What Blood Tests to Monitor While on TRT?

Pharma TRT
1

I’m planning on doing TRT and since insurance won’t be covering it (where i am), i’m on my own. I have adequate knowledge on how to go about TRT but the thing that im stuck at is Blood Work. More specifically…What are the “important” tests that i should do (lets say every 3 months) just to see if everything is OK?
Now i know the standard recommended blood work…which is the following:

Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
SHBG
DHT
Estradiol (E2)
LH-Luteneizing Hormone
FSH-Folicle stimulating hormone
Prolactin
Cortisol
Thyroid Panel
CBC-complete blood count
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Lipid profile/panel

But i’m sure there are a lot (or some) tests on the list that will not be necessary to do for TRT purposes. I don’t really mind doing all of them but since i’m paying for it, it will add up to a lot of $$. So i am wondering what are the essential tests?

Thanks for any input guys!

2

LH/FSH are for pre-TRT diagnostics, not needed when on TRT as they will be shut down. Read the #@&! stickies.

Prolactin in pre=TRT diagnostic only, screening for another condition.

Cortisol is not needed if you feel like you manage stress well and have lots of energy. It is a morning cortisol test, please present at 8AM.

If you measure, FT, SHBG has no value.

Add PSA if over 40.

Do not do labs every 3 months, every 6 months. You will want an early test, at 2 months, to see where you are after you start.

When you ask for input, we need your age and a bunch of other crap. See the advice for new guys sticky.

3

First of…thanks a mil for your input! I’ve been looking for a breakdown like that for WEEKS!!
Apologies for not providing stats…

Age: 30
Height: 6’5
Weight: 200lb
Bf: %14

Total test: 387
E2: 13.7
That’s all i tested for

[quote]KSman wrote:
LH/FSH are for pre-TRT diagnostics, not needed when on TRT as they will be shut down.[/quote]

I plan on running HCG (maybe HMG as well) + AI with the TRT in order to maintain fertility as well as natty test. In this case, do i still not need to monitor LH/FSH or is there something else i should be monitoring for this purpose? Is it sufficient enough to do a sperm analysis?

[quote]KSman wrote:
Prolactin in pre=TRT diagnostic only, screening for another condition.[/quote]

Conditions relevant to TRT?

[quote]KSman wrote:
Cortisol is not needed if you feel like you manage stress well and have lots of energy. It is a morning cortisol test, please present at 8AM.

If you measure, FT, SHBG has no value.[/quote]

Nice!

Ok! I understand for a pre-TRT blood test…I should only do:

Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
DHT
Estradiol (E2)
Thyroid Panel
CBC
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Lipid profile

Prolactin (might not be necessary. But might be depending on what the conditions are)
Cortisol (I feel fine so i dont think this is necessary)

Is the above correct?

A few more questions. I’ll number them so it can be easy to answer…

  1. Is Lipid profile and CMP really necessary? How are they relevant to TRT?

  2. What about every 6 months. Do i still have to do all the above tests? Or are there some tests that i only have to do Pre-TRT and not every 6 months?

  3. According to the sticky, its not necessary to do LH/FSH during TRT…what if im trying to prevent total shutdown and maintain fertility? What should i check for?

4.I’m prone to baldness so i figure i should keep DHT as low as possible. Thats why im going the IM route. Therefore, im assuming i should monitor my DHT…is that correct?

  1. Finally… What tests do i have to do to tell me the CAUSE of my low test?

Two weeks of intensive search couldn’t answer these questions. Greatly appreciate it!

4

  1. Yes. Lipids can be impacted by testosterone (especially HDL lowering). CMC and CMP are also important, and I would include these in the 6 month bloodwork. They indicate things like liver function, red blood cell counts (TRT thickens your blood) and a few other markers. Plus they are just good for general health. Your general practitioner should be checking these independent of your TRT regimen.

  2. Taking adequate HCG will ensure you are not completely shut down. This dose is 250 iu 2-3x/week. If fertility is a concern, you can also test sperm count but not really much you can do about it if on TRT and not responding to HCG (I really doubt you want to include HMG full time–it is very expensive). I wouldn’t worry about this unless trying to conceive.

  3. Wrong. Keep E2 down. it is the high DHT combined with E2 issues that cause baldness and other issues. DHT is essential for proper sexual functioning.

  4. There are many. LH/FSH and Prolactin are indicated for males that have low TT (I think). This will determine if you are primary or secondary. If primary, there aren’t many options. SEcondary would give you some more options.

5

[quote]VTBalla34 wrote:

  1. Taking adequate HCG will ensure you are not completely shut down. This dose is 250 iu 2-3x/week. If fertility is a concern, you can also test sperm count but not really much you can do about it if on TRT and not responding to HCG (I really doubt you want to include HMG full time–it is very expensive). I wouldn’t worry about this unless trying to conceive. [/quote]

I AM actually planning on running HMG. Its $13 for a 75IU amp pharma grade. Only thing is, i cant find enough info on how to run it in conjunction with HCG.