Why Bloodwork Matters Before and After a Cycle

Running a cycle—whether it's your first or your fifth—isn't just about the gains you make in the gym. It's about what’s happening under the hood: your endocrine system, cardiovascular health, liver and kidney function, and hormonal balance. And there’s only one way to objectively measure all of that: bloodwork.

Too many lifters rely on feel alone. They’ll notice strength going up or libido dropping and assume that’s enough data to manage a cycle. But the truth is, you can feel fine while your biomarkers are falling apart. Or worse, you can feel terrible post-cycle and have no idea which system is failing you.

“Monitoring biochemical markers is essential in athletes using anabolic steroids, not only to detect adverse effects but to guide post-cycle recovery and prevent long-term damage.”
— Kicman, British Journal of Pharmacology

Whether you're using testosterone alone or running a complex stack with orals, injectables, and ancillaries, your bloodwork tells the real story—before, during, and after the cycle.

This guide will walk you through:

• Which lab markers matter most (and which are a waste of time)

• When to test for the most accurate data

• How to interpret key ratios and red flags

• How to know when you're ready to start a cycle—or not recovered enough to start another

If you’re enhanced, aspiring to be, or coaching others who are, learning how to read and act on your labs is the single most important skill outside the gym. This is your manual for doing it right.

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The Core Blood Markers to Monitor

Whether you're planning a testosterone-only cycle or stacking multiple compounds, comprehensive bloodwork is non-negotiable. Below are the essential labs to monitor, along with what they tell you—and why they matter before, during, and after a cycle.

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1. Total Testosterone

• What it is: The sum of both free (active) and bound (inactive) testosterone in your blood.

• Why it matters: Baseline total T helps determine how suppressed or elevated you are post-cycle.

• Normal range: 300–1000 ng/dL (but optimal depends on age and SHBG).

“Total testosterone provides a broad measure of androgen status, but must be interpreted alongside SHBG and free testosterone.”
— Vermeulen et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab

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2. Free Testosterone

• What it is: The fraction of testosterone not bound to SHBG or albumin—this is the bioavailable portion.

• Why it matters: Free T is the best reflection of how much androgen is actually available to tissues.

• Normal range: 5–20 ng/dL (lab method-dependent).

Low free T after a cycle—even with normal total T—is a hallmark of elevated SHBG or ongoing suppression.

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3. SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)

• What it is: A liver-derived protein that binds to testosterone and estrogen.

• Why it matters: High SHBG = less free testosterone; low SHBG = androgen overload and metabolic risk.

• Normal range:

  • Men: 10–57 nmol/L

  • Women: 18–144 nmol/L

“SHBG regulates the availability of sex hormones and is a sensitive marker for both metabolic health and endocrine balance.”
— Rosner, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol

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4. Estradiol (E2, Sensitive Assay)

• What it is: The primary form of estrogen in men, converted from testosterone via aromatase.

• Why it matters: Balance is critical—too high = water retention, mood swings, gynecomastia; too low = joint pain, low libido, flat mood.

• Optimal range for men: 20–40 pg/mL (sensitive assay preferred over standard test).

Note: Aromatizing compounds (like testosterone enanthate or Dbol) drive E2 higher.

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5. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) & FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

• What they are: Pituitary hormones that signal the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.

• Why they matter: Low LH/FSH = suppression. These are your PCT recovery markers.

• Normal range:

  • LH: 1.7–8.6 mIU/mL

  • FSH: 1.5–12.4 mIU/mL

“Suppressed LH and FSH following steroid use indicates inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, often requiring post-cycle therapy for recovery.”
— Nieschlag et al., Endocrine Reviews

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6. Prolactin

• What it is: A hormone involved in sexual function and recovery. Elevated levels can suppress libido and testosterone.

• Why it matters: Certain 19-nor compounds (e.g., Nandrolone, Trenbolone) can spike prolactin.

• Normal range:

  • Men: 2–18 ng/mL

  • Women: 2–29 ng/mL

Symptoms of high prolactin: low libido, ED, anxiety, nipple sensitivity.

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7. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

• What it is: A potent androgen derived from testosterone via 5-alpha reductase.

