RECOMMENDED TESTING BY PEPTIDE TYPE: GH PEPTIDES (Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, MK-677, GHRP-2/6): Baseline → 6 weeks → 12 weeks. Key markers: IGF-1 (should increase 20-50% above baseline; if >1.5x upper reference range, reduce dose), fasting glucose and HbA1c (GH increases insulin resistance; watch for elevation), fasting insulin (more sensitive than glucose for detecting GH-induced insulin resistance). GLP-1 AGONISTS (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide): Baseline → 12 weeks → ongoing quarterly. Key markers: HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid panel, liver enzymes (ALT/AST), amylase/lipase (pancreatitis screening), kidney function (BUN/creatinine), thyroid panel (precautionary — rodent thyroid cancer signal). SARMs: Baseline → 4 weeks → end of cycle → 4 weeks post-PCT. Key markers: Total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH (suppression monitoring), estradiol, liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity risk), lipid panel (SARMs often suppress HDL). HEALING PEPTIDES (BPC-157, TB-500): Bloodwork is not strictly necessary for these well-tolerated peptides, but a baseline CMP/CBC is good practice. BIOREGULATORS: No specific bloodwork required. General wellness panel is adequate. HORMONE-MODULATING (HCG, HMG, Clomid): Baseline → 6 weeks. Total/free testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, CBC (HCG can increase RBC).
monitoring
Bloodwork & Monitoring — What to Test and When
💡 Tips
WHERE TO ORDER: Direct-to-consumer lab testing (LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics) is available without a doctor's order in most US states through services like Marek Health, UltaLabTests, LifeExtension, or Jason Health. Costs $100-300 for a comprehensive panel. TIMING: Draw blood fasted (8-12 hours, water only), in the morning (hormones have circadian patterns — morning draws give the most consistent and comparable results). If using GH peptides, draw blood BEFORE your morning dose (trough level). IGF-1 does not fluctuate as rapidly as GH and can be drawn anytime, but morning fasted is still best practice.
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