Just got my blood work back—how do I interpret these results?
Interpreting blood work requires looking beyond just the total testosterone number; you must also evaluate free testosterone, SHBG, and estradiol to get a complete picture of your hormonal health. At HeydayMD, we…
Why do I feel worse on TRT despite high testosterone levels and no AI?
It is common to feel a 'honeymoon' surge in the first two weeks as exogenous testosterone adds to your natural production before your own system shuts down. If your levels are very high and you aren't using an AI, your…
I stopped TRT after 3 years and my labs are back to normal. Is this common?
It is encouraging to see your HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) recover after three years of therapy, as many men fear permanent suppression. While 'normal' labs are a great sign, it is important to monitor…
Is 504 ng/dL too high for TRT?
While a total testosterone level of 504 ng/dL is technically within the 'normal' range, it doesn't tell the whole story if you are still experiencing symptoms like fatigue or low libido. At HeydayMD, we look beyond…
How often do I actually need to get blood work done while on TRT?
For most men on TRT, blood work is typically required every 3 to 6 months once a stable dosage is established, though more frequent testing is necessary during the initial titration phase. These labs are critical for…
Is free testosterone more important than total testosterone for TRT?
While total testosterone is the most common metric, free testosterone is often more important because it represents the 'bioavailable' hormone actually able to exert cellular effects. If your total testosterone is…
What exactly is SHBG and how does it affect my TRT results?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that acts as a carrier for testosterone, but it also dictates how much 'free' testosterone is actually available for your tissues to use. If your SHBG is too high, your…
My RBC and hemoglobin are high on my TRT labs—is this dangerous?
A high red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin level, known as erythrocytosis, is a common side effect of TRT because testosterone stimulates the production of erythropoietin in the kidneys. While this can improve…
Worried about my lipid panel after 6 months on TRT - HDL dropping?
It is common to see a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) and a slight increase in LDL when starting testosterone replacement therapy, as androgens can influence lipid metabolism. While these changes are often mild, it…
Does starting TRT actually raise your blood pressure?
Testosterone replacement therapy can occasionally cause mild elevations in blood pressure, primarily due to increases in red blood cell production or fluid retention. However, significant spikes are uncommon and…
When should I schedule my TRT lab work relative to my injection day?
The gold standard for TRT blood work is drawing labs at your 'trough'—right before your next scheduled injection when testosterone levels are at their lowest. This ensures your provider evaluates your true baseline…
Does TRT mess with your kidneys or raise creatinine on labs?
Testosterone can cause a modest, benign increase in serum creatinine, which is usually driven by increases in muscle mass and enhanced protein turnover rather than true renal damage. To get an accurate picture of…
What baseline blood work do I need before starting TRT?
A comprehensive baseline panel should include total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, LH, FSH, a complete metabolic panel, lipid profile, CBC, and thyroid markers like TSH. Because testosterone…
How often do I need hematocrit checked once my TRT dose is stable?
Once your TRT dose is completely stable and your numbers have flatlined within a healthy range, standard maintenance guidelines typically recommend checking hemoglobin and hematocrit every 6 to 12 months. However, if…
Long-term TRT users: what happened to your cholesterol and lipid panels over the years?
Long-term testosterone replacement therapy can frequently cause modest reductions in HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and shifts in LDL depending on your baseline metabolic health and delivery method. While these changes…