---------------------
GET FREE CYCLE ADVICE
---------------------

For those using anabolic steroids, regular blood tests become even more critical. Steroids can significantly alter the body's natural hormone balance and impact vital organs, such as the liver and heart. Monitoring hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estradiol, helps in adjusting dosages to minimize adverse effects. Additionally, blood tests can identify elevated liver enzymes, cholesterol imbalances, or changes in red blood cell counts, which are potential indicators of harmful side effects. Regular monitoring through blood tests ensures that any negative impact of steroid use is identified early, allowing for corrective actions to be taken to protect long-term health.

HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE A BLOOD TEST

A number of analyzes are done on an empty stomach. For example, biochemical (glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, etc.), hormones (TSH, parathyroid hormone), etc. ‘Fasting’ is when at least 8 hours pass between the last meal and blood sampling (preferably at least 12 hours). Juice, tea, coffee, especially with sugar, are also food, so you have to be patient. You can drink water.

  • It is advisable to exclude fatty, fried and alcohol from the diet 1-2 days before the test. If there was a feast day before, postpone the laboratory test for 1-2 days.
  • Refrain from smoking one hour before taking blood.
  • The content of many tests in the blood is subject to daily fluctuations, therefore, for several studies, blood should be taken strictly at a certain time of the day. So, blood for some hormones (TSH and parathyroid hormone), as well as for iron, is taken only until 10 a.m.
  • When doing a venous blood test, it is necessary to exclude factors that affect the results of the research: physical stress (running, climbing stairs), emotional arousal. Therefore, before the procedure, you should rest for 10-15 minutes in the waiting room, calm down.
  • Blood is taken for analysis before taking medications (for example, antibacterial and chemotherapeutic drugs) or not earlier than 10-14 days after they are cancelled.
  • Blood should not be taken after X-rays, rectal examinations, or physical therapy procedures.
  • 24 hours before testing for sex hormones, there should be sexual abstinence.
  • Eliminate physical activity for 48 hours.

HOW TO FIND A LAB

Very often athletes face the problem that they cannot find a place where they can do blood tests. Most people sign up for their therapist, wait for a very long time, and by the time his turn comes, a lot of time has already passed. This approach is completely unsuitable if you intend to reduce all the risks of side effects during the cycle.

The second difficulty is that not all therapists want to assign you the list of tests that you need. Many people do not tell their doctors that they use PEDs, and according to this doctor, your requests to check estradiol and total testosterone may seem unreasonable. Most often, doctors agree to a general blood test and biochemical profile, but do not consent to sex hormone tests.

In this case, we recommend that you find private clinics and laboratories where a doctor's appointment is not necessary at all. There are such laboratories in almost every country. You can come there with a list of tests that you want to receive, pay money and in the near future the tests will come to you by email or in printed form. Many people do not know about such laboratories and therefore get a lot of difficulties to persuade the doctor to do the necessary tests, as well as wait a lot of time until you get them

We recommend that you find out about the availability of such laboratories in your country and region on forums dedicated to the topic of PEDs or telegram channels. 

BLOOD TESTS BEFORE CYCLE

We strongly recommend that you take blood tests before you start a cycle of anabolic steroids. This is done to understand the initial values of the level of your hormones and other markers, and identify possible health problems. If any of the indicators will be higher or lower than the norm, we advise you to first deal with this problem and find out the reasons. If the results of the tests before the cycle are within normal values, then this is a good sign that you can start your cycle.

Initially, it is advisable to do all the tests listed below in order to be more likely to see possible problems before the start of the cycle. Most likely, you have never fully examined your body before, so there is a high chance that you will detect some abnormalities.

Further, during the cycle and after, you will take only the most necessary indicators. 

The extensive list of tests given below will most likely reveal problems related to your health. We recommend that you contact a specialist in advance, who will be able to comment on the results and send them for further diagnosis in order to determine the problem more accurately or recommend treatment with medications and dietary supplements and possibly lifestyle changes if necessary.

