Private blood testing is the foundation of evidence-based hormone optimization. You can't manage what you don't measure. Here's how to choose between the UK's main services.
Medichecks
Cost for testosterone + full hormone panel (TRT monitoring): £199
Turnaround time: Results typically 24-48 hours after sample processing
How it works:
- Order online
- Choose between postal kit (collect at home via courier) or visit clinic (London and Edinburgh locations)
- Complete sample collection
- Post sample or deliver to clinic
- Results online via secure patient portal
- Doctor commentary included (detailed, evidence-based interpretation)
What's included:
- Comprehensive testosterone assessment (total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG)
- Oestradiol
- Prolactin
- LH and FSH
- Full lipid panel
- Liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT)
- Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- Haematocrit
- Doctor's written interpretation
Advantages:
- Widest test menu available (you can customize panels extensively)
- Fast turnaround
- Excellent doctor commentary (actually clinically useful, not just reference ranges)
- Clinical staff available for questions
- Established reputation (been operating since 2008)
- Can repeat tests cheaply (single tests very cheap, builds up your data)
- Results integrated into GP records if requested (good for continuity of care)
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost per full panel (£199 typical)
- Postal kit sometimes delayed in transit
- Can take 3-5 days total from ordering to results (if postal)
- Clinic visits only in London/Edinburgh
Best for:
- Detailed baseline testing before starting TRT
- Comprehensive hormone assessment
- Men who want detailed medical interpretation
- Those who want results integrated with NHS records
Typical use case: Start with Medichecks for baseline (comprehensive), then use cheaper service for ongoing quarterly monitoring.
Affiliate link: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/medichecks
Monitor My Health
Cost for testosterone + full hormone panel: £89
Turnaround time: 5-7 days (includes postal transit)
How it works:
- Order online
- Postal collection kit arrives in 2-3 days
- Collect blood sample at home
- Post back via provided envelope
- Results online via patient portal
What's included:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- SHBG
- Oestradiol
- Full lipid panel
- Haematocrit
- Liver and kidney function
- Results with reference ranges (no doctor commentary)
Advantages:
- Excellent value (roughly 50% cheaper than Medichecks)
- NHS-partnered (results can integrate with NHS if desired)
- Straightforward, no-fuss process
- Reliable and established service
- Decent test panel for TRT monitoring
- Fastest reporting if already in their system
Disadvantages:
- No doctor commentary (just reference ranges)
- Slower turnaround (5-7 days)
- Less detailed free testosterone measurement in some cases
- Limited test customization (you get the preset panel)
- Phone support less available than competitors
Best for:
- Cost-conscious men doing regular quarterly monitoring
- Those who understand results and don't need doctor interpretation
- Repeat testing (cheaper per test)
- NHS continuity (NHS-integrated records)
Typical use case: Use for ongoing quarterly/annual TRT monitoring once you understand your ranges and protocols.
Affiliate link: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/monitor-my-health
Randox Health
Cost for testosterone + full hormone panel: £249 (at walk-in clinics)
Turnaround time: 24-48 hours (results often same-day if morning appointment)
How it works:
- Book appointment at one of 200+ UK Randox walk-in clinics
- Attend clinic (no postal delays)
- Phlebotomist collects blood on-site
- Results online, usually next day
- No doctor commentary (reference ranges only)
Locations: Walk-in clinics across UK—London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, and many other cities.
What's included:
- Comprehensive hormone panel (total T, free T, SHBG, oestradiol, LH, FSH)
- Full lipid panel
- Haematocrit and full blood count
- Liver and kidney function
- Results with reference ranges
Advantages:
- Fastest turnaround (results often next day)
- No postal delays (sample collected immediately)
- Professional phlebotomy (one needle stick, done properly)
- Wide clinic network
- Results online immediately
- No postal kit hassles
- Premium feel and environment
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive option
- No doctor commentary
- Requires travel to clinic (though many locations available)
- Less detailed interpretation than Medichecks
Best for:
- Men who want instant results (important for dose adjustments)
- Those who prefer in-person blood draw
- Urban dwellers with clinic access
- Quick turnaround needed (starting TRT, making urgent dose changes)
Typical use case: Initial TRT setup testing for quick results; may be overkill for routine annual monitoring.
