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Cycle SupportBloodwork for Steroid Users
Bloodwork for Steroid Users
If you’re running a cycle, you need bloodwork. The compounds change measurable things in your body — most of which you can’t feel until something breaks. This is the short version of what to test, when to test it, how to read the results, and where to get panels in Canada.
The three-panel framework
| Panel | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-cycle | 2–4 weeks before | Your baseline |
| Mid-cycle | Week 5–7 | Catch problems early |
| Post-cycle | 4–6 weeks after last dose | Confirm recovery |
Run all three. A single mid-cycle reading without a baseline tells you a number but not whether it changed.
What to test
The minimum panel that covers 80% of what bloodwork is for:
- CBC — hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, platelets
- Lipid panel — total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides
- Liver enzymes — ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin
- Kidney markers — creatinine, eGFR, BUN
- Hormonal panel — total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol (E2), LH, FSH, prolactin
- Glucose — fasting glucose, HbA1c
Add specifics based on what you’re running:
- Orals (Anavar, Dbol, Winstrol, Anadrol) — tighter liver enzyme monitoring
- Trenbolone or 19-nors — prolactin, kidney markers
- EQ (Boldenone) or Anadrol — close hematocrit monitoring
- HGH, IGF-1, insulin — fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, IGF-1
How to read the results
| Marker | Green | Watch | Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hematocrit | Up to 52% | 52–54% | 54%+ — donate blood or drop dose |
| HDL (men) | Above 0.8 | 0.6–0.8 | Below 0.6 — cut orals or duration |
| ALT/AST | Within 1.5× upper limit | 1.5–3× | Above 3× — stop orals |
| eGFR | Above 90 | 75–90 | Below 75 — investigate |
| Estradiol (men) | 75–200 pmol/L | 200–300 | Above 300 or below 50 — adjust AI |
| HbA1c | Under 5.4% | 5.4–5.7% | Above 5.7% — pre-diabetic |
| Prolactin (men) | Under 15 | 15–25 | Above 25 — cabergoline or compound change |
Where to order panels in Canada
Three options:
- Public lab with prescriber. LifeLabs, Dynacare, Alpha Labs. Covered by provincial insurance if you have a doctor’s requisition. Finding a doctor who’ll order without judgment is the hard part. Walk-in clinics and sports medicine physicians are usually more flexible than family doctors.
- Direct-to-consumer. Bloodtests.ca is the most-used. Order online, get a requisition for LifeLabs or Dynacare. No doctor needed. Full panels typically $150–$250.
- TRT/anti-aging clinic. Many private clinics will order panels regardless of what you’re running. Costs $200–$400.
Track everything
Single readings are less useful than trends. Build a basic spreadsheet: date, cycle phase, what you’re running, each marker’s value, lab reference range. After 2–3 cycles you’ll know what’s normal for you — which is more useful than any generic guidance.
FAQ
What does a full panel cost in Canada?
$150–$250 through Bloodtests.ca. Free or nominal co-pay through a doctor’s requisition. $200–$400 through a TRT clinic.
Should I fast?
Yes for lipid panel and glucose markers. 10–12 hour fast, water is fine.
When should I time the testosterone draw?
At trough — the day before your next injection. Gives the most consistent reading cycle-to-cycle.
What if my doctor refuses to order panels?
Switch doctors or use Bloodtests.ca. Sports medicine and TRT-focused practitioners are typically more experienced with AAS users.
Browse our verified catalog — every compound shipped with batch-matched COAs so your bloodwork results actually reflect what you’re running.
Disclaimer. Educational only, not medical advice. Anabolic compounds are controlled substances in Canada under the CDSA. Work with a qualified healthcare provider when interpreting results.
