Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below I've been lifting naturally with just protein powder. Now, however I want to try a cycle of superdrol. But I want to get my blood work checked first. What should I ask the doctor to do to make sure everything is covered from hdl, ldl, testosterone levels etc? Should I just do a regular physical exam or do I need to ask for something special.
Newbie Question-Getting Blood Work Done
- Thread starter muscles29
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aceofspades
New member
muscles29 said:
The typical tests done are:
Major Hormones:
· Testosterone (normal range: 300 - 1200 ng/dl)
· Free testosterone (normal range: 8.7 - 25 pg/ml)
· IGF-1 (normal range: 109 - 284 ng/ml)
· Estradoil (normal range: 5 - 53 pg/ml)
· DHEA/DHEA-s (normal range: 120 - 520 ug/dl)
Full Thyroid Panel:
· T4 (normal range: 4.5 - 12 ug/dl)
· T3 (normal range: 2.3 - 4.2 pg/ml)
· TSH (normal range: .350 - 5.500 uIU/ml)
Lipid Profile:
· Total Cholesterol (normal healthy range 100 - 199 mg/dl)
· HDL (normal range: 40 - 59 mg/dl)
· LDL (normal range: 0 - 99 mg/dl)
· Triglycerides (normal range: 0 - 149 mg/dl)
· C-reactive protein (< 2.0 mg/l)
· Homocycteine (normal range: 6.3 - 15 umol/L)
Major Liver Function:
· Alkaline Phosphate (normal range: 25 - 150 umol/L)
· GGT (normal range: 0 - 65 IU/L)
· SGOT (AST) (normal range: 0 - 40 IU/L)
· SGPT (ALT) (normal range: 0 - 40 IU/L)
· Total Protein (normal range: 6.0 - 8.5 g/dl)
· Albumin (normal range: 3.5 - 5.5 g/dl)
· Globulin (normal range: 1.5 - 4.5 g/dl)
· Albumin/Globulin Ratio (normal range: 1.1 - 2.5)
· Bilirubin, Total (normal range: 0.1 - 1.2 mg/dl)
Major Kidney Function:
· Creatinine (normal range: 0.5 - 1.5 mg/dl)
· BUN (normal range: 5 - 26 mg/dl)
· Creatinine/BUN ratio (normal range: 8 - 27)
Prostate Profile:
· PSA (normal range: 0.0 - 4.0 ng/dl)
GLOSSARY:
Lipid Panel: Used to determine possible risk for coronary and vascular disease. In other words, heart disease.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a sterol that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is a component of cell membranes and is necessary for the production of steroid hormones. It also plays a significant role in the occurrence of atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of arteries). There are several types of cholesterol including HDL, LDL and VLDL.
HDL: HDL is simply the "good" lipoprotein that acts as a scavenger molecule and prevents a buildup of material.
LDL: LDL is the "bad" lipoprotein which collects in arterial walls and causes blockage or a reduction in blood flow.
Triglycerides: Triglycerides are simply a form of fat that exists in the bloodstream. They're transported by two other culprits, VLDL and LDL. A high level of triglycerides is also a risk factor for heart disease as well. Triglycerides levels can be increased if food or alcohol is consumed 12 to 24 hours prior to the blood draw and this is the reason why you're asked to fast for 12-14 hours from food and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours.
Homocysteine: Homocysteine is formed in the metabolism of the dietary amino acid methionine. The problem is that it's a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. High levels may cause you to have a heart attack. A good number of lifters should be concerned with this value as homocysteine levels rise with anabolic steroid usage.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's present in the blood. When protein is metabolized, the end product is urea which is formed in the liver and excreted from the bloodstream via the kidneys. This is why BUN is a good indicator of both liver and kidney function. Increased levels can stem from shock, burns, dehydration, congestive hear failure, myocardial infarction, excessive protein ingestion, excessive protein catabolism, starvation, sepsis, renal disease, renal failure, etc. Causes of a decrease in levels can be liver failure, overhydration, negative nitrogen balance via malnutrition, pregnancy, etc.
Creatinine: Creatinine is a byproduct of creatine phosphate, the chemical used in contraction of skeletal muscle. The more muscle mass you have, the higher the creatine levels and therefore the higher the levels of creatinine. Also, when you ingest large amounts of beef or other meats that have high levels of creatine in them, you can increase creatinine levels as well. Since creatinine levels are used to measure the functioning of the kidneys, this easily explains why creatine has been accused of causing kidney damage, since it naturally results in an increase in creatinine levels. However, we need to remember that these tests are only indicators of functioning and thus outside drugs and supplements can influence them and give false results, as creatine may do. This is why creatine, while increasing creatinine levels, does not cause renal damage or impair function. Generally speaking, though, increased levels are indicative of urinary tract obstruction, acute tubular necrosis, reduced renal blood flow (stemming from shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis), as well as acromegaly. Decreased levels can be indicative of debilitation, and decreased muscle mass via disease or some other cause.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio: A high ratio may be found in states of shock, volume depletion, hypotension, dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and in some cases, a catabolic state. A low ratio can be indicative of a low protein diet, malnutrition, pregnancy, severe liver disease, ketosis, etc. An important thing to note again is that with a high protein diet, you'll likely have a higher ratio and this is nothing to worry about.