Note: Randox also offers collection at some pharmacies, but walk-in clinics are more reliable.
Blue Horizon Medicals
Cost for testosterone hormone panel: £179
Turnaround time: 3-5 days (postal)
How it works:
- Order online
- Postal kit delivered
- Home blood collection
- Post sample back
- Results online via portal
- Limited doctor support available
What's included:
- Total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG
- Oestradiol
- LH, FSH, prolactin
- Lipids and full blood count
- Liver and kidney function
Advantages:
- Established service (well-regarded in TRT community)
- Good test panel
- Reasonable cost
- Postal collection
- Specialist knowledge in hormone testing
Disadvantages:
- Moderate cost (mid-range)
- Slower than Randox
- Limited doctor commentary
- Less clinical oversight than Medichecks
- Smaller organization (less tech-forward than competitors)
Best for:
- TRT specialists wanting hormone-focused testing
- Second-opinion testing
- Those wanting established alternative to Medichecks
Less common choice now compared to Medichecks, Monitor My Health, Randox.
Thriva
Cost for hormone panel: £139
Turnaround time: 5-7 days
How it works:
- App-based ordering
- Postal collection kit
- Home blood draw (guided by video)
- Post sample
- Results via app with brief interpretation
What's included:
- Total testosterone
- Oestradiol
- Prolactin
- Full blood count
- Liver function, kidney function, lipids
Advantages:
- Modern app interface (easiest to use, honestly)
- Automated reminders for repeat testing
- Subscription model available (lower cost for regular testing)
- Straightforward, consumer-friendly
Disadvantages:
- Smaller test menu (less comprehensive than Medichecks or Randox)
- No doctor commentary
- Slightly slower turnaround
- Less established in TRT community
Best for:
- Younger men wanting modern interface
- Those doing regular quarterly testing (subscription model cheaper)
- Simple baseline assessment
- Non-TRT hormone optimization
Less ideal for: Men wanting comprehensive TRT monitoring or doctor guidance.
Comparison Table
| Service | Initial Cost | Repeat Cost | Turnaround | Doctor Commentary | Speciality | Best For | |---------|-------------|-----------|-----------|------------------|-----------|---------| | Medichecks | £199 | £49 (single) | 24-48h | Yes (detailed) | Comprehensive | Baseline, detailed assessment | | Monitor My Health | £89 | £79 | 5-7 days | No | Good value | Routine monitoring | | Randox | £249 | £249 | 24h | No | Premium service | Quick results needed | | Blue Horizon | £179 | £79 | 3-5 days | Minimal | Hormone-focused | TRT specialists | | Thriva | £139 | £99 (or subscription) | 5-7 days | Basic | Consumer-friendly | Modern app users |
Practical Recommendation By Use Case
Starting TRT: Initial Baseline Testing
Use: Medichecks
Why: You need comprehensive baseline data, doctor interpretation, and integration with NHS records if TRT will be managed via NHS or in coordination with your GP.
Cost: £199 once
Turnaround: 24-48 hours
What to test:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- SHBG
- Oestradiol
- LH, FSH (assess type of hypogonadism)
- Prolactin
- Full lipid panel
- Haematocrit
- Liver and kidney function
- PSA (if age >40)
Notes:
- Get baseline PSA even if normal ranges (important for comparison if on TRT)
- Ensure morning sample (testosterone peaks morning)
- Fasted sample if possible (affects some parameters)
Ongoing TRT Monitoring (After Starting)
Use: Monitor My Health or Medichecks (depends on budget and preference)
Option 1—Budget-conscious: Monitor My Health quarterly (£89 each)
- Adequate test panel for TRT
- No doctor commentary, but you now understand your ranges
- Cost: ~£360/year
Option 2—Premium: Medichecks annually (£199) + Monitor My Health quarterly (£89)
- Annual comprehensive review via Medichecks
- Quarterly quick checks via Monitor My Health
- Cost: ~£556/year
Quick Dose Adjustment Decision Needed
Use: Randox walk-in clinic (if available) or Medichecks online
Why: Need results in 24-48 hours to adjust TRT dose
Cost: £249 (Randox) or £199 (Medichecks)
Typical scenario: Adjusting TRT dose, need to confirm new testosterone level before deciding next change.