• Why it matters: High DHT = strength and aggression; but also acne, hair loss, prostate stress.

• Normal range: 30–85 ng/dL

If you're using DHT-based compounds (e.g., Masteron, Anavar), or 5-alpha inhibitors (like finasteride), DHT levels are essential to track.

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8. Hematocrit & Hemoglobin

• What they are: Markers of red blood cell concentration.

• Why they matter: AAS increase RBC count—good for oxygen delivery, but too much = blood thickening, clot risk, high BP.

• Normal range:

  • Hematocrit: 38–50%

  • Hemoglobin: 13.5–17.5 g/dL

“Supraphysiological testosterone increases erythropoiesis, elevating hematocrit and hemoglobin, which can increase thrombotic risk if unmanaged.”
— Basaria et al., JAMA

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9. Lipid Panel (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)

• Why it matters: Almost all oral and injectable steroids negatively affect cholesterol.

• Watch for:

  • Low HDL (<40 mg/dL)

  • High LDL (>130 mg/dL)

  • Elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL)

AAS like Winstrol and Superdrol are especially harsh on lipid profiles.

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10. Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT)

• Why it matters: Orals like Anadrol, Superdrol, and Dianabol stress the liver.

• Elevated AST and ALT indicate inflammation or hepatotoxicity.

• Normal range:

  • AST: 10–40 U/L

  • ALT: 7–56 U/L

“Monitoring hepatic transaminases is essential during oral anabolic use due to risk of hepatocellular stress and cholestasis.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine

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11. Kidney Function (Creatinine, BUN, eGFR)

• Why it matters: High protein diets, intense training, and certain compounds can stress renal function.

• Key markers:

  • Creatinine

  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

Creatinine may be elevated in lifters due to muscle mass—but big jumps should be evaluated further.

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12. Glucose, Insulin, and A1C

• Why it matters: Growth hormone, insulin, and bulking cycles can alter glucose control.

• Fasting glucose: <100 mg/dL

• Fasting insulin: 2–10 µIU/mL

• A1C: <5.7% (non-diabetic range)

Insulin resistance will lower SHBG and increase risk of long-term metabolic issues.

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Pre-Cycle Labs: Establishing Your Baseline

Before you start any cycle—whether it’s your first testosterone-only protocol or a stacked run with orals, 19-nors, and ancillaries—you need a baseline.

Why? Because if you don’t know where your hormone levels, lipids, liver values, and reproductive signals started, you won’t know what’s normal vs. what’s suppressed, stressed, or damaged later on. Baseline bloodwork is your hormonal fingerprint. It tells you:

• If you’re healthy enough to cycle

• What your endogenous testosterone production looks like

• Whether there’s underlying dysfunction that could be made worse by AAS use

• How aggressively you need to recover post-cycle

“Baseline bloodwork is essential to distinguish between pre-existing hormone levels and cycle-induced changes, particularly in long-term anabolic steroid users.”
— Kanayama et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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What to Test Before a Cycle

Here’s your minimum baseline panel (ideally taken 2–4 weeks before beginning a cycle):

Hormonal Panel

• Total Testosterone

• Free Testosterone

• SHBG

• Estradiol (sensitive assay)

• LH

• FSH

• Prolactin

• DHEA-S (adrenal function)

• DHT (if concerned about hair loss or prostate)

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Markers

• Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol)

• Fasting glucose

• Fasting insulin

• A1C (optional but useful for trend data)

• hs-CRP (inflammation marker, optional)

Liver and Kidney Function

• ALT, AST

• GGT (optional, for bile duct stress)

• Creatinine

• BUN

• eGFR

Other Important Labs

• CBC (complete blood count): to monitor red blood cell volume pre-cycle

• PSA (if over 35 or concerned about prostate health)

• TSH, Free T3, Free T4 (if any signs of thyroid dysfunction)

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Why These Labs Matter Before You Touch Gear

• Low SHBG or high prolactin before a cycle? You’re already dysregulated. That cycle’s going to make it worse.

• High hematocrit? You may be prone to thick blood, which increases clotting and blood pressure risks.

• Insulin resistance or low HDL? Orals will crush your lipid profile further.