What should I do if a deviation from the norm is detected during the examinations? For example, during blood donation, you will find elevated total cholesterol in the blood. This will mean that before the start of the cycle, you should solve this problem and only after your cholesterol drops to normal values with the help of corrections – you will be able to resort to taking anabolic steroids. Also, if any other deviations from the norm are detected – first you solve this problem, and only after, under the guidance of a specialist, you begin your cycle. Subsequently, during the cycle and after it, you will need to monitor the indicators that were outside the norm during the first examination. 

Hematology

Hematological tests are blood tests which provide information about the quantitative and qualitative composition of blood. The main hematological study is a general (clinical) blood test, the results of which reflect the general condition of the body, provide the doctor with information about the nature of hematopoiesis. The analysis is used to diagnose inflammatory processes, anemia, leukemia and many pathological conditions.

  • Complete blood count
  • Ferritin
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid
  • Iron

Biochemistry 

Allows you to evaluate the work of internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, etc.), get information about metabolism (metabolism of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates), find out the need for trace elements.

  • Bilirubin – overall
  • ALT
  • AST
  • GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
  • Alpha amylase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • KFK- Creatine Kinase
  • Acid Phosphatase
  • Lipase
  • Urea
  • Creatinine
  • Uric acid
  • Overall Protein
  • Albumin

Glucose regulation

A biochemical study which is used to diagnose and control diabetes mellitus and other diseases associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Persistently elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious health consequences. Type 2 diabetes is preceded by a state of insulin resistance, which is expressed in an increased level of insulin in the blood, while glucose is still normal. This is the period when dietary adjustments and the addition of physical activity can reverse the course of the disease and prevent the onset of diabetes. Most people live in this state for many years and then resort to lifelong use of insulin and strict diets when diabetes is eventually diagnosed. Diabetes itself significantly impairs a person’s daily well- being and increase the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular complications.

  • C-Reactive Protein - A highly sensitive and non-specific marker of active inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Glucose
  • Glycolyzed hemoglobin
  • Insulin
  • HOMA IR

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are mineral compounds that can conduct an electrical charge. Being in tissues and blood in the form of salt solutions, they help to move nutrients into cells and remove metabolic products from cells, maintain their water balance and the necessary level of acidity.

  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium

Lipids

This is a blood test, during which the content of lipids (otherwise – fats) of different tractions in the blood serum is determined. Knowing your lipid profile is necessary for everyone who cares about the health of their cardiovascular system and wants to reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease, as well as those who are undergoing treatment.

  • Overall Cholesterol
  • High density cholesterol (HDL)
  • Low density cholesterol (LDL)
  • Triglycerides

Sex hormones

Sex hormones affect many body systems. With hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders, erections, loss of muscle mass and strength, fat accumulation, and infertility can occur. Sex hormones can even influence the psycho-emotional state due to their impact on the psyche. Sex hormones are those tests that interest us primarily before the start of the steroid cycle. Knowing your hormone levels- we will try to bring them back after you complete the cycle.

  • Prolactin
  • Estradiol
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Overall testosterone
  • SHBG – sex hormone binding globulin
  • DHT
  • DHEA

Thyroids 

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism, critical functions of the human body: respiration and body temperature, heart rate and functions of the nervous system- central and peripheral; muscle strength and body weight; cholesterol levels and much more. With a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones, the heart rate can become significantly lower than normal. Low levels of T3 and T4 are often the cause of constipation and weight gain, even with moderate food intake: hormones regulate metabolism and bowel function. Lack of T4 leads to a decrease in mental activity, the ability to concentrate and study.

  • TSH - Thyrotropic Hormone
  • Free T3
  • Free T4

Prostate

This indicator is used in complex diagnostics for suspected prostate cancer, as well as when observing a patient as a marker of the progression of an already diagnosed disease.

  • PSA – Prostate-specific antigen
  • Free PSA

Other tests

  • Cystatin C
  • Homocysteine is a sulfur–containing amino acid of blood plasma. With high levels of homocysteine, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis increases.
  • Vitamin D3
  • IGF-1

MINIMUM LIST OF BLOOD WORK BEFORE CYCLE 

If you ask how many tests you need to do before the start of the cycle, then we recommend that you make the entire list. But of course, it is quite expensive, so below we will give a minimal list that it is desirable to know before you start the cycle. In the future, while you are monitoring the mandatory blood markers during the cycle, we recommend that you include several blood tests there each time that you have never done before (from the list above).

