Hi Blue Kingfisher
I had my bloods done on the NHS before seeing John Studd (on the very sensible advice of Mary G!) for which I'm grateful as it didn't occur to me.
I asked for oestrogen, testosterone, FSH and progesterone and got the printouts to take with me to see Studd. I also have Hashimoto's disease and am on thyroxine although my T4 levels have been stable for years, so asked for a copy of my last T4 test too.
I told the GP receptionist I was seeing someone privately and that they had requested these blood tests- to my amazement they arranged those! I was told they don't do DHEA tests routinely on the NHS.
The NHS have also just done my blood tests again prior to me seeing Studd in 2 weeks for my first 3 month check up, I think because they have prescribed for me on the NHS.
Pleased I did get the tests done, as my oestrogen level was just 72! Lower than most men's. Even though I was on Femoston1/10 and had been for years.
It confirmed for me that most of my problems were due to lack of oestrogen and that for me personally, Femoston was totally clinically ineffective, made me feel like a walking, over anxious zombie and unlikely to protect from future osteoporosis, and other problems due to lack of the right HRT, etc.
Anyway, my oestrogen levels are now, after 3 months on Studd's regime are now 900 and I feel better than I have done for years using Femoston.
Re costs at Studd's clinic- I was informed that for routine hormone tests it's £250, but for the all singing, all dancing test (hormones, vitamin levels, cholesterol, iron, etc., etc.) it's £300.
So do get the tests done on the NHS if you can re your hormones.
Studd also composed a letter in front of me to my GP (and sent me a copy) requesting I was prescribed his regime. They did, including Testim gel (testosterone) which some women have trouble getting, and without my GP bothering to see me.
Using Utrogestan (progesterone) tablets, 100mg for seven days a month, vaginally, really works for me. I get a regular bleed each month and with minimal side effects, compared to using Femoston, where I got nothing re a bleed but all the side effects.
Hope your appointment goes well- be patient though. I was advised to wait 3 months to notice a difference, although I did notice a shift in mood after about a week/10 days.
Sorry for the long post!
Let us know how it goes?