• Suppressed LH/FSH before starting? You may already have hypogonadism—or be recovering from a prior cycle you thought you’d recovered from.

In short: pre-cycle labs protect your long-term health and enhance your post-cycle recovery strategy.

“Without pre-cycle labs, athletes risk confusing natural dysfunction with cycle-related suppression, potentially delaying proper treatment or PCT intervention.”
— Rahnema et al., World Journal of Men’s Health

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Intra-Cycle Monitoring: What to Watch and When

Running a cycle without intra-cycle bloodwork is like driving a supercar with the dashboard lights off. Just because you feel strong doesn’t mean your health markers aren’t quietly deteriorating.

Mid-cycle labs give you a real-time snapshot of how your body is handling the stress of anabolic use—especially with orals, high test doses, or compounds known for suppressive or hepatotoxic effects.

“Mid-cycle labs are essential to detect emergent risks such as erythrocytosis, hepatotoxicity, or lipid derangement that may not present symptomatically.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine

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When to Test During a Cycle

• Week 4–6 is the sweet spot for most 10–12 week cycles

• Test earlier (Week 3) if you’re using orals or running a high-dose stack

• If using long esters only, Week 6–7 may be more accurate

• If using short esters or aggressive compounds, test sooner (Week 2–4)

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What to Monitor Mid-Cycle

1. Hematocrit & Hemoglobin

• AAS stimulate red blood cell production (erythropoiesis)

• High values = viscous blood, clot risk, elevated BP

• Donate blood or reduce dose if HCT >52%

2. Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST)

• Especially important with oral AAS (e.g., Anadrol, Winstrol, Superdrol)

• Elevated levels can indicate hepatic inflammation or damage

• Consider NAC, TUDCA, or discontinuation if ALT/AST >2x upper limit

“Oral C-17α alkylated steroids are known to increase liver enzyme activity and hepatocellular strain.”
— Kicman, British Journal of Pharmacology

3. Lipid Panel

• Watch for crushed HDL (<40 mg/dL) and spiked LDL (>130 mg/dL)

• Orals and tren-based cycles are especially harsh on cholesterol

• Support with omega-3s like Swolverine Krill Oil

4. Estradiol (Sensitive Assay)

• Aromatizing compounds (Test E/C, Dbol, etc.) raise estrogen

• High E2 = mood swings, water retention, gynecomastia

• Low E2 = joint pain, flat libido, poor mood

• Adjust AI only based on sensitive assay, not symptoms alone

5. SHBG and Free Testosterone

• SHBG often drops mid-cycle (especially with orals), increasing free T

• Very low SHBG can cause erratic hormone activity or DHT/estrogen imbalance

• Helps assess overall androgenic load mid-cycle

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Optional Intra-Cycle Markers (Depending on Cycle Type)

• Prolactin: Especially with 19-nor compounds like Nandrolone or Trenbolone

• DHT: Useful if experiencing hair loss or prostate symptoms

• Creatinine & BUN: If using harsh compounds and high protein intake

• Glucose & Insulin: Especially if using GH or insulin in your stack

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Why Mid-Cycle Labs Protect You

• Catch red flags early (blood thickening, liver stress, crashed HDL)

• Adjust dose, support, or AI before symptoms escalate

• Prevent long-term cardiovascular, hepatic, or hormonal damage

“Routine intra-cycle bloodwork can mitigate the most dangerous complications of anabolic steroid use, including thrombotic events, hepatotoxicity, and endocrine collapse.”
— van Amsterdam et al., Human Psychopharmacology

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Post-Cycle Bloodwork: Assessing Suppression and Recovery

Finishing your last pin or pill doesn’t mean the cycle is over—it means the most important phase is beginning. Post-cycle bloodwork is where you find out whether you’ve recovered, whether your post-cycle therapy (PCT) worked, and whether your body is ready to return to baseline—or if you’re headed for long-term suppression.

Without post-cycle labs, you’re guessing. And when it comes to endocrine recovery, guessing is how guys end up on TRT at 28 with a dead libido and no motivation.