  • Total Testosterone
  • SHBG
  • Estradiol
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Prolactin
  • PSA
  • CBC (Complete blood count)
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Glucose
  • Glycolyzed hemoglobin

  • Bilirubin – overall

  • ALT
  • AST
  • GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
  • High density cholesterol (HDL)
  • Low density cholesterol (LDL)
  • Triglycerides
  • TSH- Thyrotropic Hormone
  • Free T3
  • Free T4
  • Homocysteine

BLOOD TESTS DURING THE CYCLE

Let's list all the necessary tests while taking anabolic steroids. It is not always advisable to take such a list of tests too often, but once in a certain period (it is better that this period is prescribed by a specialist who advises you), you should definitely monitor these indicators and observe any deviations that will have to be controlled by adjusting dosages, or using additional means used during the cycle.

Depending on which indicators will go beyond the normal values, you or your specialist, after a while, will understand what it is worth paying closer attention to specifically in your case. These indicators will need to be taken quite often (sometimes every few weeks) to have an idea about their changes and how these changes are affected by the drugs used for correction. Any change of drugs or addition of drugs will be an unambiguous reason to take tests again. Most often, anabolic steroids tend to overstate or underestimate some of the above indicators. These markers, when the values increase or decrease, may lead to side effects that you will have to cope with. 

MINIMUM LIST OF BLOOD WORK DURING THE CYCLE 

This is a minimal list of what you need to know during the cycle, provided that you did the rest of the tests before the start of the cycle and you had no problems with other indicators. In this case, you can use this minimal list of tests. But in any case, once every 6 months, we recommend doing a complete list of all tests to see any changes in your body. 

If you had other blood markers elevated or lowered before the start of the cycle, then you should have solved the problems with them before the cycle, or if the specialist allowed you to start the cycle without normalizing these blood markers, then you should include these tests to the minimum list to see the dynamics of changes.

Some blood tests you will need to do less often, some more often. It will depend on your cycle, medications and individual characteristics.

  • Total Testosterone
  • Estradiol
  • Prolactin
  • CBC (Complete blood count) with Hematocrit
  • ALT
  • AST
  • GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
  • Bilirubin
  • High density cholesterol (HDL)
  • Low density cholesterol (LDL)
  • Triglycerides
  • Homocysteine

Total testosterone

It is worth taking just once in the course to roughly determine the level of your testosterone when taking AS and then adjust the dosage to achieve the desired level of this hormone. Further, we will be interested in the level of total testosterone only during the PCT and after its completion in order to come to its normal level, which was before the start of the cycle

Estradiol

An increase in this hormone leads to excess fluid retention (edema), to unstable psycho-emotional states (excessive sensitivity, irritability), accumulation of fat, gynecomastia, acne.

Too low level of estradiol leads to the following problems: the effectiveness of the cycle decreases, an increased risk of injury to the articular-ligamentous apparatus, bone fragility.

Prolactin

Elevated prolactin levels can negatively affect your general emotional state, can significantly reduce libido, increase the risk of gynecomastia, especially with high levels of estradiol. High PCT prolactin will interfere with testosterone recovery.

Too low prolactin leads to a decrease in immunity.

Complete blood count (CBC)

This is the most common analysis, which is widely used for examination in most disease. Changes occurring in the blood must often reflect the processes occurring in the whole organism. Serves as a toll for determining the specific and non- specific protection of the body from external and internal pathogenic agents, as well as is in the implementation of typical pathological processes (for example, inflammation).

Hematocrit

Steroids increase the number of red blood cells, their hemoglobin content and the hematocrit value. The more red blood cells, the thicker the blood, which means it becomes harder for the heart to pump it. The more red blood cells, the more likely they are to stick together, forming a blood clot. High hematocrit values (≥ 52-54%) are synonymous with ‘thick blood’. But in addition to the three mechanisms mentioned above, steroids, as already mentioned, affect blood clotting factors, which again increase it density. This, in turn, increase the likelihood of thrombosis. Especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Also, an excessive increase in the number of red blood cells entails a decrease in the ability to transport oxygen to tissues.

