A testosterone blood test is a simple blood test that measures the total testosterone level in the blood. Blood London have been providing Testosterone (Free) on a self-referral basis to patients in Central and Greater London for over 20 years. Simply walk-in weekdays between 9am and 6pm or on weekends between 10am and 2pm, to have your blood taken by a highly experienced professional in our private, Harley Street clinic using some of the best labs in europe.
Please note that when ordering blood tests on a self-request basis, we will forward you the laboratory report without note or comment from our doctors unless you are under their care.
Following the results of your test, if you would like to undergo a consultation, further testing or treatment please feel free to reach out to the clinic and we’ll be happy to help.
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the testes. Women also produce the testosterone hormone in their adrenal glands and ovaries but in smaller quantities. Testosterone controls several essential body functions, such as healthy bones, muscle mass, mood, strength, energy levels and sex drive or libido. It helps control sperm production, so changes in testosterone levels may affect fertility.
The amount of exercise carried out, stress levels and alcohol can affect the testosterone levels in the body. Low testosterone levels may cause symptoms such as low mood and low sex drive. Men and women can experience a natural reduction in testosterone levels resulting from ageing.
A simple testosterone-fingerprick blood test kit is available to measure testosterone levels easily. You can have this test in a clinic or at home. If you get your testosterone blood test at the clinic, you can get expert advice and follow up on the right steps if your testosterone level is outside the normal range.
If you want to undergo the testosterone blood test, ensure you take your sample before 10 am. If you use hormone pessaries, tablets, gels or patches, opt for venous blood sample collection. To reduce contamination common with fingerprick tests.
Alternatively, ensure you wear gloves while administering any hormone supplements, and your hand should not have contacted the hormone supplement for at least four weeks before the test. The skin can absorb hormones even after minimal contact and remain deep within the skin for several weeks despite washing your hands thoroughly. Avoid taking biotin supplements for two days before your testosterone blood test.
Testosterone is essential in women as the body uses it to produce oestrogen. Testosterone also helps control female sex drive, mood, menstrual cycle and reproductive health. A decline in testosterone levels in women, like during menopause, can cause reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness and poor bone health.
If women have elevated testosterone levels, unwanted symptoms such as weight gain and excessive body health may occur. High testosterone levels in women may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Testosterone is vital in men because it maintains sperm production, mood, fertility and male sex drive (libido). Testosterone levels may gradually fall from about age 30. In many men, the gradual decrease in testosterone doesn’t cause symptoms, while it may affect sex drive, motivation and mood in others.
Low testosterone levels in men may reduce body mass and increase fat mass and breast tissue development (gynaecomastia). The age-related reduction in muscle mass is also known as male menopause, andropause or menopause. Some younger men may have low testosterone levels, called hypogonadism.
The doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for a man experiencing low testosterone levels.
Testosterone may be an advantage in exercise and sports. Testosterone helps the body increase strength and build muscle mass. Testosterone may also help the uptake of fat as fuel during exercise.
Intense training without time to recover can increase the risk of overtraining syndrome, which causes a long-term reduction in testosterone levels. Symptoms of overtraining include low mood, weakness and chronic fatigue. Overtraining can also cause injuries such as fractures and affect your performance.
Prolonged anabolic steroid use can cause the testes to shrink, leading to low testosterone levels in the body.
You can undergo a testosterone blood test at Blood London. Call us today on 020 7183 0244 to schedule an appointment for your testosterone blood test with our healthcare professional.
You can monitor your hormone levels with the testosterone blood test whilst taking TRT. A specially designed TRT blood test is also available to check for other essential body functions, including liver function.
If you take hormone pessaries or gels at home, wear gloves while applying them at least four weeks before your fingerprick testosterone blood test. This is important because testosterone can remain in your skin and give a false blood test result.
It is best to take the testosterone blood test in the morning when your testosterone levels are at their highest.
Most testosterone tests have an upper detection limit of 52 nmol/L. If you have a higher reading, the lab will conduct a second measurement for an actual reading if the sample volume is sufficient.
Yes, they do. The testosterone levels naturally change throughout the day and from week to week. Factors like alcohol, stress, and exercise can affect testosterone levels.
If you want to know your baseline testosterone levels, consider taking the average of at least two testosterone morning measurements. The ideal time for this test is before 9 am when the levels are highest. Another confirmation test is necessary if your values differ by over 25%.
If your testosterone levels drop significantly, ensure you repeat the test. Some studies have shown differences in testosterone levels of up to 50% may result from normal variation.
Some testosterone in the blood is bound to proteins, making them unavailable to cells in the body. The testosterone molecules unbound to proteins are available for use in the body. Unbound testosterone is also called free testosterone.
The testosterone blood test can measure the total testosterone level, which measures both the unbound and bound testosterone. The total testosterone level in the body can indicate if the testosterone levels are normal.
Women and men can take the testosterone blood test. Testosterone is an important hormone for both women and men, so maintaining the normal range is important.
Women may have low testosterone levels in menopause which may cause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive and poor bone health. Women with high testosterone levels may experience conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women can take the PCOS blood test, which helps women determine if their hormone levels contribute to PCOS symptoms.
Men naturally have a steady decline (below 2% yearly) in testosterone levels from around age 30. This doesn’t always cause a sudden reduction in testosterone levels but can contribute to low testosterone levels in older age. Some other factors that may result in low testosterone levels are
Some simple lifestyle changes can naturally boost testosterone production in the body. These include
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
