Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test
    Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test
    Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test
    Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test

Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test

£69
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This blood test measures testosterone and oestradiol levels, helping to identify imbalances that could affect sexual libido, erectile function, and fertility in men, as well as cause symptoms in women, such as excessive hair growth or menstrual changes. 

  • Results estimated in 2 working days
  • Convenient testing options
  • Bespoke doctor’s report
  • Free delivery

Measures total and calculated free testosterone, oestradiol, and SHBG levels in your blood.

How do you want to take your sample?

  • Collect your own finger-prick blood sample at home  
    Free

    We’ll send you everything you need to collect your blood sample from your finger at home.

  • Book a venous draw at a clinic   Venous
    +£35

  • Book a venous draw at home with a nurse Venous
    +£59

  • Self-arrange a professional sample collection Venous
    Free

18+ only. T&Cs apply.

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Your health, expertly explained

Go beyond the numbers

Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.

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Blood testing made easy

How it works

You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.

Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!

Our portal, your results

Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.

MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.

If you have periods

Tests with LH, FSH, or oestradiol

If you're taking your test to learn more about your fertility, take your test between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle, or ideally day 3. Otherwise, for a general health check or if you're postmenopausal, you can take your test at any time.

In either case, it's important to log the date of your last period, and any other information regarding your periods or menopause status, in your MyMedichecks account right after taking your sample.

If you don't let us know the date of your last period, we'll interpret your result as though you took your test on day 3.

Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors

  • Dr Natasha Fernando
    Medical Director

  • Dr Tina Ghela
    Digital Clinician Lead

  • Dr Susanna Hayter
    Digital Clinician

What's in the test?

Hormones

Oestradiol

Learn more

Oestradiol is the strongest of the three oestrogens. It's labelled a female hormone but it's made in both the ovaries and testes. It's responsible for the growth of breast tissue, the female reproductive system, and male sexual function.

In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol levels vary throughout the monthly cycle, peaking just before ovulation. Levels are lowest after menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs. Low oestradiol levels in women can cause many symptoms associated with the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, and changes in mood. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become less dense).

In men, oestradiol levels tend to increase slightly with age as testosterone levels decline. Too much oestradiol in men can contribute to fertility problems, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), and erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone

Learn more

Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it helps to regulate sex drive and has a role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, although lower than normal levels can occur at any age and can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass and lack of energy. Although women have much lower amounts of testosterone than men, it is important for much the same reasons, playing a role in libido, the distribution of muscle and fat and the formation of red blood cells. All laboratories will slightly differ in the reference ranges they apply because they are based on the population they are testing. The normal range is set so that 95% of men will fall into it. For greater consistency, we use the guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) which advises that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, and that levels below 12 nmol/L could also be considered low, especially in men who also report symptoms of low testosterone or who have low levels of free testosterone.

Free testosterone - calc

Learn more

Most testosterone circulating in the blood is bound to proteins, in particular SHBG and albumin; only 2-3 % of testosterone is free and available to cells. This test uses an algorithm to calculate the level of free or unbound testosterone in relation to total testosterone, SHBG and albumin.

Proteins

Albumin

Learn more

Albumin is a protein which is made mainly in the liver. It helps to exert the osmotic pressure which holds water within the blood. It also helps carry nutrients and medications and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing. Albumin also carries hormones around the body, therefore measuring the amount of albumin in the blood can help us calculate how much hormone is available to your tissues.

SHBG

Learn more

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a protein which transports the sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) in the blood.Hormones which are bound to SHBG are inactive which means that they are unavailable to your cells. Measuring the level of SHBG in your blood gives important information about your levels of free or unbound hormones which are biologically active and available for use.

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. Take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Hormonal contraception can affect this test, taking a break from this and using barrier contraception will give more accurate results. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we strongly recommend selecting a venous sample to minimise contamination sometimes seen with finger-prick tests. Otherwise, administer any hormone supplements using gloves, and make sure your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks before taking the test. Hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin even after minimal contact and remain there for weeks despite vigorous handwashing. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.

Test limitations

Reviews

    FAQs

    Why is oestradiol important for men and women?

    Oestradiol is a steroid hormone and accounts for 80% of the oestrogen in women. It is secreted by the ovaries and is responsible for the development and maintenance of reproductive structures, including fat distribution, preparing the follicle in the ovary for the release of an egg, getting ready for fertility and helping to maintain bone density. In men, high levels of oestradiol can cause the development of breast tissue (gynaecomastia or man boobs) and affect sexual function.

    What is a Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test?

    Our Testosterone, Free Testosterone and Oestradiol Blood Test measures your total and calculated free testosterone, oestradiol, and SHBG level. With it, you can check for unusual levels of testosterone and oestradiol, which may affect sexual libido, erectile function, and fertility in men and male characteristics in women, such as excessive hair, or help to explain abnormal periods, heavy bleeding, or symptoms of menopause.

    Why is testosterone important for men and women?

    Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it regulates sex drive and controls bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Heavy alcohol use, liver disease and steroids can cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Women taking oestrogen therapy, however, may exhibit increased testosterone levels.

    Does this test measure high levels of testosterone?
    Most testosterone tests set an upper detection limit of 52 nmol/L. If your result is higher than this, the lab will attempt a second measurement to get an actual reading, providing there is enough sample volume available. For this reason, we recommend taking a venous sample if you are expecting an abnormally high result (for example, if you take high doses of testosterone).