“Monitoring hormone levels post-cycle is essential to confirm recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and prevent long-term hypogonadism.”
— Rahnema et al., World Journal of Men’s Health

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When to Test After a Cycle

• 4–6 weeks post-cycle (after PCT concludes) is ideal for most protocols

• If no PCT was used, or if suppression was severe (Tren, Deca, Superdrol), test at weeks 6–8+

• If you plan to bridge or cruise, test pre-cruise and intra-bridge to assess stability

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What to Test After a Cycle

1. LH & FSH

• These are your recovery markers—if they’re still low, your natural production isn’t back online

• LH < 2.0 mIU/mL post-cycle = suppressed

• FSH recovery often lags behind LH—important for fertility

“Persistent suppression of LH and FSH post-cycle is indicative of incomplete HPG axis recovery and may require additional therapeutic support.”
— Nieschlag et al., Endocrine Reviews

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2. Total & Free Testosterone

• Your goal is to return to baseline pre-cycle levels (or better)

• Free testosterone is more important for function—if it’s still low with “normal” total T, suspect high SHBG

• If both are low, recovery is incomplete

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3. Estradiol (Sensitive Assay)

• Should fall back to normal post-cycle

• If still high, consider delayed aromatase clearance or under-recovered liver function

• If too low (especially after overusing AIs), expect poor libido, joint pain, and depression

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4. SHBG

• Often remains low after a cycle, especially if liver stress or insulin resistance is present

• If SHBG is elevated post-cycle, it may be binding up your free testosterone

• Address with ZMT, liver support, or metabolic optimization

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5. Prolactin

• Should normalize after 19-nor cycles (Tren, NPP, Deca)

• If still high, may require support (e.g., cabergoline, vitamin B6) or further recovery time

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6. Hematocrit & Hemoglobin

• Should decrease post-cycle, especially if orals and high-dose testosterone are discontinued

• If still elevated, consider donating blood or investigating underlying stress/inflammation

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7. Liver Enzymes & Lipids

• ALT, AST, and GGT should return to normal

• HDL may take time to recover—support with Krill Oil and diet

• LDL should fall as inflammation and androgen load decrease

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How to Know If Your PCT Worked

Your PCT worked if:

• LH/FSH are within normal range

• Free testosterone is comparable to your pre-cycle baseline

• E2 is balanced (not crashing or climbing)

• Symptoms of suppression are resolved (libido, energy, strength retention, mood)

If LH/FSH are still undetectable, or free testosterone is sub-baseline, you’re not recovered. Another round of PCT or a longer natural recovery period may be needed before considering another cycle.

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“Incomplete endocrine recovery following anabolic steroid use is common, particularly in long-term or high-dose users, and underscores the importance of objective biochemical monitoring.”
— Kanayama et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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How to Interpret Ratios and Red Flags

Running labs is only half the equation. The other half is knowing how to interpret what they mean in context—not just as individual numbers, but as relationships between markers.

Some of the most important clues in post-cycle or intra-cycle labs lie not in whether one hormone is "high" or "low," but how it relates to others. These ratios and patterns can uncover hidden suppression, unresolved stress, or mismanaged protocols—even when everything appears "in range."

“Hormone ratios, particularly between androgens and estrogens, and between total and free fractions, offer greater clinical insight than isolated values alone.”
— Vermeulen et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

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1. Free Testosterone to SHBG Ratio

Low free T despite high total T?
Your SHBG may be too high, binding up usable hormone.

What to look for:

• Free T < 10 ng/dL with SHBG > 45 nmol/L = poor androgen availability

• Total T > 700 ng/dL but low libido, motivation, or recovery = suspect SHBG imbalance

What it means:

• You’re not "low T"—you’re "high binder"

• May need to address liver function, stress, thyroid, or insulin sensitivity

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2. Testosterone to Estradiol (T:E2) Ratio

A common red flag in enhanced athletes—especially on high-dose test or during aggressive PCT.

