Blood test for testosterone levels

[Silverage]

Has any one any experience with these tests?

As a bit of background, I'm in my late 50's and after a long fallow period I've got together with a new partner (which is great) but I've found that the dreaded ED upon me (which is not so good).

I've tried both sildenafil and tadalafil and both have worked to some extent but I'm not completely happy with either. A bit of research tells me that ED can also be caused by the body naturally producing less testosterone as it ages, so I'm considering testosterone replacement as something to try.

[Steve_H80]

Get to your doctor just in case it's a symptom of something more serious, but it's most likely a combination of age and worrying about it - some things can't be forced.

[xx99xx]

Most people here would recommend going private and at your age, I'd probably agree. You'll struggle to get a GP to take any action unless you say you have the whole range of low T symptoms as they'll put it down to age/lifestyle. Also quicker to get tests, diagnosis, treatment if private. NHS route would probably take you about a year to get treatment, if it even got that far. (Took me 10 years, but that's a different story).

Might be worth a chat with GP though as good (free) place to start as you might get lucky and be offered a blood test.

[BoloH4wes]

I'm using Optimale and they've been very good for me.

I first spoke to my GP and requested a blood test, those results came back with low T levels but the threshold for the NHS to do anything is very high and my symptoms were pretty much dismissed by the GP. I followed up with a private blood test and consultation with Optimale and have been happy since.

There's a couple of low T threads already running, might be worth having a search for those.

[Fozziebear]

Go private, plenty of companies to do blood work for you, the ED could be psychological, performance pressure, fatigue etc, but best to get it checked. Im 52, last test was when I was 46 which showed high SHBG, so I use Proviron for that, not had any issues. Do you train? lift weights? ive found lifting and BJJ has kept me in good shape and keeping my T levels up.

[StreetDragster]

I also had Low-T concerns and went private.

I've had 4 blood tests through Optimale, 3x finger prick ones, and 1x Vein Drawn and have established I have low-T and will be starting [private] TRT with them.

Service though them so far has been excellent, but their prices are all over the place. One day they can be like £50 for a test, the next day £30 so keep an eye on sales or whatever that they have

[montymoo]

I am just going to reiterate what everyone else has suggested. Go private as a typical GP as we have seen many times here will just dismiss it unfortunately.

How is general health and weight?
Bloods you should request be checked before 10am and fasted.

LH
FSH
Estradiol
Test
Free Test. Not calculated but actual
SHBG
Prolactin.. Only test a couple days After last ejaculation and not after a heavy gym session

Id also run a FBC as well.

Good Luck, Low T is criminally overlooked by the NHS.