GETTING TESTED FOR TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

Blood tests are key to the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency in men. They help us establish what is going on and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. It is helpful if you have two sets of blood tests, at least 1 to 3 month’s apart before a consultation.

You can contact me for more guidance if you need further help.

What blood tests do I need?

In order to diagnose testosterone deficiency, you need the following blood tests:

  • Full blood count (including haematocrit),

  • HbA1C

  • Lipids (cholesterol)

  • Thyroid function tests (TSH)

  • Prolactin, LH, FSH

  • Oestradiol

  • Total Testosterone

  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

  • PSA if aged over 50 (further information about this in my blog here)

The testosterone and SHBG needs to be done twice, four weeks apart. You might therefore do a testosterone and SHBG on it’s own initially, and if low, repeat it after four weeks, doing the full set of bloods described above as well.

Can you recommend a private provider for blood tests?

I can organise blood tests for you at 9 Harley Street, or via Medichecks.

Does it matter when I have a blood test taken?

Guidance is to do testosterone blood tests before 11am because levels change through the day. This is seems to be less of a factor for older men.

Many lifestyle factors influence testosterone levels, including sleep deprivation, stress, heavy exercise, sex, diet. Don’t worry about this too much, just try and do the blood test on a regular day for you, avoiding very strenuous exercise or major sleep deprivation in the day or two before the test.

What testosterone level is considered low?

There are clear guidelines from the British Society of Sexual Medicine (BSSM) and the Society for Endocrinology about what is a low testosterone level.

The BSSM guidance is that:

  • Total testosterone levels less than 8 nmol/L or a free testosterone level lower than 180 pmol/L usually requires treatment

  • Total testosterone levels from 8 to 12 nmol/L or a free testosterone level between 180 and 225 pmol/L might require a trial of testosterone therapy if a man has symptoms.

  • There is very little evidence for treating men with a total testosterone level over 12 nmol/L or a free testosterone level over 225 pmol/L. However there is evidence that men experience symptoms with testosterone levels under 15 nmol/L.