What to look for:

• Ratio of Total T (ng/dL) to E2 (pg/mL) should fall between 15:1 and 30:1 for most men

• <10:1 = Estrogen dominance symptoms (bloat, mood swings, nipple sensitivity)

• 40:1 = Estrogen deficiency symptoms (joint pain, low mood, poor libido)

What it means:

• You’re either aromatizing too much (need AI adjustment) or crashing E2 (pull back AI)

“A balanced T:E2 ratio is more predictive of symptom control than absolute testosterone or estradiol levels alone.”
— Finkelstein et al., New England Journal of Medicine

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3. LH and FSH Recovery Patterns

Low LH + low FSH post-cycle?
Still suppressed. HPG axis not recovered.

Normal LH but low FSH?
Partial recovery—often seen after short PCTs or with clomiphene-only protocols.

What it means:

• You’re not ready for another cycle

• May need more time off, a second PCT, or investigation of pituitary suppression

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4. ALT, AST, and GGT Triad

Elevated liver enzymes are common on orals, but if they stay high after cessation, pay attention to trends:

• ALT > AST = typical steroid-related stress

• AST > ALT = possibly training-induced or rhabdomyolysis

• GGT elevated = deeper liver dysfunction (bile duct involvement)

What it means:

• High ALT/AST alone doesn’t equal liver failure—but monitor GGT and bilirubin for backup context

• L-Glutamine and Krill Oil can support liver recovery and inflammation

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5. HDL vs LDL (Atherogenic Profile)

Most orals crash HDL and spike LDL—what matters is how fast and how far they return to baseline.

HDL < 35 mg/dL post-cycle?
Your lipid profile is still damaged—hold off on another cycle.

LDL > 150 mg/dL post-cycle?
Flag for cardiovascular risk, especially if paired with high hematocrit.

“Persistent alterations in lipid profiles post-steroid use may elevate atherosclerotic risk, particularly in users without cardiovascular monitoring.”
— Sader et al., Atherosclerosis

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6. Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, and RBC Flags

Elevated mid-cycle = expected. Persistently high post-cycle = red flag.

Hematocrit > 52% + hemoglobin > 17.5 g/dL post-cycle?
You may need a therapeutic phlebotomy or to extend time off.

What it means:

• AAS have raised your red cell mass, increasing blood viscosity

• Elevated risk for stroke, hypertension, and vascular strain

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Common Bloodwork Mistakes and Misinterpretations

Even the most dialed-in lifters make mistakes when it comes to labs—and the consequences range from wasted time on ineffective PCT to unnecessary health risks. Knowing how to test is important. But knowing what not to do is just as critical.

“Errors in hormone interpretation often stem from failure to consider binding proteins, improper timing, or evaluating isolated values without clinical context.”
— Rosner, J Clin Endocrinol Metab

Here are the biggest bloodwork pitfalls you need to avoid:

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1. Only Testing Total Testosterone

Many men make the mistake of ordering only total testosterone, thinking it tells the whole story. It doesn’t.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Total T includes both bound and free testosterone. You could have “high” total T but low free T if SHBG is elevated.

• High SHBG = less usable hormone → symptoms of low T despite “good” numbers.

Fix: Always test free testosterone and SHBG alongside total T.

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2. Using the Wrong Estradiol Assay

Most commercial labs use the standard estradiol (E2) test, which can produce misleadingly high readings in men.

Why it’s a mistake:

• The standard E2 assay often cross-reacts with other molecules, inflating results.

• Men require the sensitive E2 (LC-MS/MS) assay for accurate readings.

Fix: Specify “estradiol, sensitive assay” or LC-MS/MS when ordering.

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3. Testing Too Soon Post-Cycle

If you run bloodwork 1–2 weeks after your last injection, you’re not measuring recovery—you’re measuring the tail end of exogenous hormone clearance.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Long esters like Test E or Cyp take 3–5 weeks to fully clear

• LH and FSH won’t rebound while exogenous hormones are still suppressing the HPTA

Fix: Test 4–6 weeks after your last pin, or 1–2 weeks after PCT ends for accurate recovery data.

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4. Panicking Over Slightly Elevated Liver Enzymes

If you’re training hard, especially with intense resistance or high-volume sessions, ALT and AST may be mildly elevated from muscle breakdown—not liver damage.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Lifters often misattribute elevated AST/ALT to AAS alone

• ALT > AST suggests liver strain; AST > ALT can be training-related

Fix: Test GGT and bilirubin for more liver-specific context. Reduce training for 3–5 days before testing if needed.

