NHS results vs private TRT - looking for advice
NHS vs private TRT - looking for advice
Hello, bit of a longer one but I could really use some advice from people who have been through the UK TRT process.
I've been treated for hyperthyroidism for just over 2 months with Carbimazole and have responded well. I'm waiting for an NHS endocrinology appointment, but have been told the average wait is around 34 weeks.
The hyperthyroidism was discovered while investigating low testosterone.
My testosterone was 3.7 nmol/L in May, and after waiting 3 months I repeated it last week. It came back at 5.6 nmol/L. The second test was fasting at 08:40, so although it's improved, it's still well below the lab range of 8.6–29.0.
I've got ongoing symptoms including low energy/fatigue, brain fog, significantly reduced libido, reduced gym performance, and the rest. It's now affecting my ability to concentrate at work and my mental health.
My GP has referred me to endocrinology for the low testosterone but has said TRT isn't initiated in primary care and I'd need to wait for the hospital specialist.
The lab has suggested SHBG/free testosterone/LH/FSH/prolactin testing. I've already had LH/FSH and prolactin tested, so I'm mainly missing SHBG/free testosterone.
I'm considering going private because the prospect of potentially waiting until 2027 for treatment is daunting.
TL;DR: Two low testosterone results (3.7 → 5.6 nmol/L), significant symptoms, NHS endocrine referral but potentially a very long wait. Would you go private or wait for the NHS? Also, are there UK clinics that will accept recent NHS blood results rather than making me repeat a full blood panel?
Any clinic recommendations/experiences would be appreciated!