Helix orders a comprehensive hormone panel — not just a single number. Blood testing is the foundation of everything we do, and it costs you nothing through Medicare bulk billing.
Testosterone therapy cannot be responsibly prescribed without confirmed bloodwork. Symptoms alone — however convincing — are not sufficient. Low testosterone shares symptoms with a range of other conditions, and treating the wrong thing does more harm than good. A blood test is what turns a suspicion into a diagnosis.
Helix uses blood testing not just to determine whether TRT is appropriate, but to set a baseline, monitor treatment progress, and catch any changes before they become problems. It's the single most important part of the process — and it costs you nothing.
Blood tests ordered through Helix are bulk billed through Medicare at most major pathology providers. You pay $0. All you need is your Medicare card and the referral your doctor sends you.
Most GPs checking testosterone levels order a single total testosterone test and stop there. That's not enough. One number gives an incomplete picture. Helix orders a comprehensive panel that allows your doctor to understand the full hormonal context — not just confirm whether a single marker is low.
The primary marker. Measures the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream. Low total testosterone is the starting point for a hypogonadism diagnosis, but not the end point. Reference: 10–35 nmol/L
Only a small fraction of testosterone is biologically active ("free"). A man can have normal total testosterone but functionally low free testosterone — particularly when SHBG is elevated. Reference: 225–725 pmol/L
SHBG binds to testosterone and renders it inactive. High SHBG reduces how much free testosterone is available. Understanding SHBG is critical to interpreting any testosterone result. Reference: 17–66 nmol/L
LH tells the testes to produce testosterone. Low LH alongside low testosterone suggests a central (pituitary) cause. High LH with low testosterone suggests primary testicular failure. This distinction matters for treatment. Reference: 1–9 IU/L
Assessed alongside LH. FSH is particularly important for men concerned about fertility, as elevated FSH can indicate impaired sperm production.
Testosterone partially converts to oestrogen in the body. Monitoring oestradiol is important — both too low and too high can cause symptoms and affect wellbeing. Reference: <160 pmol/L
A baseline PSA is required before starting TRT. Testosterone therapy may affect prostate health, and regular PSA monitoring is part of ongoing care. This is a safety measure, not a barrier. Reference: <4 ng/mL
TRT can increase red blood cell production. Elevated haematocrit raises blood viscosity and cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring allows your doctor to adjust your dose before this becomes an issue. Reference: 38.3–48.6%
After reviewing your symptom assessment, your Helix doctor will send your pathology referral to your email. Here's what happens next:
Sonic Healthcare: sonic.com.au · Australian Clinical Labs: clinicallabs.com.au
Pathology tests ordered by an Australian-registered doctor are bulk billed at most major providers. You pay nothing. This applies to the full hormone panel Helix orders. There are no out-of-pocket costs for the blood test itself.
For telehealth consultations, Medicare rebates may apply under current government telehealth policy. Check with Medicare or your private health insurer for your specific entitlements.
Regarding PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidies for testosterone medications: PBS subsidies are available to patients who meet specific clinical criteria, as determined by the prescribing doctor. Your Helix doctor will advise you on your PBS eligibility as part of the consultation process.
Blood testing doesn't stop at the point of diagnosis. Once on treatment, regular monitoring is a core part of responsible TRT management. Helix includes quarterly blood tests as part of every treatment plan — at no additional cost beyond your monthly subscription.
We monitor testosterone levels, haematocrit, PSA, and other key markers at each quarterly check. This allows your doctor to confirm that levels are optimal, catch any issues early, and adjust your protocol if needed. You're never just a recurring order.
The assessment is free. The blood test costs you nothing. You'll know exactly where you stand before making any decisions.
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