High density cholesterol (HDL)

It provides the processing and removal of fats from the body, so they are called “good cholesterol”. HDL exhibit anti-atherogenic effect (prevent the progress of atherosclerosis). Often on the AS cycle, high – density cholesterol levels are underestimated. Depending on how low the values are, measures should be taken to normalize it.

Low density cholesterol (LDL)

On the cycles of AS, this type of cholesterol is often overestimated, which in the long term can adversely affect the cardiovascular system. This type of cholesterol when it is excessively increased must be reduced with statins.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are called fats, which are a source of energy for humans. Contained in human adipose tissue and partly in the blood. When food enters the body, their level temporarily increases and decreases during the process of digestion and assimilation by the body. Some of them are absorbed in the intestines and used for energy, and the unused part is deposited in adipose tissue, from where it is taken as needed. When overall blood fat levels are too high, there is a risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A statin may be prescribed by a specialist to lower triglyceride levels. Moderate exercise and diet are good for bringing triglycerides back to normal levels.

ALT, AST

Enzymes produced by cells of the liver, skeletal muscle and heart. Most often, when it comes to liver health, they pay attention to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). ALT and AST are not only indicative of damage to liver cells – they may be elevated and with malfunctions of the kidneys or pancreas. Moreover, the damage to muscle fibers that often accompanies heavy strength training also leads to an increase in AST and ALT. A slight increased in AST and ALT is not yet a cause for concern, it is really worth worrying only when these figures exceed the norm by three or more times.

Gamma Glutamyltransferase (GGT)

GGT is present in liver cells and is released into the general bloodstream when these cells are damaged. High level of GGT (not even exceeding the upper permissible limit, but close to it)- clear evidence that the liver is not all right. High levels of GGT are observed with long- term use of high doses of oral AAS, as well as with alcohol abuse. A high level of GGT usually requires correction with hepatoprotections that promote the regeneration of liver cells.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin – both overall and direct – primarily indicate problems with the outflow of bile from the liver. First, you should pay attention to overall bilirubin- exceeding the upper limit of this indicator indicates either a violation of the outflow of bile or damage to liver cells. If the direct bilirubin is elevated, then the outflow of bile from the liver is seriously disturbed -jaundice is possible. Minor problems with the bile flow are usually corrected with TUDCA.

Homocysteine

A blood test for homocysteine is particularly important for individuals using anabolic steroids, as elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Anabolic steroids can contribute to higher homocysteine levels by altering liver function and affecting the metabolism of certain vitamins and amino acids, such as B12, B6, and folate, which are crucial in regulating homocysteine. Monitoring homocysteine levels helps in identifying potential cardiovascular risks early, allowing for dietary adjustments or supplementation to mitigate these risks and maintain heart health during steroid use.

EXAMPLE OF BLOOD TESTS

Below we will give an example of what blood tests might look like before and during a 12-week cycle, given that the athlete does not have any significant problems with some blood markers that need to be taken more often than in a standard situation.

Before the cycle

Total Testosterone, SHBG, Estradiol, LH, FSH, Prolactin, PSA, CBC (Complete blood count), C-Reactive Protein, Glucose, Glycolyzed hemoglobin, Bilirubin – overall, ALT, AST, GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase), High density cholesterol (HDL), Low density cholesterol (LDL), Triglycerides, TSH- Thyrotropic Hormone, Free T3, Free T4, Homocysteine

The 2nd week of the cycle

Estradiol, Prolactin

The 6th week of the cycle

Estradiol, Prolactin, ALT, AST, GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase), Bilirubin, High density cholesterol (HDL), Low density cholesterol (LDL), Triglycerides, Homocysteine

The 12th week of the cycle

Estradiol, Prolactin, ALT, AST, GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase), Bilirubin, High density cholesterol (HDL), Low density cholesterol (LDL), Triglycerides, Homocysteine.