blood tests for dutasteride in the UK - PLS HELP!!!!

adam1987

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Ok, I have been to my doctors several times each seeing a different doctor to try and get a blood test to find out DHT and testosterone levels. I basically got told no each time as its a illegal and they advised me I shouldn't be taking dutasteride for hairloss. I need to get a blood test asap and I don't know really where to start as I don't want to have to go private and be charged a ton (I have no idea on prices but I expect it to be high). If anyone has any suggestions please please post. Apparently, the blood test is called dihydrotestosterone for DHT. Sorry to keep adding stuff, there is a website called medichecks and does it for £179... http://www.medichecks.com/index.cfm?s=2&d=19&thc=9&test=DHT&name=Dihydrotestosterone.
 

Quantum Cat

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technically they're right because it's off-label but illegal is quite a strong word.

I assume these doctors were GPs? I have heard of derms/trichologists prescribing dutasteride for male pattern baldness, so see if you can be referred to a specialist and you might get more luck.
 

adam1987

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Yeah they were GP's, I was getting a bit frustrated with them actually and was trying to explain to them why its a good idea, but its against policy so they were right in how they all reacted. Is the above site legit, because its going to cost me around £150 to see a dermatologist anyway. Im not sure what to do but I just have to get myself tested asap.
 

Quantum Cat

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derms deal mainly with skin, you could try to find a good trichologist. Seems it's hard finding doctors with real knowledge and education about male pattern baldness. They all seem to say different things. It's an endemic problem with male pattern baldness treatment

as for the blood test, shop around. A single blood test won't cost that much I assume, although I haven't looked into it
 

adam1987

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Thanks for your advice quantum, I really don't know where to start to get one though. I asked the GP and she didn't have a clue either. She did say thought that this is a rare type of blood test.
 

Kirby

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Thanks for your advice quantum, I really don't know where to start to get one though. I asked the GP and she didn't have a clue either. She did say thought that this is a rare type of blood test.
NHS GPs will wash their hands of anyone taking hair loss treatments and seeking the correct blood tests. You will have to go private for the tests, there's no other option, unfortunately.
 

adam1987

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Kirby

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Sorry, I can't recommend anywhere at the moment, as I haven't been yet able to afford the tests I was told I needed by the dermatologist I got finasteride prescription from. :( Just be extremely careful, as private healthcare in the UK isn't well regulated at all.
 

Quantum Cat

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Hi Kirby, you know anywhere recommended or places that do them mate, im trying to research but haven't got very far as yet?

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http://bloodtestslondon.com/shop/ar...2T1CEdxhKfIEyF67m&shop_param=cid=148&aid=DHT& I know im might be stupid here, but it says order this test.....do we do this test ourselves and sent it off?

just find your nearest Nuffield hospital http://www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals or any other private practices in your area that are reputable, call them up and ask them what they charge for a blood test.

I would avoid the home testing kits, or any online sites that appear dodgy. Get it done professionally
 

adam1987

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The thing is I really don't know what to do about my hairloss a my hair is receding all the time, I have been on Avodart fir almost a month now and have been suffering from head pains, lack of sleep and bloatiness. finasteride didn't really help me, although I should maybe have persisted with it longer, I don't know what to do, I think I am going to go off Avodart, go back on to finasteride and see what that is doing for my DHT levels as I am not comfortable with taking dutasteride and have got a bad feeling about the drug. I don't think I am reacting well with it at all, even though it might have an impact on my hairloss. I am trying to find somewhere near Croydon which is private or London.

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Ok have found somewhere I know, private place called spire healthcare private hospital....£86....much better price I suppose. Its also near Gatwick which is only 30 mins from me so I might do this one.
 

talmoode

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I have been suffering from chronic fatigue for some time (4 years?) and have done numerous tests over the years and the results came back fine every time. Anyway, I went back to see my GP for another test about a month ago and while she was making a blood test request form (thyroid), I asked her if she could throw in DHT and Testosterone level tests as well. She seemed a bit hesitant at first but I insisted and she gave in! so maybe you might want to make some excuse to have your doctor do some blood tests for you and while he/she is at it, casually ask if they can do DHT test as well?
 

adam1987

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Thanks talmode, I have an appointment on 25th so I can see if I can get her to throw it in, thanks for the advice. The only problem I might have though is their first question would be...."why do you want your DHT checked?" - not sure how I would respond as I don't want to tell her about the hairloss reason as it will be rejected immediately.
 
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