In conclusion, our blood testing services are designed to fit your lifestyle, health needs, and preferences, giving you a flexible and efficient way to monitor your testosterone levels and overall health. With results delivered within 48 to 72 hours, you can rest assured that you’ll have the information you need to make informed decisions about your testosterone replacement therapy. Whether you need a simple testosterone check or a more comprehensive health assessment, our testing options provide the insights necessary to optimise your TRT and improve your overall well-being.