A TRT blood test looks at important markers present in your blood, to help monitor testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Your blood prick test should be taken first thing in the morning, and you should avoid taking the sample from any finger that has been in contact with hormone gels in the previous four weeks.
There are several other factors that can influence the results of your test, which it is important to be mindful of in the two days before your sample is taken.* You should avoid any strenuous exercise in the 48 hours prior to your test.* It is important to avoid ejaculating for 48 hours before your test, as this can influence results.* Do not take biotin supplements for 48 hours prior to the test – however, if these are prescribed, you should always discuss this with your doctor before ceasing any medication.* If you take any medication containing T3 (for example for an underactive thyroid), you should take the test at least an hour before you take this medicine.
Fasting for the Advanced TRT Blood Test
Whilst fasting is not essential for this test, high-fat foods can affect the results in some cases. Avoid meat-rich meals in the 48 hours before your test. If you are interested in your triglyceride or LDL levels, then fasting is recommended to provide more accurate results.
This advanced male health check helps understand your cholesterol levels and diabetes risk, as well as look at kidney and liver function. The tests will check levels of key nutrients, and male hormone levels. It is suitable for men of all ages and has a particular focus on aspects of your health that you can work to improve through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
This means it is an easy and convenient way to check your health and gain insights into key health markers, which you can monitor over time.
This includes:
* Red and white blood cell count
* Blood iron status and ferritin levels
* Cholesterol
* Vitamins B12 and D
* Magnesium and folate levels
The test can help you understand how your lifestyle is impacting important organs like your liver and kidneys, which can provide a better understanding of your risk of developing diabetes, liver problems, thyroid issues or heart disease. Testosterone levels are also measured, this is the male hormone essential for fertility and libido, as well as supporting the development of muscle mass.
An important hormone check for men taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This test is recommended prior to starting TRT and after six months of treatment. Regular monitoring is important to ensure hormone levels remain balanced, and to properly manage your ongoing therapy. Please ensure your sample is collected in the morning. In order to track results over time, it is important to ensure that blood is always taken at the same time of day.
What is included in the test?
The test looks at several important markers:
* Full blood count
* Testosterone
* Free testosterone (calculated)
* Oestrodial
* Prolactin
* SHBG
The test includes a check on PSA levels, which can help to detect prostate cancer. No studies have definitively shown that this kind of therapy is an independent risk factor in the development of prostate cancer. (SOURCE PROVIDED BELOW IF REQUIRED) However, caution is still advised, particularly for men taking TRT who have previously had prostate cancer.
Whilst a high PSA level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, this is not the only possible explanation. If your test does show an elevated PSA level, it is important to understand that there are several other possible causes. A urinary tract infection, recent ejaculation or some form of strenuous exercise can raise PSA levels.
For every 100 men with a high PSA result, approximately 25 will have a true positive, indicating prostate cancer. The other 75 will be false positives. The most reliable way to determine whether a high PSA result is a true positive is via a prostate biopsy. The very high prevalence of false positives means that you should seek further medical advice to avoid potentially unnecessary investigative biopsies. False negatives are also possible, but less common. Of 100 men with early-stage prostate cancer, 15 would have a normal PSA measurement – so whilst this test can provide some reassurance it is important to acknowledge that it is not perfect. You should continue to be aware of other indicators of prostate cancer, even if you have a negative result.
Phlebotomy
We also offer general blood tests and phlebotomy and can take tests for Medichecks and Thriva or any other test kit that you might have. If you have paid for phlebotomy through Medichecks, there will be no additional charge. If you haven't there is a charge of £30. If you have mobility issues, mobile phlebotomy can be offered in the Plymouth area but you need to email the clinic to arrange.
