Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Jjumper]

Hello, looking for some help please. 

I’ve been on HRT for about ten weeks now, starting at 25mcg and working my way up to a 100mcg Evorel patch as advised by my doctor. I’ve seen improvements in symptoms but not where I would like to be yet (I’m aware it can take many months). I’m with Newson and my dr said we would look at potentially taking blood to measure hormone levels at my next apt end of July. Whilst I’m aware that current thinking is that it is better to go by symptom relief, rather than analysing blood work, I would still be interested to see where I am now, rather than just waiting until August.

So, my question! I’ve noticed that lots of women on this forum seem to order blood tests themselves… and I wondered which companies are recommended? Also, it looks as though it is possible to do a finger prick test - is this recommended? Surely that is not enough blood to measure hormone levels?! Would it be preferable to have blood drawn at a centre? Any help would be great! Thanks!

[CLKD]

Why pay for a test that U can get on the NHS  .

Blood tests are reliably unreliable  .  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress and to discuss at the next appt..

It can take 5-6 months B4 the body begins to even out.  Rushing can cause the body to react ........ little steps.

[Nas]

You have reached 100 pretty quickly in 10weeks.
Usually it is recommended that each dose is trialed for 3 months at a time.
Then if symptoms aren’t relieved, move to the next dose and so on.

Are you peri or post menopausal? If peri, bloods are pointless anyway as your own hormones are fluctuating daily. Best to go on symptoms.

If post, then bloods can determine absorption levels at the end of each three month period.

I would rather have a ‘ proper’ blood test tbh

[Jjumper]

Oh dear! I gave background information and mentioned that I understand about HRT taking many months to work and that it is better to go by symptom relief rather than blood tests, to try to make my post better… but it seems to have made my post more confusing! I am very happy with the care I am receiving from my doctor and happy with my regime so far, although I know I have a long way to go I am at peace with this. Thank you CKLD and Nas but I’m not currently looking for any advice regarding those choices : )

Just looking for advice from anyone who has used a private blood testing company - which one you’ve used and where finger prick tests are any good? Thanks!

[ATB]

No you cant use finger prick tests for this, it’ll need to be a nurse drawing blood or pop along to a clinic. The others have given you good advice, it is too early to test and will just confuse you IMO. I’m with Newson too, you’re best to follow their advice on when to do the first blood test. They told me 3 months after being on estrogen and testosterone together I should test but purely for the testosterone as they don’t use bloods that much for estrogen. After that it’s yearly for testosterone. Newson have their own lab they work with, I can’t remember the name. A lot of women here also have thyroid problems, as I do, and I use Medichecks for that, who I quite like, and I have previously used them for other testing like vit D etc and they’re always good. The only problem I’ve had is the nurse they sent was terrible at drawing blood!!

[Jjumper]

Thanks ATB - you’ve provided really helpful information : )

[CrispyChick]

Some companies you can have your blood drawn at superdrug. I use this - always excellent service from the superdrug phlebotamist.

Then they package it all up for you avd you send it off. Medichecks offer this, I think.

[Jjumper]

Lovely - thank you CrispyChick. It’s great to be informed!

[ATB]

Oh I didn’t know that Crispy! Thanks!
I also took my medi checks kit to my local hospital when in London and they do it there for free, it was listed on the medichecks list of places I could go. I also went to Harley street labs and they were the worst, like being stabbed!
Medi checks have sales a lot, often a thyroid Thursday and I’ve seen womens tests  discounted too. I also used them for covid antibody tests, my daughters were very high.

[CLKD]

Criky that's a bit sharp   

[Jjumper]

Criky that's a bit sharp   

Sorry I meant to be efficient. Apologies it came across as sharp.

[CLKD]

 

[joziel]

You can do finger prick tests yourself for estrogen via Medichecks. I've got one ordered but haven't used it yet. If you use patches, it's much easier to get a reliable reading than if you use gel - because your fingers can get contaminated from the gel even if you wash them. They say you should not have had gel on the finger for over 4 weeks before taking the test(!). That includes accidentally getting it on there.

I did a blood test via my doctor after 9wks on everything, mainly because I have endo and I didn't want to accidentally go too high with the estrogen and risk a flare up by feeding that too much. I was on a 50 patch for 7wks when I tested and the result was only 233nmol so I then increased. I'm glad I did the test. I also want to know that I have enough for bone protection/health (over 250nmol) so wanted to know for that reason as well.

[ATB]

Newson clinic ask for a venous blood sample as they find it more reliable in general, I’m on patches and was requested to do that, not a finger prick.

[joziel]

I did a venous sample for them 2 weeks ago, but to monitor things myself I'm going to see how things go with a finger prick...