Nov
When athletes or bodybuilders engage in a cycle of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) — such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, growth-hormone analogues, or other enhancement substances — they are placing their physiology under substantial strain. Without objective monitoring via blood analysis, many of the risks go unchecked. Here are key considerations:
1. Baseline & ongoing monitoring
Before initiating any PED regimen it’s vital to obtain a baseline blood test—covering liver enzymes, kidney markers, full blood count, lipid profile, hormone panel (testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, SHBG) and perhaps hematocrit/hemoglobin. This baseline provides the reference point against which changes induced by the cycle can be detected. After that, periodic checks (e.g., mid-cycle, end of cycle, and during recovery) allow tracking of trends and early detection of adverse shifts.
2. Detecting organ system stress & toxicity
Many PEDs cause off-target effects on organs and systems that might not manifest symptoms until severe. For instance:
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Liver toxicity: Oral steroids in particular can elevate ALT/AST and bilirubin, signalling hepatocellular stress.
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Renal/kidney stress: Rapid muscle breakdown, high protein loads, or concurrent compounds can strain kidneys—monitoring urea/creatinine is advisable.
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Haematologic changes: Some substances raise red blood-cell count or hematocrit (polycythaemia), which increases thrombotic risk.
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A Europe-wide overview of image/performance enhancing drug harms emphasises the diversity of physiological damage (cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic) and the utility of monitoring bodily markers.
3. Hormonal axis disruption & recovery tracking
PED use often suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA). Testosterone production falls, LH/FSH get suppressed, and estradiol/SHBG levels may shift. Without monitoring:
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One cannot know whether endogenous testosterone recovery is happening.
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Monitoring estradiol is important, as aromatase conversion may be elevated by some compounds, leading to estrogenic side-effects.
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Post-cycle therapy (PCT) efficacy can only be judged if you know where you started and where you are.
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A UK-based study highlighted that many healthcare professionals lacked awareness of which blood tests to use when monitoring anabolic steroid (AAS) users.
4. Cardiovascular & metabolic risk
Cycles of PEDs shift lipid profiles (typically reducing HDL, increasing LDL/triglycerides), increase blood pressure, and accelerate atherogenic changes. These shifts often occur silently; blood panels are a key tool to detect the early metabolic damage.
5. Informed decision-making and harm reduction
Regular bloodwork is arguably the single best tool for converting the process from “guessing” to “measuring”. It empowers the user (ideally in conjunction with a knowledgeable clinician) to adjust dose, assess side-effect burden, decide when to stop, and plan for recovery. It also fosters a mindset of personal responsibility for long-term health rather than short-term gain.
If you choose to undertake a PED cycle (despite the risks), then robust blood-analysis is not optional—it is fundamental. It offers the only objective radar for hidden damage, endocrine disturbance, and cardiovascular/metabolic disruption. Without it, you are navigating blind.
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