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5. Misusing Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) Based on “High” Estrogen

Too many athletes nuke estrogen the second they see a value above “normal.” But often, symptoms (bloat, mood swings, lethargy) aren’t from high E2—they’re from androgen/estrogen imbalance, high SHBG, or poor sleep/recovery.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Crushing E2 leads to joint pain, depression, libido loss, and impaired recovery

• Estrogen is critical for cardiovascular health, brain function, and libido in men

Fix: Only adjust AI if:

• E2 is high AND symptomatic

• You’re using the sensitive assay

• You’re also evaluating T:E2 ratio and SHBG

“Overuse of AIs in athletes can result in estrogen deficiency syndromes and unintended suppression of anabolic pathways.”
— Finkelstein et al., New England Journal of Medicine

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6. Ignoring Pre-Cycle Labs

You can’t assess recovery if you don’t know what your baseline was. Period.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Without pre-cycle data, you don’t know if your “recovered” T level is actually a rebound—or still suppressed

• You can’t compare post-cycle labs to anything meaningful

Fix: Always run comprehensive pre-cycle bloodwork (testosterone, LH/FSH, SHBG, E2, lipids, CBC, liver, kidney).

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7. Taking All Labs at Face Value

“Normal range” doesn’t mean optimal—especially for enhanced athletes. You can be “in range” but still symptomatic due to hormone ratios, binding protein levels, or clearance issues.

Fix: Interpret labs with context:

• Free vs total hormone ratios

• SHBG influence

• AI and SERM effects

• Recovery timeline

• Supplementation, hydration, training status

When in doubt? Work with a hormone-literate coach or provider.
→ The Swole Kitchen offers lab review and custom coaching tailored to enhanced athletes.:

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Optimal Timing: When to Test Before, During, and After Your Cycle

Getting bloodwork is only as valuable as when you run it. Poor timing leads to false reassurance, wasted money, or worse—misdiagnosed recovery status. Whether you're running a basic testosterone cycle or a complex stack, this timeline outlines exactly when to test, what to look for, and how to interpret changes across each phase.

“Precise timing of laboratory assessments is critical to distinguish between transient effects of AAS use and true recovery of endogenous hormone production.”
— Kanayama et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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1. Pre-Cycle Testing (2–4 Weeks Before Starting)

This is your baseline. You’ll compare all future labs to this set.

Test:

• Total and Free Testosterone

• LH, FSH

• SHBG

• Estradiol (sensitive)

• Prolactin

• Lipids (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

• ALT, AST, GGT

• Creatinine, BUN, eGFR

• CBC

• TSH, Free T3, Free T4 (optional)

• PSA (if over 35 or concerned about prostate)

Why:
To ensure you're healthy enough to cycle and to establish your hormonal fingerprint.

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2. Mid-Cycle Testing (Weeks 4–6 of a 10–12 Week Cycle)

This shows how your body is responding to the compounds—and catches issues before they become dangerous.

Test:

• Hematocrit, Hemoglobin

• ALT, AST, GGT

• Lipid panel

• Estradiol (sensitive)

• SHBG and Free Testosterone

• Prolactin (if running 19-nors)

• Creatinine, BUN

• Glucose, insulin (if using GH or insulin)

Why:
To detect red flags like high hematocrit, liver stress, or estrogen imbalance. Adjust dosages, AI, or support supplements if needed.

“Intra-cycle testing is a safety net to detect changes in hematology, hepatic markers, and lipid metabolism induced by AAS.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine

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3. Immediate Post-Cycle (Last Week of Cycle or PCT Week 1)

Optional—but useful if you want to see suppression in real time.

Test:

• Total Testosterone

• LH, FSH

• Estradiol

• SHBG

• Prolactin

• Hematocrit, Liver, Lipids (if you skipped mid-cycle testing)

Why:
To quantify suppression and prepare your PCT strategy accordingly.

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4. Recovery Assessment (4–6 Weeks After Cycle or PCT Completion)

This is your real post-cycle lab—where recovery (or lack thereof) becomes clear.

