AASUser24
Member
Hey everyone! Just recevied a great question how to read blood work results, decided to make a post. Honestly props for even asking — too many guys skip this part and just "go by feel," which can be misleading. Reading blood work isn’t about being a doctor, it’s about knowing what to look for and what those numbers mean in context.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how I personally approach it:
1. Don’t just look at what's "in range" — look at what’s optimal.
Lab reference ranges are based on the general population, not athletes or enhanced individuals. For example, a testosterone level of 350 ng/dL might technically be “normal,” but you’ll probably feel like garbage there — especially if you’ve ever run higher.
2. Always look at ratios, not just individual values.
Testosterone-to-Estradiol ratio is a big one. You could have normal estrogen levels, but if your testosterone is low, that ratio might still cause estrogenic symptoms. I usually feel best when my E2 is around 20–35 pg/mL, with total test around 800–1200+ (TRT level or higher depending on where I’m at in a cycle).
3. Key markers I always check:
4. Track trends over time.
One blood test means little in isolation. What matters is how your markers move across weeks/months. I save all my results and compare side-by-side before/after cycles, during PCT, and while cruising.
5. When in doubt, ask.
If you're unsure about any values, get a second opinion — either from an experienced coach, someone who understands PEDs, or ideally a TRT-savvy doctor. There are also communities that help interpret bloods from a bodybuilding perspective.
Bottom line — don’t fear blood work. It’s your best tool for staying healthy while making progress. If you’re going to take the enhanced route, take responsibility for your health the same way you do for your training and diet.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how I personally approach it:
1. Don’t just look at what's "in range" — look at what’s optimal.
Lab reference ranges are based on the general population, not athletes or enhanced individuals. For example, a testosterone level of 350 ng/dL might technically be “normal,” but you’ll probably feel like garbage there — especially if you’ve ever run higher.
2. Always look at ratios, not just individual values.
Testosterone-to-Estradiol ratio is a big one. You could have normal estrogen levels, but if your testosterone is low, that ratio might still cause estrogenic symptoms. I usually feel best when my E2 is around 20–35 pg/mL, with total test around 800–1200+ (TRT level or higher depending on where I’m at in a cycle).
3. Key markers I always check:
- Total Test & Free Test – Free Test is what your body can actually use.
- Estradiol (Sensitive Assay) – Make sure it’s the sensitive one, especially for men.
- LH / FSH – Good to check if you're off-cycle or assessing PCT recovery.
- Prolactin – Especially important if you're using 19-nors (like Deca or Tren).
- SHBG – Affects how much free test is available.
- Lipid panel – AAS can trash your HDL. I try to keep HDL above 40 and watch LDL closely.
- AST/ALT (Liver enzymes) – Especially if you’ve been running orals or other hepatotoxic compounds.
- Hematocrit / Hemoglobin / RBC – High test = thick blood. I donate every few months to keep this in check.
4. Track trends over time.
One blood test means little in isolation. What matters is how your markers move across weeks/months. I save all my results and compare side-by-side before/after cycles, during PCT, and while cruising.
5. When in doubt, ask.
If you're unsure about any values, get a second opinion — either from an experienced coach, someone who understands PEDs, or ideally a TRT-savvy doctor. There are also communities that help interpret bloods from a bodybuilding perspective.
Bottom line — don’t fear blood work. It’s your best tool for staying healthy while making progress. If you’re going to take the enhanced route, take responsibility for your health the same way you do for your training and diet.