Annual Review for Optimisation
Use: Medichecks
Why: Comprehensive panel + doctor interpretation valuable once yearly
Cost: £199
Turnaround: 24-48 hours
Test: Full panel (as per baseline, above)
Specific TRT Monitoring Panels Explained
TRT Baseline (Pre-Starting)
Essential tests:
- Total testosterone (confirms deficiency)
- Free testosterone (assesses bioavailable hormone)
- SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin—affects free T)
- LH, FSH (distinguishes primary vs. secondary)
- Prolactin (elevated prolactin can cause hypogonadism)
- Oestradiol (baseline, relevant if aromatisation is concern)
- Haematocrit (baseline before TRT)
- PSA (baseline if age >40)
- Lipid panel (baseline cardiovascular risk)
- Liver function (baseline before chronic therapy)
- Kidney function (baseline)
Not essential but useful:
- Cortisol (if suspect adrenal issues)
- Thyroid function (if suspect thyroid involvement)
- Vitamin D (if suspect deficiency)
Cost: ~£200-250 for comprehensive panel
TRT Ongoing Monitoring (Every 6-12 Months Once Stable)
Minimum:
- Total testosterone (confirm dose adequacy)
- Haematocrit (safety monitoring—primary concern on TRT)
- PSA (safety if age >40)
Recommended:
- Above + Oestradiol + Lipids + LH/FSH
Cost: ~£90-150
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Testing
Test urgently if you experience:
- Severe headaches (especially with visual symptoms)
- Excessive energy/aggression (dose too high?)
- New gynecomastia (elevated oestradiol?)
- Leg swelling or pain (blood clot risk?)
- Persistent joint pain (low oestradiol?)
Quick test: Total testosterone + haematocrit + oestradiol minimum.
How to Interpret Results
Once you have bloodwork:
Testosterone level:
- < 8 nmol/L (< 230 ng/dL): hypogonadism (if symptomatic)
- 8-10 nmol/L (230-290 ng/dL): low-normal (consider if symptomatic)
- 10-30 nmol/L (290-870 ng/dL): normal range
-
30 nmol/L (> 870 ng/dL): elevated (unusual on TRT, unless supraphysiologic dose)
On TRT, target: 15-25 nmol/L (430-720 ng/dL) for most men.
Oestradiol:
- < 15 pg/mL: low (may cause joint pain, erectile dysfunction)
- 15-40 pg/mL: optimal range
- 40-60 pg/mL: high but often asymptomatic
-
60 pg/mL: elevated; consider dose reduction or aromatase inhibitor
Haematocrit (on TRT):
- < 42%: normal (slightly low)
- 42-48%: normal to slightly elevated
- 48-52%: elevated but usually acceptable
-
52%: elevated; may need phlebotomy or dose reduction
-
54%: requires action (phlebotomy or dose reduction)
PSA (on TRT):
- Rise of < 1 ng/mL in first year: normal
- Stable thereafter: normal
- Rise > 1 ng/mL/year: concerning; may need urology referral
Lipids:
- LDL < 100: good
- HDL > 40: good
- Triglycerides < 150: good
- Total cholesterol < 200: good
Some TRT causes modest lipid changes; monitor.
Affiliate Links
- Medichecks: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/medichecks
- Monitor My Health: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/monitor-my-health
- Randox Health: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/randox
- Blue Horizon: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/blue-horizon
- Thriva: https://maleoptimal.co.uk/go/thriva
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose one service for most men:
Medichecks for initial/baseline + Monitor My Health for ongoing.
- Start with Medichecks: £199, comprehensive, doctor commentary
- Repeat with Monitor My Health: £89/test, good enough for routine monitoring, 50% cheaper
- Use Randox if you need results in 24 hours (premium but reliable)
- Use Thriva if you prefer modern app interface and do quarterly checks
Total first-year cost: Medichecks baseline (£199) + Monitor My Health x3 (£267) = £466
This gives you excellent baseline data, doctor oversight, and cost-effective ongoing monitoring.
Summary
Private blood testing in the UK is accessible, reliable, and essential for evidence-based hormone optimization. Choose based on your needs: comprehensive baseline (Medichecks), cost-effective ongoing (Monitor My Health), or speed (Randox).
Don't guess your hormone levels. Test, measure, adjust based on data.