If you’re feeling constantly tired, struggling with low mood, or noticing changes in strength, sex drive, or focus, it might not just be age or stress. Low testosterone is a real issue for many men—but it’s often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Getting a testosterone blood test is the only way to find out what’s going on.
In the UK, you can go through your GP and the NHS, or you can go private. The difference between the two routes isn’t just about how fast you’ll get seen. It’s about the quality of testing, the type of treatment you’ll be offered, and whether the dose is tailored to your body.
Why a Testosterone Blood Test Matters
Low testosterone doesn’t always hit you all at once. It builds over time. You might feel more tired than usual, or your motivation might drop off. Some men notice they’re gaining weight around the middle or not sleeping properly. Others feel flat, anxious, or disconnected.
The only way to know for sure if your levels are low is through a testosterone blood test.
That means looking at more than just the basics. Many men go to the GP and get told everything is “normal” because their results sit just above the NHS cut-off. That doesn’t mean their hormones are where they need to be.
Low Testosterone NHS: What You Can Expect
If you’re trying to get tested for low testosterone on the NHS, you’ll need to speak to your GP first. If they agree to a test, it usually has to be done early in the morning, and it typically checks total testosterone only.
That result is then compared to a reference range. Unless your number is below a set threshold, you probably won’t be referred for treatment – even if your symptoms are obvious.
Even when treatment is approved, you’ll probably find that the options available through the NHS are limited.
NHS clinics use fixed-dose, synthetic testosterone. This might work for some men, but it doesn’t suit everyone.
Side effects like acne, fluid retention, and mood swings are more common with synthetic testosterone. Additionally, without tailored dosing, you may not feel much improvement – or you might end up with new problems.
What a Private Testosterone Blood Test Offers
Choosing a private testosterone blood test gives you a more detailed look at what’s happening in your body. At BioID Health, we don’t just check total testosterone. We look at a full hormone panel, including:
You’ll also speak to a doctor who understands hormone balance – not someone ticking boxes on a general checklist. The test can be done at home by a trained phlebotomist or at a clinic. There are no long waits, and once the results are back, we move quickly.
How to Get TRT After a Private Testosterone Blood Test
If your results show that your testosterone is low, we’ll talk through your symptoms, medical history, and what treatment might help. Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, is likely to be a part of your treatment plan.
At BioID, we don’t use off-the-shelf products like the ones provided by the NHS. We use bioidentical testosterone, which is made from natural sources like the Mexican yam plant. These hormones are genetically engineered to match your body’s own testosterone exactly.
This makes a difference. Because the hormone is identical to the ones your body produces, you’re much less likely to experience side effects.
Our bioidentical TRT is also dosed precisely based on your testosterone blood test – not a standard amount that might be too much or not enough.
If you’ve been wondering how to get TRT, the answer is simple: test, review, and treat according to your actual needs. That’s what we do.
TRT Cost UK: NHS vs Private Clinics
One of the biggest questions we get is about cost. The TRT cost in the UK varies depending on where you go and what you need.
On the NHS, treatment is free – but access is restricted. You may need to wait months, and even then, many men are told their testosterone is “within range” when it clearly isn’t. And when treatment is offered, it’s often limited to one or two types of synthetic products, delivered at a standardised dose.
Privately, the TRT cost reflects the level of care and the customisation involved. At BioID Health:
It’s not about selling a subscription – it’s about giving you what your body actually needs to feel well again.
NHS or Private TRT: Which Is Right for You?
There’s no single answer. Some men do well on NHS treatment. Others get frustrated with the delays, the limited testing, the one-size-fits-all approach and associated side effects.
If you want more control, a clearer diagnosis, and a TRT plan that matches your own hormone levels, private testing and care is often the better fit.
With BioID, your treatment is guided by comprehensive blood tests and clinical judgement – not restricted by funding, policy, or waiting lists. And the bioidentical testosterone we prescribe is the closest match to what your body used to make on its own.
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms for a while and can’t seem to get anywhere with the NHS, it might be time to look at what’s really going on under the surface.
Book Your Testosterone Blood Test with BioID
The first step on your way to feeling more like yourself again is a testosterone blood test.
From there, we’ll work with you to get clear answers, and if needed, a TRT plan that makes sense for your body – not just your age.
At BioID Health, we take the time to get it right. No rushed appointments. No assumptions. Just tailored care using bioidentical testosterone, prescribed at the exact dose you need, with free follow-ups included to make sure you’re completely happy.
Book your blood test today or request a callback if you’d rather talk it through first.
