Private Testosterone Testing in the UK: What You Need to Know
Aug 8
2 min read
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Meet Mark
Mark is 47 and lives just outside Birmingham. On paper, life is good. He has a steady job, a busy family and a Saturday morning cycling group that has been part of his routine for years. But lately, things have been different.
The rides feel harder. Work leaves him drained. Even weekends don’t bring the same spark. He’s sleeping, eating and exercising much like before, but his energy and motivation have dipped. His GP checked the basics last year such as cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, and everything came back fine. Testosterone wasn’t tested.
When the same sluggishness carried on for months, Mark started wondering whether there was something else going on. That’s when he began looking into private testosterone testing.
Why men consider private testosterone testing
Mark’s experience isn’t unusual. Many UK men notice changes in energy, mood, muscle strength or libido after 40. Sometimes these symptoms are linked to low testosterone, sometimes not, but testing can be the first step in understanding what’s happening.
While the NHS can arrange testosterone testing, it usually only happens if you meet certain clinical criteria. If your symptoms aren’t clear cut, you may be told it isn’t necessary. That’s where private testing comes in.
How private testing works
Private testosterone tests can be done:
In a clinic where blood is taken by a nurse or phlebotomist
At home using a finger-prick kit posted to a lab
What’s measured
A good test should include:
Total testosterone
Free testosterone (or calculated free)
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Sometimes LH, FSH and prolactin
Costs in the UK
Home finger-prick kits typically cost £45 to £80
Clinic venous tests range from £70 to £150
Some private clinics will charge more if they include a GP review or follow up consultation
When to test
Best taken between 7 and 11am when testosterone is usually highest
If results are low, they should be repeated on a separate morning to confirm
Limitations of private tests
A single reading doesn’t always mean you have low testosterone, repeat testing is key
Testosterone can be affected by sleep, illness, stress and certain medications
A normal reading doesn’t rule out other causes of symptoms such as thyroid issues, vitamin D deficiency or sleep apnoea
Next steps if your testosterone is low
If you test low, you should speak to a GP or specialist before starting any treatment. In the UK, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is only prescribed after confirming low levels and symptoms. Private clinics can prescribe TRT, but costs vary and regular monitoring is essential for safety.
Bottom line:
Private testosterone testing can be useful if you want a quicker answer than the NHS can provide, but it’s important to interpret results in context and with a doctor who can guide you safely.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to a healthcare professional about your symptoms or before starting treatment.
