WILL MY GP GIVE ME A TESTOSTERONE TEST?

Many men who experience symptoms such as low energy, reduced libido, mood changes, or difficulty building muscle begin to wonder whether low testosterone could be the cause. A common first question is whether a GP will arrange a testosterone blood test through the NHS, or whether private testing is required. Understanding how testosterone testing works in primary care, what criteria GPs use, and what options are available if testing is declined can help you decide the best next step.

If you want to check your testosterone levels without waiting for a GP appointment or referral, a private option such as the Ultimate Testosterone Blood Test from One Day Tests allows you to measure your levels accurately and decide whether further medical advice is needed.

Yes, a GP can give you a testosterone blood test, but it is usually offered only when there is a clear clinical reason to do so. GPs do not routinely test hormone levels without symptoms, as NHS testing is based on medical need rather than screening.

In practice, a GP will usually consider testing testosterone if you present with symptoms that suggest a possible hormone imbalance. Testosterone testing is used as a tool to help identify the underlying cause of symptoms rather than as a general health check.

For men, testosterone is most commonly checked when symptoms suggest low testosterone levels. These symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, loss of muscle bulk, reduced body hair, low mood, reduced motivation, and persistent tiredness. When these symptoms are present, a GP may decide that a testosterone test is appropriate to help explain what is happening.

In women, testosterone testing is less common but may still be clinically relevant. Levels are often checked when investigating possible polycystic ovary syndrome. Symptoms that may prompt testing include irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, excess hair growth on the face or body, and acne. In some cases, testosterone may also be added to a post menopausal woman’s hormone replacement therapy to improve libido. In these situations, a baseline testosterone level is checked before treatment begins and then monitored over time.

GPs usually offer testosterone testing when symptoms point towards a hormonal cause. In adult men, this is typically driven by symptoms such as fatigue, sexual health concerns, mood changes, or physical changes like muscle loss.

In younger patients, testosterone may be checked for different reasons. In boys, testing may be arranged if there are no signs of puberty by around the age of 14, which can indicate delayed puberty.

Testosterone testing is also required for people who are already receiving testosterone treatment. This applies to both men and post menopausal women who are prescribed testosterone. In these cases, blood tests are used to monitor levels and ensure treatment remains safe and effective.

If you attend your GP with symptoms that suggest a testosterone problem, they can request a blood test through the NHS. Before ordering the test, the GP will usually take a detailed history and may explore other possible explanations for your symptoms.

Testosterone testing on the NHS is usually done in the morning, ideally between 7am and 11am. Testosterone levels are highest in the morning, and laboratory reference ranges are based on morning samples. Testing later in the day can give misleading results and may make levels appear lower than they actually are.

There is some debate about whether fasting is required. In most cases, fasting is not considered essential. However, some UK and international guidelines suggest that an overnight fast may slightly increase testosterone levels, which is something your GP may advise depending on local practice.

If a testosterone result comes back abnormal, it is almost always repeated. Testosterone levels can fluctuate from day to day and are affected by short term illness, stress, poor sleep, and other temporary factors. A repeat test, usually after around four weeks, helps confirm whether levels are genuinely abnormal.

The repeat test is also often used to check other hormones that help explain why testosterone levels may be low or high. One of the most important is luteinising hormone, which is produced in the brain and stimulates testosterone production in the testes. Other hormones that may be checked include FSH, thyroid hormones, prolactin, and cortisol.

There are situations where a GP may decide not to offer a testosterone test. This usually happens if they do not feel that your symptoms are suggestive of a hormone problem or if symptoms have been attributed to another cause. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or lifestyle factors can cause symptoms similar to low testosterone, and a GP may choose to explore these first.

Referral to a specialist such as an endocrinologist or urologist is possible, but it would be unusual for an NHS referral to be made purely for testosterone testing without any initial blood tests arranged by the GP.

If testing is not offered on the NHS and you would still like to check your levels, private blood testing is an alternative option. Private testing allows you to choose which hormones are tested and when the test is done, without needing to meet NHS criteria first. This can be useful if you want clarity or reassurance about your hormone levels.

If you are considering this route, you can check your testosterone levels privately using the One Day Tests Ultimate Testosterone Blood Test, which allows you to test your levels at a time that suits you and receive clear results.

Preparing properly for a testosterone test is important to ensure the results are reliable. Testing should be done in the early morning because this is when testosterone levels are highest and when reference ranges apply.

It is also important to tell your GP or testing provider about any lifestyle factors or medications that may affect testosterone levels. Certain medicines can lower testosterone, including opiate painkillers and some mental health medications such as antipsychotics. Excess alcohol use, illicit drugs including marijuana, and medical issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes can also influence results.

If you are already using testosterone replacement therapy, this will affect blood test results and must be disclosed. Testosterone testing should also be avoided during short term illnesses such as viral infections, as these can temporarily suppress hormone levels and lead to misleading results.

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be linked to testosterone levels, speaking to your GP is a reasonable first step. If testing is not offered or you would prefer faster access, private testing can provide clarity and help guide your next steps.

You can check your testosterone levels with the Ultimate Testosterone Blood Test from One Day Tests, which offers a convenient way to understand your hormone health and decide whether further medical advice is needed.