Anyone actually use bloodwork to dial in a cycle test dose?

[McPriimate]

Been wondering about this one. Getting bw done is key to monitoring for sides (E2, prolactin, progesterone, cbc, lipids - all the stuff that we can screw up from a health standpoint), and hopefully we all do what's needed there.

But I don't recall reading anyone targeting a particular total test or free test dose for a cycle based on bloodwork. More, "I did this much before, so I'll repeat it or do 1.2x what I did last time, or same but add another compound" kind of thing. Curious because at least with testosterone (unlike lots of others) we have the means and usually even the data (most guys I know get their testosterone levels as part of their monitoring bw) to target at least a specific range - yet we often just pick the dose and then the test level is a curiosity more than meaningful test result.

For the free test, it gets even more interesting to me. Lots of other compounds can affect SHBG and thereby free test, so one could even manage that part of the other compounds if they had a target in mind for free test.

I get that other things can affect your total test level and free test, but I'm pretty consistently between 6-7 times my mg dose in total blood level (200mg gets blood level of 1300, 500 gets me around 3500, etc.) and free from 1.4x to 2.2x the test dose in mg, largely depending on whether I'm running a DHT based compound and how much it drops my SHBG. That's a broad enough range of free to at least think about changing doses (for 525 it would be from 735 to 1155)

In the end, it's just easier to pick doses that you think will work and send it! But wondering if anyone is more intentional about test levels and changing dosing based on bloodwork over a cycle.

I haven't, yet anyway, as it's fun to think about, but I know about where I'll end up and that's working for me. But anyone else done it?

Thoughts?

McP

 

[dcdogz]

i stick to the same brands/vendors that have done me well and it seems to always be right where I want it most of the time.
only recently did my bloodwork come out a little bit different (wicked higher) but Im also at the leanest ive ever been so i imagine my sensitivity (already a hyper responder) went through the roof.
my e2 is way more consistent with test e then c ive found.

but at the same time i have high test levels and high free test levels with small dosages so I dont even pay attention to them as much.

Biggest for me is watching e2. when I use to use test c my e2 was always all over the place, with test e I can guess my e2 based on dosage within a few points.

i dont personally care about the free or total test too much but more so my e2 generally, although I can handle as high as 90 with no sides just a little tears here and there lol.

 

[ruffus]

Seems some pro i have heard from use blood test, dose and results to decide if for example an increase in dose was worth it.

 

[reedcals23]

this is a super interesting way to look at it but i think most of us are just creatures of habit and stick to the "more is better" lizard brain logic lol. i usually just pick a number like 500 or 600 and hope for the best but you’re totally right that free test is the real driver and shbg can swing that number like crazy depending on what orals or dhts you’re throwing in. it would be way more scientific to chase a specific free test number instead of just pinning a random volume of oil and praying the gains follow. i’m kind of like you where i just check the labs to make sure my organs aren't screaming at me and then use the total test number as a badge of honor to show how "overfilled" the gear is lol. it would be cool to see someone actually map out their progress based strictly on keeping free test at a specific ceiling though instead of just blasting and cruising on feel!

 

[Bolan]

Not to dial in Testosterone
But to jot in my journal next to my bloods.... I put what I was running
and the dose.
This way I know WHAT I can run without bad issues.

 

[dcdogz]

Not to dial in Testosterone
But to jot in my journal next to my bloods.... I put what I was running
and the dose.
This way I know WHAT I can run without bad issues.

yea I feel like the total levels dont matter too much and too many factors going into play to try to hit a number.
blood work is just a small snap shot of where your levels are at, at that current time. they obviously fluctuate, as long as its within reason of what you dose your fine.
200 test should get you in the realm of 900 to 1600 depending on age sensitivity or whatever. if its under that its probably fake/underdosed really.

and by keeping notes of what you ran, regardless of test levels, you know sideffect wise, bloodwork wise, and mental health wise you can run it again without having to pony up the bones for more bloodwork if it was fairly reasonable cycle.

 

[Meetketchup]

Of course you do. Aside from normal health reasons this is the next reason to get blood work when cycling. To know your body enough to find out what compounds work and what dosages keep your bloods at the safest place possible. Anyone getting bloods and not doing this makes me question what the hell you’re doing?