Search results for: 'blog bodybuilder blood test panel'

Bodybuilders using testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have to be smart about maximizing benefits and minimizing short- and long-term side effects while exercising and eating effectively for proper muscle gain, fat loss, and quality of life.  Harm reduction is key especially in the presence of barriers to care caused by stigma and judgement from medical practitioners. Here is a list of 14 carefully selected lab tests and panels that are essential in maintaining proper health while improving body composition and strength: Hematocrit, Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), Cystatin C kidney test, eGFR kidney test, GGT liver test, Total Testosterone (LC/MS), Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration), Ultrasensitive Estradiol, Prolactin, DHT test (LC/MS), IGF-1 test (LC/MS), and ferritin. Fasting is required.

 

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This panel provides smart bodybuilders with information that can help minimize potential short- and long-term side effects and risks. This basic bodybuilder panel includes the following gold standard tests/panels: Cystatin C (the only accurate kidney function test for bodybuilders), hematocrit (blood viscosity factor), CMP (glucose, liver & kidney function, and electrolytes), total and free testosterone (LC/MS assay-no upper limit and no interference with anabolics), ultra-sensitive estradiol (the only accurate estradiol test for men), & lipid cholesterol panel. Fasting is required.

 

 

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The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. It is a common hematology test and is a non-specific measure of inflammation. To perform the test, anticoagulated blood is traditionally placed in an upright tube, known as a Westergren tube, and the rate at which the red blood cells fall is measured and reported in mm at the end of one hour. Elevated levels of ESR are usually found in people who have different types of diseases, such as autoimmune disease, anemia, kidney disease, cancer, and other health complications.

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This PCT after cycle panel is designed to measure the health and recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA) after attempting to normalize it spontaneously or with the use of Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) . PCT is prescribed by some physicians for men who stop testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or other androgens. Fasting is required for CMP (glucose test).

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The cystatin C test (which also includes estimated creatinine clearance eGFR) can be done along with the creatinine or creatinine clearance test in cases where those tests aren’t appropriate, such as patients taking creatine supplements for bodybuilding. These supplements can increase creatinine and decrease creatinine clearance, which can alarm doctors who fear kidney dysfunction.  This creatinine increase is not clinically relevant, but running a Cystatin C test can give physicians reassurance and allow the patient to keep taking that effective bodybuilding supplement. 

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The Anti-Mullerian Hormone ( AMH ) Test is used to assess ovarian function and menopausal status; in the evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or to evaluate the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment. Learn More