The Helvy Journal

Evidence-based guides to blood tests and preventive health.

No broscience. No clickbait. Every claim links to NHS, NICE, BMJ, or PubMed. Written by Helvy. Medically reviewed by GMC-registered doctors.

Getting Started

12 min read

The Complete Guide to Blood Tests for Men (UK 2026)

Everything you need to know about blood testing — what gets tested, why it matters, and what your results actually mean.

14 min read

Private Blood Tests UK: How Much Do They Cost in 2026?

A clear breakdown of private blood test costs in the UK — prices by test type, what the NHS covers for free, and hidden costs to avoid.

15 min read

How Often Should You Get a Blood Test? UK Guide (2026)

Evidence-based testing schedules for healthy adults, athletes, and those managing conditions. NHS Health Check frequency vs private testing.

Longevity

18 min read

The Best Blood Tests for Longevity (UK 2026)

15 science-backed biomarkers that predict biological age and healthspan — from hs-CRP and ApoB to homocysteine and DHEA-S.

16 min read

Can a Blood Test Tell Your Biological Age? (UK 2026 Guide)

How PhenoAge, GrimAge and UK Biobank algorithms estimate biological age from 9 routine blood biomarkers.

Hormones

14 min read

Testosterone Levels by Age: What's Normal in the UK (2026)

Normal testosterone levels for men and women by age in nmol/L. BSSM clinical thresholds, the grey zone explained, free T vs total T.

16 min read

Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men: 12 Warning Signs & What to Do (UK 2026)

Fatigue, brain fog, low libido, weight gain — 12 symptoms of low testosterone explained. BSSM thresholds and evidence-based fixes.

Heart Health

16 min read

Heart Health Blood Test: What to Test & Why Cholesterol Alone Isn't Enough (UK 2026)

ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, HbA1c and a full lipid panel — the blood tests that actually predict heart disease.

GLP-1 Medications

15 min read

Blood Tests for Ozempic, Mounjaro & Wegovy Users (UK Guide 2026)

Which blood tests should you get before and during GLP-1 treatment? Liver, kidney, thyroid, metabolic and nutritional biomarkers explained.

18 min read

Blood Tests for Women on GLP-1 Drugs During Perimenopause (UK 2026)

Bone loss, muscle depletion, thyroid disruption, gallbladder risk — the compounded dangers of Ozempic + perimenopause.

Vitamins & Nutrition

12 min read

Vitamin D Deficiency in the UK: Symptoms, Testing & How to Fix It

1 in 6 UK adults are vitamin D deficient. Symptoms, optimal blood levels, supplementation doses, and when to get tested.

Symptoms

10 min read

Always Tired? The Blood Tests That Reveal Why

Chronic fatigue affects 1 in 5 UK adults. Here are the 8 biomarkers that explain why — and what to do about each one.

Comparison

8 min read

Home Blood Tests vs GP Blood Tests: Which Is Better?

An honest comparison of private home blood tests and NHS GP blood tests — cost, speed, what gets tested, and when each makes sense.

Supplements

Coming soon · 9 min read

Which Supplements Are Actually Worth Taking? Let Your Blood Decide

Most people waste money on supplements they don't need. Blood testing shows exactly what's low — and what's not worth the capsule.

“The best time to understand your health was ten years ago. The second best time is your next blood test.”

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