Blood Tests & Monitoring
Safe therapy starts
with knowing your numbers.
Regular blood monitoring isn't optional. It's the cornerstone of safe, effective hormone therapy. Here's exactly what we test, how to arrange your bloods, and when to take them.
Existing patients book and upload bloods in the portal.
We use lab-analysed venous draws: the accuracy safe prescribing needs. Finger-prick home kits aren't accepted.
Why It Matters
The vital role of
regular monitoring
Blood testing isn't just a box to tick. It's how we protect you at every stage of your hormone therapy journey.
Safety First
Hormone therapy changes how your body works at a fundamental level. Regular blood monitoring ensures your levels stay within safe, therapeutic ranges and catches any potential issues early.
Personalised Dosing
No two bodies respond identically to hormone therapy. Blood tests give your clinician the precise data needed to fine-tune your dosage, optimising effects while minimising unwanted side effects.
Long-term Wellbeing
Beyond hormone levels, we monitor cardiovascular markers, liver health, and other indicators, giving you a comprehensive picture of your ongoing health throughout your transition.
New patients: how to arrange your bloods
Three ways to get your bloods done.
We need your results for your second appointment. Choose whichever route suits you, and you'll pick your preference when you book, and we'll guide you from there.
Through the NHS / your GP
FreeAsk your GP to run the panel on the NHS.
All the markers we need are listed on the clinic letter from your appointment. Give that letter to your GP and ask them to arrange the blood test. Many practices will do this at no charge, especially under shared care.
Randox, via GHC
£149Our partner lab: New Patient blood test.
Arrange your bloods through us with Randox and their New Patient blood test is £149. First check whether Randox have a location near you; if you choose Randox we add £149 to your payment total when you book.
Check Randox locationsMediChecks
£185Widest clinic coverage across the UK.
MediChecks work with the most clinics across the country. Use their clinic finder to find a location near you, then buy the Advanced TRT blood test (£185), which contains all the necessary checks.
MediChecks TRT blood testWhichever you choose, we need a venous (from-the-vein) sample analysed by a lab. Finger-prick home kits aren't accepted, as they aren't accurate enough for safe prescribing. In London, free NHS bloods are also available at cliniQ (Tuesdays, King's College Hospital) and 56 Dean Street (Wednesdays, Soho).
What we test
One baseline panel, then lighter reviews.
There's no menu of tiers to choose from. Every new patient has the same baseline panel before their first prescription; reviews after that use a smaller, pathway-specific set.
Baseline: all new patients
Your starting picture
Identical for trans masculine and trans feminine patients. It covers hormones, liver and kidney function, blood chemistry and metabolic markers.
- Liver function (LFT)
- Full blood count (FBC)
- Urea & electrolytes (U&E)
- Lipid profile
- Glucose
- Testosterone
- SHBG
- Oestradiol
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
Routine reviews
Trans feminine
Every 6 months: Testosterone, oestradiol, prolactin, LFT
At 12 months: + lipid profile
Trans masculine
Every 6 months: Testosterone, oestradiol, LFT, FBC
At 12 months: + lipid profile
Added when clinically indicated
- PSA (trans feminine patients over 50)
- HbA1c (if diabetic)
- U&E (if on spironolactone)
- Thyroid function (if symptomatic or on thyroid medication)
Timing
When to take your test.
When you take the sample changes the result. Note your most recent dose and the time on your form so your clinician can read the level correctly.
Testosterone gel (Testogel, Testavan)
Draw 4 hours after applying that day's dose.
Oestrogen gel (Sandrena)
Draw at the trough (about 12 hours after applying), immediately before your next dose.
Patches (Evorel, Estradot)
Draw ~24 hours after applying, or the morning after a change. Once-weekly patches: ~48 hours after applying.
Injections (Nebido, Sustanon)
Draw immediately before your next scheduled injection (the trough), and note the date of your last injection.
Sublingual tablets
Draw 3–6 hours after the dose.
Sending us your results
What we need to see.
A clear scan or high-quality photo of the printed lab report, as a PDF or image. Every page must show your full name, date of birth, and the sample collection date. Screenshots from the NHS app aren't accepted, because they don't carry these identifiers. If your lab returns several sheets, combine them into one file before uploading.
When a result needs a closer look
Your clinician reviews every result. If something falls outside the safe range, they'll be in touch to talk through what it means and the next steps, often a repeat test (your GP can usually do this) before any change to your treatment.
We never act on a single worrying result without confirming it first.
Already a patient?
Arrange your follow-up bloods in your portal.
Existing patients can arrange bloods, book appointments and request prescriptions in one place. Upload your results there too, ahead of your review.
Common Questions
Common questions about
blood testing
Can't find your answer here? Our clinical team is happy to help.
Ready to take the next step?
New to GHC? Book your initial consultation and we'll guide you through arranging your baseline bloods. Already a patient? Head to your portal.