Test:

• LH, FSH

• Total and Free Testosterone

• SHBG

• Estradiol (sensitive)

• Prolactin

• Hematocrit

• Lipids

• ALT, AST, GGT

• CBC

• Glucose and insulin (especially if bulking)

Why:
To determine if your HPTA is recovering and whether your PCT was effective.

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Optional Additional Tests

For advanced users or longer-term planning:

• Week 8–10 Post-Cycle: Confirm that hormones are still trending upward

• Quarterly (if cycling regularly): Lipids, liver enzymes, kidney markers

• Before starting another cycle: Full baseline panel again

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Quick Timing Reference Chart

 

What to Do If Your Labs Are Out of Range

It’s not uncommon to see abnormal markers during or after a cycle—but what you do about them is what matters most. Reacting incorrectly (or not at all) can derail recovery, increase health risks, or prolong suppression.

This section outlines what to do when your bloodwork isn’t perfect—whether it’s hormone suppression, elevated liver enzymes, skewed cholesterol, or hematology flags.

“Intervention following abnormal steroid-induced lab results is critical to prevent irreversible damage and optimize recovery.”
— van Amsterdam et al., Human Psychopharmacology

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1. Low LH/FSH Post-Cycle

What it means: HPTA is still suppressed; PCT may have been insufficient, or esters haven't fully cleared.

What to do:

• Wait another 2–3 weeks, retest.

• If still suppressed, consider a second PCT protocol (Clomid and/or Nolvadex) or consult an HRT provider.

• Support naturally with ZMT (contains zinc, magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, and DIM).

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2. Free Testosterone Still Low (Even if Total T is Normal)

What it means: High SHBG is binding up usable testosterone.

What to do:

• Support liver health with L-Glutamine and Probiotics.

• Consider reducing alcohol, managing stress, optimizing thyroid function.

• Increase dietary fiber, omega-3s, and cruciferous vegetables.

• Recheck SHBG in 4–6 weeks.

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3. Estradiol Too High or Too Low

Too High:

• Reassess your AI dose—don’t crash E2.

• Increase zinc intake and sleep optimization.

• Reduce aromatizing dose (Testosterone, Dbol, etc.) if needed.

Too Low:

• Stop or reduce AI.

• Expect temporary low libido or dry joints—don’t panic.

“Estradiol suppression is often overcorrected, leading to symptomatology that mimics testosterone deficiency.”
— Finkelstein et al., NEJM

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4. Hematocrit > 52% or Hemoglobin > 17.5 g/dL

What it means: Blood viscosity is high, increasing clot risk.

What to do:

• Donate blood (check local Red Cross or blood bank)

• Reduce orals and test dose

• Increase water intake and add daily cardio (20–30 min LISS)

• Monitor blood pressure closely

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5. ALT/AST > 2–3x Upper Limit of Normal

What it means: Liver strain or possible hepatotoxicity—common with oral AAS.

What to do:

• Stop orals

• Supplement with NAC, TUDCA, or Krill Oil

• Eliminate alcohol

• Recheck in 2–4 weeks with GGT included

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6. HDL Crushed / LDL Elevated

What it means: AAS-induced dyslipidemia—especially with methylated orals or Tren.

What to do:

• Add Krill Oil (2–3g daily)

• Cut orals and increase cardio

• Prioritize monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado)

• Add soluble fiber (chia, flax, psyllium husk)

• Recheck every 4–6 weeks

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7. High Prolactin

What it means: Likely from 19-nor compounds (e.g., Tren, Deca, NPP).

What to do:

• Add vitamin B6 (P5P form) or mucuna pruriens

• If clinically high with symptoms: consult a physician about cabergoline

• Recheck post-PCT

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8. Creatinine or BUN Elevated

What it means: Could indicate kidney stress—or be training-related in muscular athletes.

What to do:

• Stop creatine supplementation for 7 days and retest

• Add hydration protocol

• If still high, run cystatin C or check eGFR to differentiate kidney function from muscle breakdown:

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The Role of Natural Support and PCT in Lab Recovery

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) isn’t just about starting Clomid and crossing your fingers. If you want to recover full hormonal function, normalize your blood markers, and protect your long-term health, you need a more holistic approach—one that goes beyond pharmaceuticals and incorporates natural support, lifestyle optimization, and strategic supplementation.

