Blood Tests — What & When
Before Starting (Baseline)
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| Total T | Natural level |
| Free T | Baseline |
| E2 | Baseline |
| CBC (hematocrit) | Baseline before T stimulation |
| CMP | Liver/kidney function |
| Lipid panel | Baseline |
| Blood pressure | Separate but important |
First Year (Every 3 Months)
| Test | Target |
|---|---|
| Total T (trough) | 300–1,000 ng/dL (10.4–34.7 nmol/L) |
| Free T | 50–200 pg/mL |
| E2 | < 50 pg/mL (< 184 pmol/L) |
| CBC (HCT) | < 54% |
| Blood pressure | < 130/80 |
After First Year (Every 6–12 Months)
| Test | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Total T, free T, E2 | Every 6 months |
| CBC, CMP | Annually |
| Lipid panel | Annually |
| Blood pressure | Every visit |
TEST AT TROUGH — NOT PEAK
For injectable T, blood must be drawn immediately before your next dose (trough), typically on day 7 for testosterone cypionate or enanthate.
Do not test mid-cycle or shortly after injection. Testing at peak gives misleadingly high results and can cause you to lower your dose incorrectly.
Testing Tips
- Test at trough — just before next injection (for injectable T)
- Test at consistent time — same day of injection cycle
- Test after 4–8 weeks on a new dose