In the midst of first cycle and have read a number of posts about getting blood work done. Have seen some ads on the web from people like Ben Greenfield(???).
What lab tests would you recommend running for a complete fitness profile and do you have any sources for getting these done?
Any help or information would be appreciated.
Good advice SemperFi.
I basically stick with these lab tests 2-4 times a year, depending on the gear i use,...etc. lab tests i prefer are listed below. if i'm on Clomid and low T for TRT , i include FSH & LH tests in the list below.
Lipid Profile: Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential
Estradiol, Sensitive
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I)
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) - this includes liver enzymes which is critical if you're using orals.
Testosterone, Free
Total Testosterone
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) - I get this regularly, since its an early sign of prostate enlargment or cancer.
Thyroid Profile w/ TSH: Free Thyroxine Index (FTI);Thyroxine (T4); Thyroid Hormone Binding Ratio (T3 Uptake); Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
SHBG
Cortisol
I always get my Liver test Done !
Depending on the healthcare provider and the laboratory, other tests that may be included in a liver panel are (GGT)– another enzyme found mainly in liver cells
Lab corp is a good one I used before. Get the labs stated above.
Thanks for the response. Dr. said my testosterone was sky high at 1500 and my free testosterone as well at >.50.
I expected it to be high, but don't really know what range I should shoot for. Also said I had an iron and vitamin D deficiency ... easily enough fixed. Any idea what number I am shooting for. Plan on reducing the dose to .25CC Deca and .25CC Test E twice a week.
The hoot is I am 60. Genetically in good shape. Been a boxer, runner, TKD all my life. Joints don't work as well for fast ruinning. Been on this "cycle" trying things out for about 16 weeks. Good muscle development. Need to lean up a bit. Love the effect on sex drive.
What numbers should I be shooting for? Any thoughts or advice?
Thanks for the response. Dr. said my testosterone was sky high at 1500 and my free testosterone as well at >.50.
I expected it to be high, but don't really know what range I should shoot for. Also said I had an iron and vitamin D deficiency ... easily enough fixed. Any idea what number I am shooting for. Plan on reducing the dose to .25CC Deca and .25CC Test E twice a week.
The hoot is I am 60. Genetically in good shape. Been a boxer, runner, TKD all my life. Joints don't work as well for fast ruinning. Been on this "cycle" trying things out for about 16 weeks. Good muscle development. Need to lean up a bit. Love the effect on sex drive.
What numbers should I be shooting for? Any thoughts or advice?
Every individual is different. Your goal is to find the place that feels best and is healthy for you and dependent on what you want to accomplish in the cycle. Choosing your dosage and goals may dictate that you get your test levels as high as your supplementation will allow. Some might say that more is better but that is not necessarily true.
After cycle is a bit of a different story for men in our age category and may require a simple replacement dose of testosterone to help us maintain that vibrant and healthy feeling.
When I am on a strict TRT dose I like my number to be in the 1000-1100 range. Another person may find 800-900 perfectly acceptable while another may prefer to be in the 600 range.
SEMPER FI
X2
Proverbs,
I would always recommend the conservative approach but that is my nature. Your health is the number 1 priority.
As long as the compound carries the C or E ester than 2x per week is sufficient to keep blood levels stable. Example- Wednesday PM, Sunday AM (3.5 days). I have never ran Deca so I will need to defer to other members on that.
FYI- I applaud you for committing to your progress and improvements at our age! 
SEMPER FI
i salute you at 60 with these numbers & keeping up the workout routine! Thats fucking awesome brother.
T @ 1500 ng/dl is not sky high, usually the upper end of "normal T" is ~ 1100 or so depending on the lab, so you're slightly above it. Your free T def needs to stay high so you can have unbound T to use for muscle building,..etc.
Deca and NPP are my fav compounds ever for many reasons, strength gains and major joint relief. They are Progesterones though so be careful with the prolactin levels, make sure to include prolactin in your blood tests if you plan on using deca/npp on an extended period of time, and have Caber (Dostinex) on hand.
I have been supplementing with Vit D3 @ 10000ius daily for years now. fyi, im on trt so i believe this dosage of Vit D3 is needed.
Thanks guys. Really appreciate the help. No idea how difficult it is to get information at my age. Real Doctors have no clue and the potbelly guy with the stethoscope just wants to smirk and look at me like I am divorced and looking for young girls. (Married to the same gal for 26 years and have no other interest). Like no! Don't mind getting old at all especially when I feel and look like I do. I did not want to be a "fatboy" when I was 20 ... so why would it be ok now? Anyway have no idea what TRT and NPP are, so if you could help me get up to speed on the shorthand, I would appreciate it. Also is there a way to upload the labs so you guys could translate. PS ... don't worry about getting old. My first time with what are heavy weights to me (been a runner and martial arts) and I am pushing 400 with the legs. Worry about getting lazy and using age as an excuse ;-)
npp = nandrolone phenyl propionate, as the name suggests its the short ester of Nandrolone, so fast acting.
TRT = Testosterone Replacement Therapy similar to HRT which is Hormone Replacement Therapy which includes more hormone replacements not just Test, like Thyroid, HGH,...etc.