Bloodwork - Simplified

[MikeShlort]

Going to try my best to understand this in simplest forms possible.

Please contribute - explanations, anecdotal evidence, articles, etc.

Thanks!


These are the tests required according to the "My First Cycle" article. I am going to try to explain them as I see it. Please correct me and give number values if you are able!

Complete Blood Count - The reason for this test is because AAS causes the body to produce excess blood than usual? Which can cause clotting, heart attacks etc. So that is why this needs to be check mid cycle and compared with pre cycle values, to make sure you aren't producing too much blood? Is there an average value or will that vary depending on size of the individual?

Total Testosterone - Test needed for comparing pre-cycle test results with post cycle test results. The hope is to have the number the exact same (or better) post cycle as it was pre-cycle? Also, the during cycle test for this would be to see if the gear is legit?

Side note: I had this done when I was 24-25. The number was 25.1 (on an average scale of 8.3-28). I had the test again a few months ago (age 27). 25.1 again was the value. I have no idea what these values mean, how the averages are taken (all men aged 18-60?) etc. I guess if I come off cycle and I take this test and it's back at 25.1, I am good? I'll ask my doc next week when I see him (he's a hard guy to get a hold of)

Free Testosterone - I'm not sure what this is for. Neither did the nurse at the blood test lab, nor the receptionist at my Dr. office. From my understanding, it's a small number compared to total test. Can someone elaborate?

Sensitive E2 Assay - Is this estrogen levels in the body? The purpose is to find out the number pre-cycle, then adjust AI doseage accordingly to get the number as close as possible to pre-cycle results? This one seems like an important one, to prevent a lot of shitty side effects.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - To monitor damage to liver and kidneys? Monitor Blood pressure? Which are all side effects from AAS.

Leutinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone - These are relating to your reproductive organs, libido etc? To be compared pre and post cycle, so this is to make sure they are not out of whack with the average levels they were pre-cycle? Does anyone know these average levels?

Lipid Profile - Is this to make sure your cholesterol isn't high after cycle? A known side effect of AAS. Personally, my test about 6 months ago my cholesterol was "amazing" according to the Dr., so hopefully after cycle the levels are still "amazing".


Well, try not to criticize and berate me too much for not knowing **** all, trying to understand it in the simplest terms possible. So please explain things in simple terms!

Thanks a lot!

[MikeShlort]

**** anyone gonna chime in or am I just totally ****ed?

[qscgugcsq]

testo free is way more important than total...

testos free is the testosterone who is active in your body.
even if you have 100(on a scale of 7-28) you may still have low test symptoms if your free test is low.
so total test dont mean much...

sensitive estradiol is to be sure that your estrogen is under control, when you are off cycle their should not be a problem.
but on cycle with aromatizing steroids their is risk to be high.

lh/fsh is what makes your testies produce test.
if they are low you are likely to have low test.
but if your free test is ok then its fine.

[MikeShlort]

testo free is way more important than total...

testos free is the testosterone who is active in your body.
even if you have 100(on a scale of 7-28) you may still have low test symptoms if your free test is low.
so total test dont mean much...

sensitive estradiol is to be sure that your estrogen is under control, when you are off cycle their should not be a problem.
but on cycle with aromatizing steroids their is risk to be high.

lh/fsh is what makes your testies produce test.
if they are low you are likely to have low test.
but if your free test is ok then its fine.

Thanks guy

[lovbyts]

here is a little more in-depth description for you also.

http://forums.steroid.com/before-you...ood-tests.html

[MikeShlort]

here is a little more in-depth description for you also.

http://forums.steroid.com/before-you...ood-tests.html

Nice thanks

[hawk14dl]

You're actually pretty spot on, pouring it in layman's terms

[MikeShlort]

You're actually pretty spot on, pouring it in layman's terms

You're shitting me.

[MikeShlort]

pre cycle blood pressure - 110/70

Took my pre cycle BW today. Got 2 more lab requests for during and post. So I guess I'm g2g with my first dose of Test E. next wk?


Actually..... Can anyone tell me about hCG needles? Since it's just going into the fat, will a 1/2", 29 gauge insulin needle do or do I need something longer and thicker?

[JinAustin]

Great post;
Op regarding HCG and insulin needle, yes that will work.

[Testecha]

I had my blood work done just prior to this current Test E cycle that I started one week ago, from Life Extension.
My Free Testosterone is 743 ng/dL with a Ref-Interval of 348 to 1197
DHEA was 71.2 ug/dl with a Ref-Interval of 48.9 to 344.2,
Estradiol was 34.5 pg/ml with a Ref-Interval of 7.6 to 42.6.
PSA is 1.5 ng/ml
I am an older man (64) so what is the BEST way to get the DHEA up to higher levels? And my Estradiol down to the 10-30 pg/ml range.

[JinAustin]

Testecha: Could start with OTC supps DIM for E and DHEA supplements

[Testecha]

Thanks JinAustin,
I looked them up and it's worth a try.

[Testecha]

I have Nolva, and Clomid left over from my PCT of the last cycle, is it advisable to use either of these while in this current Test E cycle?

[JinAustin]

I was a bit unclear those would be used off cycle.
To manage e2 on cycle an AI should be used, nolva can be used on cycle if you are gyno prone to aid in combatting any flare up or to help reduce any if present.
Leave clomid for pct

[Testecha]

I was a bit unclear those would be used off cycle.
To manage e2 on cycle an AI should be used, nolva can be used on cycle if you are gyno prone to aid in combatting any flare up or to help reduce any if present.
Leave clomid for pct

Thank again

[hawk14dl]

You should also probably start your own thread for any future inquiries

[spacemon]

The way I understand it Free Testesosterone is the "unbinded" usable Testosterone and is actually the more important of the two readings. This is the testosterone that your body can use. Am I right?