If you are new to gender-affirming treatment or have recently had a change in your dosage of blockers or hormones, it is important to have blood tests every three months. This regular testing helps monitor how your body is responding to the treatment and ensures that your hormone levels are in a safe and effective range.
Once your dose of blockers and/or hormones has remained stable for a year or more, the frequency of testing may be reduced to annually to maintain periodic check-ups to ensure everything remains on track.
However, if you are on a higher dose of hormones, we recommend continuing with blood tests every three months, even after the initial year. This is to ensure that the higher dose remains safe for your body and doesn’t pose any risks to your health over time. Regular monitoring helps to identify any potential issues early and make adjustments to your recommendations if necessary to keep you safe and healthy while undergoing treatment.
If you are unable to get blood tests done we will recommend a safe regime that does not require monitoring.
Read More About Blood Tests and Hormone Therapy: Essential Blood Tests For Hormone Therapy: A Comprehensive GuideTo use the finger prick test, you need to be 16 or older and not taking spironolactone. Vitall, the service provider, will send your blood test results directly to your email address.
If you’re taking spironolactone, you’ll need a venous blood sample. You can get this through an online blood test service of your choosing, through your GP if they’re willing to help, or at a private clinic/hospital.
If you need a Blood Test Referral Letter to advise your GP or healthcare provider, you can purchase one through the Treatment Recommendation form for £20. The letter explains why you need blood tests and which ones you’ll need to get (read more here: Obtaining Letters and Reports).
When you have your results, please submit them in the Treatment Recommendation form for analysis.