Total Protein: This measures the total level of albumin and globulin in the body.
Albumin: Albumin is synthesized by the liver and as such is used as an indicator of liver function. It functions to transport hormones, enzymes, drugs and other constituents of the blood.
Globulins: Globulins are the building blocks of your body's antibodies. Measuring the levels of these two proteins is also an indicator of nutritional status. Increased albumin levels can result from dehydration, while decreased albumin levels can result from malnutrition, pregnancy, liver disease, overhydration, inflammatory diseases, etc. Increased globulin levels can result from inflammatory diseases, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), iron deficiency anemia, as well as infections. Decreased globulin levels can result from hyperthyroidism, liver dysfunction, malnutrition, and immune deficiencies or disorders. As another important side note, anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and insulin can all increase protein levels.
Bilirubin: Bilirubin is one of the many constituents of bile, which is formed in the liver. An increase in levels of bilirubin can be indicative of liver stress or damage/inflammation. Drugs that may increase bilirubin include oral anabolic steroids (17-AA), antibiotics, diuretics, morphine, codeine, contraceptives, etc. Drugs that may decrease levels are barbiturates and caffeine. Non-drug induced increased levels can be indicative of gallstones, extensive liver metastasis, and cholestasis from certain drugs, hepatitis, sepsis, sickle cell anemia, cirrhosis, etc.
Alkaline Phosphate: This enzyme is found in very high concentrations in the liver and for this reason is used as an indicator of liver stress or damage. Increased levels can stem from cirrhosis, liver tumor, pregnancy, healing fracture, normal bones of growing children, and rheumatoid arthritis. Decreased levels can stem from hypothyroidism, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and excess vitamin B ingestion. As a side note, antibiotics can cause an increase in the enzyme levels.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase, previously known as SGOT): This is yet another enzyme that's used to determine if there's damage or stress to the liver. It may also be used to see if heart disease is a possibility as well, but this isn't as accurate. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, AST levels can rise to a very high level (20 times the normal value). This happens because AST is released when the cells of that particular organ (liver) are lysed. The AST then enters blood circulation and an elevation can be seen. Increased levels can be indicative of heart disease, liver disease, skeletal muscle disease or injuries, as well as heat stroke. Decreased levels can be indicative of acute kidney disease, beriberi, diabetic ketoacidosis, pregnancy, and renal dialysis.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase, previously known as SGPT): This is yet another enzyme that is found in high levels within the liver. Injury or disease of the liver will result in an increase in levels of ALT. However, because lesser quantities are found in skeletal muscle, there could be a weight-training induced increase . Weight training causes damage to muscle tissue and thus could slightly elevate these levels, giving a false indicator for liver disease. Still, for the most part, it's a rather accurate diagnostic tool. Increased levels can be indicative of hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, cirrhosis, cholestasis, hepatic tumor, hepatotoxic drugs, and jaundice, as well as severe burns, trauma to striated muscle (via weight training), myocardial infarction, mononucleosis, and shock.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): PSA is produced by normal, hyperplastic, and cancerous prostatic tissue. Serum PSA has been found to be the most sensitive marker for monitoring individuals with prostate cancer and to enhance efficacy in monitoring progression of disease and response to therapy.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): A test that measures the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood. This test is used to detect diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and kidney; and to differentiate liver or bile duct (hepatobiliary) disorders from bone disease. GGT participates in the transfer of amino acids across the cellular membrane and in glutathione metabolism. High concentrations are found in the liver, bile ducts, and the kidney.
GGT is measured in combination with other tests. In particular, ALP is increased in hepatobiliary disease and bone disease. GGT is elevated in hepatobiliary disease, but not in bone disease. So, a patient with an elevated ALP and a normal GGT probably has bone disease, not hepatobiliary disease.
Estradiol: This being the most potent of the estrogens, I'm sure you're all aware that it can be responsible for things like water retention, hypertrophy of adipose tissue, gynecomastia, and perhaps even prostate hypertrophy and tumors. As a male it's very important to get your levels of this hormone checked for the above reasons. Also, it's the primary estrogen that's responsible for the negative feedback loop which suppresses endogenous Testosterone production. So, if your levels of estradiol are rather high, you can bet your ass that you'll be hypogonadal as well.
