If you’re anything like me, you might be curious to know what’s going on inside your body – even if nothing seems ‘wrong’.
Without needing to go to my GP, I decided to trial a few at-home health testing kits to see if they could give me an idea of where my health is at.
Google will quickly bombard you with results if you search for them, so let me save you the time: there are hundreds, covering dozens of potential health issues.
Without any major concerns, besides having thinner hair than I’d like, I tried out four kits that covered a wide variety, from two providers: Medichecks and MyHealthChecked.
Medichecks involves taking your own blood sample and sending it off to a lab, while MyHealthChecked asks for cheek swabs, which are then analysed to give you data on your genetic profile.
Turning my desk into a (wiped-down) makeshift doctor’s office, I started by getting the blood samples out of the way for my two chosen tests: the Women’s Ultimate At Home Blood Test and the Hair Loss Blood Test.
First, some advice: don’t be like me and only skim-read the instructions.
I had a difficult time drawing enough blood for the sample, and it was entirely because I’d missed the clear instruction to hold your finger downwards to let gravity help (I know, duh).
Second, make sure you take note of the time you take and send off the sample – the company gives certain advice to follow that will make life a lot easier.
I followed the exact same instructions for both, and the kits were laid out with everything you needed – right down to plasters and alcohol wipes.
I was able to take both samples and get them packaged ready to pop in the post box (a free stamped envelope comes with it) within minutes.
The results were equally efficient, coming back within three working days, which was really handy.
I was impressed to see that each result came with an overview written by a doctor, which immediately gave the ‘headlines’ – any areas of concern, and a general sense of the results.
You could then click to read in-depth detail on each section, which were all colour-coded so you could immediately see any areas to focus on.
The women’s ultimate test was a huge relief – it found all areas operating inside the normal range, from my cholesterol to my kidney and liver health, and thyroid hormones.
Meanwhile the hair loss blood test results were fascinating – I have long suspected an issue in this area as my hair has become pretty fine as I’ve gotten older, and sure enough the test results flagged an area of potential concern for me to keep an eye on.
The report from the doctor gave recommendations on how I could delve into the issue further with my GP, so I felt really supported and clear on the next steps to take.
Next up were my two tests from MyHealthChecked: the Intolerances & Sensitivities DNA Test, and the Vitamins & Minerals DNA test.
These could not be more simple, and just required a cheek swab (though keep an eye on the time – they ask you to do them in the mornings, and not after you have directly eaten or brushed your teeth).
Again, the results were back within a few days and, again, they were super detailed.This time, they were focused on my genetic make-up, and how this can impact what I am more likely to have sensitivities to.
My results were really interesting, letting me know my coffee habit might not be the best (I was found to have a medium risk of caffeine sensitivity), but that lactose and alcohol carries a lower risk for me (yay!).
Meanwhile my vitamins and minerals test found I am genetically more likely to have a higher risk of vitamin D and omega-3 deficiencies, with calcium and selenium also carrying a medium risk.
While these tests aren’t an indicator of current health, it’s really interesting to note the areas I should be extra mindful of, given my genetic make-up.
If only for some reassurance that you are operating as you should be, plus some extra info to keep in mind day-to-day to ensure you are looking after your health, I’d really recommend trying an at-home kit – you never know what they might find!
