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Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.

The causes of fatigue are multifactorial and could involve imbalances in several hormones. This panel includes most hormones and variables involved in the diagnosis and treatment of fatigue. Ordering this panel provides substantial cost savings when compared to ordering each test separately. The panel is useful for men and women. TESTS INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL: TOTAL AND FREE TESTOSTERONE, THYROID FUNCTION: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibodies, HEMOGLOBIN A1c, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test (Includes white, red cells and platelets), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), IRON, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity), FERRITIN, ADRENAL FUNCTION: Cortisol and DHEA-S

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. 

Renin, also known as angiotensinogenase, is an enzyme that the kidneys produce to regulate aldosterone production. It’s also essential in the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which maintains your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the primary of several endogenous members of the class of mineralocorticoids in humans. Aldosterone tends to promote sodium and water retention, and lower plasma postasium concentrations.

A single fasting growth hormone (GH) level is of limited value. The secretion of GH is episodic and pulsatile. GH has a half-life of 20 to 25 minutes. Testing for growth hormone deficiency or excess is best done as part of a dynamic test involving specific stimuli (see the online Endocrine Appendices: Growth Hormone Stimulation and Growth Hormone Suppression). Insulin-like growth factor-1 can also be useful in assessing growth hormone status.

The most complete of all blood test panels for men that include: Total and Free Testosterone, Ultra Sensitive Estradiol, IGF-1, Prolactin, DHT, DHEA-S, PSA, SHBG, Lipids, CBC, CMP, and Thyroid Function.

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.

This is a simple bodybuilder test panel for those who do not require Cystatin-C or GGT tests.  The panel includes:

• Complete Blood Count (Immune Cells, Red Blood Cells, and Hematocrit)
• Complete Metabolic Panel (Blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney and liver function)
• Lipids (LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides)
• Testosterone, Total LC/MS and Free Testosterone by Equilibrium Dialysis
• Ultrasensitve Estradiol (Only Test Accurate in Men)

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE ESTRADIOL TEST IN THE U.S. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that has been shown to more accurately measure estradiol in men and women than the old immunoassay-based test. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

The volume measurement, or hct blood test, is the proportion of blood that the red blood cells take up. Hemoglobin, on the other hand, is a density or concentration measurement and is expressed in grams per liter or deciliter. (Hemoglobin is, if you will recall from your high school biology, the iron-based protein that transports oxygen.) RBC is a simple count and is usually expressed as the number of million red blood cells that you have per microliter. Usually, hematocrit is three times the amount of hemoglobin.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases hematocrit in most men.  Read more about how to decrease hematocrit.

NOTE: Hematocrit is also part of the CBC panel, so there is no need to order separately if your order already includes CBC.