Increased estradiol levels can be indicative of a testicular tumor, adrenal tumor, hepatic cirrhosis, necrosis of the liver, hyperthyroidism, etc.
Thyroid (T3, T4 Total and Free, TSH)
T3 (Triiodothyronine): T3 is the more metabolically active hormone out of T4 and T3. When levels are below normal it's generally safe to assume that the individual is suffering from hypothyroidism. Drugs that may increase T3 levels include estrogen and oral contraceptives. Drugs that may decrease T3 levels include anabolic steroids/androgens as well as propanolol (a beta adrenergic blocker) and high dosages of salicylates. Increased levels can be indicative of Graves disease, acute thyroiditis, pregnancy, hepatitis, etc. Decreased levels can be indicative of hypothyroidism, protein malnutrition, kidney failure, Cushing's syndrome, cirrhosis, and liver diseases.
T4 (Thyroxine): T4 is just another indicator of whether or not someone is in a hypo or hyperthyroid state. It too is rather reliable but free thyroxine levels should be assessed as well. Drugs that increase of decrease T3 will, in most cases, do the same with T4. Increased levels are indicative of the same things as T3 and a decrease can be indicative of protein depleted states, iodine insufficiency, kidney failure, Cushing's syndrome, and cirrhosis.
Free T4 or Thyroxine: Since only 1-5% of the total amount of T4 is actually free and useable, this test is a far better indicator of the thyroid status of the patient. An increase indicates a hyperthyroid state and a decrease indicates a hypothyroid state. Drugs that increase free T4 are heparin, aspirin, danazol, and propanolol. Drugs that decrease it are furosemide, methadone, and rifampicin. Increased and decreased levels are indicative of the same possible diseases and states that are seen with T4 and T3.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Measuring the level of TSH can be very helpful in terms of determining if the problem resides with the thyroid itself or the pituitary gland. If TSH levels are high, then it's merely the thyroid gland not responding for some reason but if TSH levels are low, it's the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that has something wrong with it. The problem could be a tumor, some type of trauma, or an infarction. Drugs that can increase levels of TSH include lithium, potassium iodide and TSH itself. Drugs that may decrease TSH are aspirin, heparin, dopamine, T3, etc. Increased TSH is indicative of thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and congenital cretinism. Decreased levels are indicative of hypothyroidism (pituitary dysfunction), hyperthyroidism, and pituitary hypofunction.
norsemuscle
New member
Pro-hormones suck, they are worse for you than real gear and dont work very well.
justinjones1963
New member
If you have insurance go see your doc and tell him you want a complete blood panel done (including test levels).
If you wish to have more privacy go online and find a local center to get your lab work done. I use http://www.questdiagnostics.com/ Register online, visit the local clinic, and then check results online in a few days.
http://www.lab-safe.com/ is also another company you can you. It is confidential and safe...and very easy. Costs for both are listed on the site.
What I do is get my annual physical done by my doc and try to get that scheduled at the front end of my planned cycle. I hit the online lab when I am finished with my PCT. No need to have fucked up blood work in my medical records but I have been blessed to have been healthy after my cycles (knock on wood!)
Good luck!
If you wish to have more privacy go online and find a local center to get your lab work done. I use http://www.questdiagnostics.com/ Register online, visit the local clinic, and then check results online in a few days.
http://www.lab-safe.com/ is also another company you can you. It is confidential and safe...and very easy. Costs for both are listed on the site.
What I do is get my annual physical done by my doc and try to get that scheduled at the front end of my planned cycle. I hit the online lab when I am finished with my PCT. No need to have fucked up blood work in my medical records but I have been blessed to have been healthy after my cycles (knock on wood!)
Good luck!
aceofspades
New member
muscles29 said:
I went through the Multi Service Network for my blood work. They do not require you to go through your doctor.
http://www.themultiservicenetwork.com/index.php
justinjones1963
New member
muscles29 said:
Damn...I just went to their site and now it looks like you need to go through a HC provider. I got mine done with them in January and didn't need that.
Hit the other sites listed above. I am going to call Quest and see what the hell happened.
missionpossible
New member
Yeah, Quest changed their services, they quit offering lab work to the public in the spring this year. Another good site to get your testing done without a Dr. is www.directlabs.com
solidspine
New member
Have all the tests recommended by aceofspades,
and then ask to make sure you don’t have hepatitis, meningitis, or AIDS.
Because if your going to simply dye don’t waste your money on a cycle, go to Maui and have a blast.
and then ask to make sure you don’t have hepatitis, meningitis, or AIDS.
Because if your going to simply dye don’t waste your money on a cycle, go to Maui and have a blast.
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