Lab Testing

13 articles tagged “Lab Testing”

Protocols & Results

DHT on TRT: When to Test It and When to Lower It

DHT rises 2-3x on TRT. Here is when the biomarker actually matters, when to test, and what to do before reaching for finasteride or dutasteride.

Testosterone Blood Test Timing: When to Draw Labs

When to draw testosterone labs -- time of day, day of week, fasting, peak vs trough, and how long to wait after a dose change. Evidence-based timing rules.

T:E2 Ratio on TRT: Target 12-22 for Libido & Mood

Why your testosterone-to-estradiol ratio predicts libido and erections better than either number alone. Target ranges, math, and protocol fixes.

TRT Bloodwork Schedule: When to Test on TRT

The exact lab panels and timing for TRT monitoring -- from baseline through year one and beyond. Trough draws, what to skip, and when to flag results.

Low SHBG on TRT: Why 200mg Doesn't Work for You

Low SHBG burns through testosterone fast. Learn why split doses, daily injections, and chasing total T fail when SHBG is below 20.

High Hematocrit on TRT: When to Worry & How to Fix

Hematocrit climbing on TRT? Learn the exact thresholds, 4 proven management strategies, and when elevated red blood cells actually become dangerous.

Estradiol on TRT: Treating High vs Crashed E2

Crashed estradiol on TRT causes joint pain, fatigue, low libido. The AI dose tweaks, lab targets, and protocol changes that pull E2 back to range.

Learn

Free Testosterone Calculator: Vermeulen Equation

How to calculate free testosterone from total T, SHBG, and albumin -- which equation labs use, why values differ, and what numbers actually matter on TRT.

Women's Testosterone Test: When & What to Order

Test on days 3-7 of your cycle or results are wrong. Which panels to order, optimal vs normal ranges, and how to read your results.

Read Your Testosterone Labs: 6 Key Markers

Your doctor spent 90 seconds on your results. Here's what total T, free T, SHBG, E2, and hematocrit actually mean for your protocol.

How to Test Testosterone: Timing, Panels & Cost

When to draw blood, what to order, where to get tested, and how much it costs. Step-by-step testosterone testing guide.

Why 305 and 950 ng/dL Are Both 'Normal'

Lab ranges span a 3x difference and call it all 'normal.' Age-adjusted ranges, free T context, and when low-normal still needs treatment.

Total vs Free Testosterone: Which Matters More?

How testosterone binds to SHBG and albumin, why free T is often more important, and clinical scenarios where total and free diverge.