Blood Tests
For blood tests, we favour a venous blood draw (from the vein), as this is more reliable than a finger-prick test. To this end we offer a phlebotomy service (average £50) or, we can send a vacutainer kit and return envelope direct to you to arrange your own blood draw (e.g. GP or nurse/midwife/phlebotomist).
MOST OTHER BLOOD TESTS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST – JUST ASK. FOR COMBINED PACKAGE PRICES AND DOCTOR INTERPRETATION OPTIONS PLEASE SEE RIGHT (PC) OR BELOW (MOBILE).
When Should Your Blood Test Be Carried Out?
If you are a woman with a regular cycle (approximately 28 days) then we would recommend the blood test around day 21 – i.e. 7 days before your period is due. For those with a regular cycle that is shorter or longer, the draw date should be adjusted accordingly. If you are a woman with no cycle (e.g. post menopause) then the blood test can usually be taken at any time. Please get in touch if you need some advice on timing.
The following blood packages are available:
————
Basic Perimenopause/Menopause Profile – £99
To include: DHEAS, Oestradiol, Progesterone and Testosterone.
OR
Full Perimenopause/Menopause Profile – £188
To include: DHEAS, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Ferritin.
————
Why is it advantageous to have the full profile? Abnormalities in Ferritin, Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D can present similar symptoms to that of the menopause.
————
Basic Thyroid Profile – £60
To include: Free Tri-iodothronine (FT3), Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Total Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
OR
Thyroid Function with Antibodies Profile – £129
Free Tri-iodothronine (FT3), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Total Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroglobulin Abs (TGA), Thyroid Peroxidase (TPEX)
————
Why is it advantageous to have a Thyroid or Cortisol (below) profile too? Thyroid is one of our master hormones, along with Cortisol and if these are not ‘in sync’, it can be very difficult to get other hormones balanced.
————
A price for alternative diagnostic/blood tests can be provided upon request.
How to Prepare for Your Blood Test
Please ensure you are hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the 45 minutes preceding your blood draw and keep warm. Both these steps will help veins be more visible.
If you are taking any form of hormone therapy (i.e. HRT, BHRT) then your blood test should be carried out 4 to 6 hours after taking your medication to ensure we can accurately measure your absorption levels. Please make sure you adjust the time you take your medication on the day of your blood appointment.
When Will My Blood Test Results Be Available?
Blood test results are returned to us within 24 hours of receipt into the lab usually and then we await the doctor’s comment, for which we allow up to 4 business days (Monday to Friday).
Can I have a Copy of My Blood Test Results?
Yes. A copy will be sent to you by email.
IMPORTANT INFO:
It is important to note that some cancers can be linked to oestrogens (e.g. breast, ovarian, endometrial in women) and testosterone (e.g. testicular in men). These cancers can occur regardless of whether or not you supplement with additional hormones. However, as hormones can act as growth factors, we are cautious in their use and carefully monitor all our patients. This is why we ask our patients to undertake regular blood tests.