Recommended blood tests
Sources:
Getting regular blood tests is highly recommended by to monitor overall health and optimize hormone levels. Here are the key blood tests he suggests:
Basic Blood Tests:
- Fasting Glucose
- Fasting Triglycerides
- HDL Cholesterol
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Total Cholesterol
- Waist Circumference
- Blood Pressure 1
Hormone-Related Tests:
- Testosterone (Total and Free)
- Estrogen (Estradiol)
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Cortisol (preferably morning levels)
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Progesterone and Prolactin (especially for women)
- IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
- LDL Cholesterol
- ApoB
- Creatinine (accounting for creatine intake) 2
Frequency of Testing:
- Teens to Mid-20s: Establish a baseline, ideally once during late teens and again by mid-20s.
- Mid-20s to 30s: Check every few years.
- 40 and older: Annually or as advised by a physician. 3
Specialized Recommendations:
- For those on supplements or with specific health concerns, get tested before starting any new regimen and retest after 4-8 weeks to monitor effects and side effects 4.
- For women, coordinate hormone testing with menstrual cycle phases for consistency 2.
These recommendations are useful to not only track general health but also to fine-tune any interventions for optimal performance. Always consult with a healthcare provider to interpret the results and decide on necessary actions.
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