“Recovery from anabolic steroid use requires restoration of the HPTA axis, hormonal balance, and systemic health. Nutritional and supplemental interventions can significantly improve recovery outcomes.”
— Rahnema et al., World Journal of Men’s Health

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1. Support Testosterone Recovery Naturally

While SERMs like Clomid and Nolvadex stimulate LH/FSH to restart testosterone production, natural recovery compounds enhance sleep, lower cortisol, and support androgen synthesis from multiple angles.

Recommended:

• Swolverine ZMT – includes clinically dosed:

  • Zinc – supports testosterone and sperm production

  • Magnesium glycinate – supports sleep, recovery, insulin sensitivity

  • Ashwagandha – lowers cortisol, improves mood and T levels

  • Tongkat ali – increases free testosterone via SHBG modulation

  • DIM – aids in estrogen metabolism

  • GABA – improves sleep onset and recovery during PCT

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2. Restore Gut and Liver Function

AAS use can impair digestion, liver function, and nutrient absorption—especially when orals are involved. Supporting your gut-liver axis post-cycle helps your body metabolize excess estrogens, normalize cholesterol, and clear toxic byproducts.

Recommended:

• Swolverine L-Glutamine: repairs intestinal lining and reduces systemic inflammation

• Swolverine Probiotics: restores healthy microbiota and enhances micronutrient absorption

• Swolverine Colostrum: improves gut immunity and mucosal integrity, especially after stress or toxicity

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3. Correct Lipids and Inflammation

Post-cycle lipid panels are often severely skewed—HDL suppressed, LDL elevated, and triglycerides borderline. Even if your hormones recover, these markers can put long-term strain on your cardiovascular system.

Recommended:

• Swolverine Krill Oil: high in EPA/DHA + astaxanthin for cardiovascular, liver, and anti-inflammatory support

• Add fiber-rich foods (chia, oats, flax), olive oil, and plant sterols

• Moderate-dose cardio 3–4x/week

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4. Rebuild Endocrine Health with Smart Habits

In addition to supplements and PCT protocols, lifestyle matters more than most enhanced athletes want to admit.

Foundations:

• Sleep 7–9 hours/night — you won’t recover naturally if your REM is trashed

• Avoid alcohol and heavy stimulants — these wreck cortisol, liver, and estrogen metabolism

• Eat enough dietary fat — your body needs cholesterol to make hormones

• Lift smart — train hard but avoid CNS overreaching during recovery

• Get labs 4–6 weeks post-cycle — don’t assume recovery based on how you “feel”

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5. Consider Coaching for Personalized Recovery Plans

Lab results are only as useful as the action you take based on them. That’s where 1-on-1 coaching comes in—especially if you’re running multiple cycles, stacking compounds, or troubleshooting poor recovery.

→ The Swole Kitchen offers lab-based coaching for enhanced athletes and lifters.
We’ll help you:

• Interpret your bloodwork

• Build a custom recovery protocol

• Plan future cycles with health in mind

• Optimize training, macros, and hormone support

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Conclusion: Make Data Your Edge

Bloodwork doesn’t lie. And in the enhanced game, it’s the single most powerful tool you have for making informed decisions, preserving your health, and maximizing long-term results.

Most lifters will spend hours planning their stacks—but never look under the hood. They’ll guess at when recovery is complete. They’ll chase symptoms instead of solving problems. And eventually, they’ll pay the price.

But you’re not guessing anymore.

You now know:

• What to test before, during, and after your cycle

• How to read your numbers in context, not isolation

• When to adjust training, supplementation, or PCT

• And how to support your body naturally so you can come back stronger every time

“Objective hormonal and metabolic monitoring distinguishes the responsible performance athlete from the reckless one.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine

Let your labs guide your protocol. Let your recovery become part of your strategy—not an afterthought. This is how you build a physique that lasts—and a system that performs year after year.

For full recovery coaching, bloodwork review, or to create a long-term enhancement plan, apply at The Swole Kitchen. We coach lifters who take their training—and their health—seriously.

Because real progress doesn’t just come from what you take. It comes from what you track.