Anabolic Extreme - Blood Tests

Sunday, July 1 2012, 7:51 PM Issue #102

Genetics and Blood Testing: Part III of a Series

by: DrJMW Part III--Required Blood Tests and their meaning; Pre-Existing Conditions requiring correction. In this article, the author will be discussing essential blood testing to establish a baseline for all pertinent systems. He will also address any issues that arise as a result of the baseline blood testing. Virtually every system of the body is affected by any pharmaceutical enhancement as well as any pre-existing conditions. It is important to establish baseline readings for all pertinent systems. We need to concentrate on our Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes Axis (HPTA), cardiovascular functions (our blood chemistry, liver and kidney values, CBC [complete blood count] and lipid profile), thyroid function, adrenal function (specifically cortisol), and pancreatic function (insulin and hemoglobin A1C). To monitor our baseline HPTA, one tests for Testosterone levels (total testosterone, free, and weakly bound); estradiol (estrogen) levels, prolactin levels, luteinizing hormone [LH] levels, and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH]. Ideally, one wants to see high/normal total/free/weakly bound Testosterone levels and normal estradiol, prolactin, LH, and FSH. Any abnormal levels, at baseline, indicate a problem. Low Testosterone levels are a problem. They can be caused by failing testes, a lack of LH, or the testes' resistance to LH or a combination of any of these. A lack of LH (hormone required for stimulation of testosterone production by the testes) usually indicates either a chemical shutdown (like with exogenous testosterone) or a pituitary problem (failure, tumor, etc.). One can have low Testosterone levels with normal or high LH levels. This indicates a failure of the testes--either they are not functioning or they are resistant to the effects of LH. Lastly, one can have low LH and low Testosterone levels. If the testes are functioning normally, then trying to increase endogenous LH is one solution (like using clomid or nolvadex to stimulate LH release). The other is to try using HCG (an LH analogue) to stimulate the testes to respond. In any case, it is important to try to correct these problems prior to beginning any cycles. If low testosterone levels cannot be corrected, then the subject must consider HRT to maintain gains, for his baseline testosterone levels will never be able to retain any gains from enhancing, pharmaceutical cycles. FSH stimulates the testes to produce sperm. The same problems with LH are analogous to FSH. High prolactin and estradiol levels are a problem. High estrogen levels can cause gynecomastia,

fat accumulation, excessive water retention, and recovery problems. High prolactin levels can cause many of the same problems in addition to impotence and a gynecomastia of the residual lactation glands (in the male). It is important to keep these hormone levels in check. An aromatase inhibitor (aromasin, femara, arimidex) or a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) [clomid, nolvadex] can be used for regulating high estrogen levels. Dopamine receptor agonists (Dostinex, Bromocriptine) or a progesterone-receptor modulator (Winstrol is one) adequately control prolactin levels. [For purposes of this article, I am not indicating drugs of choice, for they vary depending on a number of individual factors]. Cardiovascular function, blood chemistry, thyroid function, adrenal function and pancreatic function are the most important systems to be monitored. If any of these systems are failing or abnormal, it makes it very difficult or impossible for the athlete to benefit from any pharmaceutical enhancement. It is essential to normalize these systems before beginning any kind of enhancement cycle. If one's baseline lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides) is abnormal and he proceeds to enhance, he will probably worsen the condition (leading to vascular blockages, heart attacks). If one's baseline RBC (red blood cell count) is high, then using AAS will worsen the condition (high blood pressure, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks). If one's liver and kidneys aren't functioning properly, then proper breakdown and utilization of the pharmaceuticals will not occur, and they will worsen the situation (liver and kidney failure). If one's thyroid is malfunctioning, then that athlete's metabolism will be abnormal. If one's cortisol levels are high, he will experience catabolism of muscle and other tissues. Lastly, if one shows signs of diabetes (Type I is a lack of insulin; Type II is resistance to the existing, endogenous insulin), then alterations need to be made to any enhancement program. It is important to test and correct any abnormal, baseline readings before embarking on any type of cycle. The good news is that all of the conditions can be addressed and adequately treated or prevented in most cases (except liver and kidney failure). 15 Essential Blood Tests: Cortisol, Total; Estradiol, Extraction; Prolactin; LH; FSH; T3, Free; T4, Free; TSH; Testosterone, Total, Free and Weakly Bound; Hemoglobin A1C; Fasting Insulin; CBC; Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; Lipid Panel; GGT (Important Liver Value not included in Comp Metabolic Panel). Part IV--The Mechanics of Incorporating Blood Testing Into One's Enhancement Program and Correcting Pre-Existing Problems