If the requisitions were only good for 30 days, i think it would've prevented some of the sign up and stock up. I believe when I signed up it was $75 for twelve weeks so $300 for a year is essentially the same besides having an up front lump due. If you test igf-1 regularly the savings alone pay for the subscription
Fitomics Research Labs Discount Blood Testing
- Thread starter Don Ligero
- Start date
If the requisitions were only good for 30 days, i think it would've prevented some of the sign up and stock up. I believe when I signed up it was $75 for twelve weeks so $300 for a year is essentially the same besides having an up front lump due. If you test igf-1 regularly the savings alone pay for the subscription
I made the mistake of going to quest for a Testosterone test and it only gave me the total T number not free... bummer
Once you get the above tests how do you make sense of the data? Do you guy learn and know how to read the results or use someone else to help you determine what the test means to you?
Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
Personally, I'm just playing around at a low dose of subq Test-E at 50 mg per week for now, and I just started a little over a week ago. I haven't done a recent baseline but will soon since I already ordered a few tests, and I will be using Google Gemini as always. Then I will go to 50 mg twice a week and retest again later.
I have read that it's better to test in the morning when testosterone levels are normally higher. But it's not like I need to worry about going too high since I am already paranoid about side effects.
I have read that it's better to test in the morning when testosterone levels are normally higher. But it's not like I need to worry about going too high since I am already paranoid about side effects.
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Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
These are the tests I ordered at Fitomics:
Each test was about $5-$10, except the TST free and total was $15.
I ordered the CBC just as a new routine since eventually TRT can raise the number of red blood cells and therefore risk of clotting. I will do a PSA test next time, but it was already in my recent labs at the doctor's office.
The lipid panel and A1C is just to see how much the weight loss and tirz is helping in those areas. The CMP was cheap so I threw it in.
I also ordered an IGF test separately for "shits and giggles" since Fitomics offers it cheaper than anyone else (about $13).
Each test was about $5-$10, except the TST free and total was $15.
I ordered the CBC just as a new routine since eventually TRT can raise the number of red blood cells and therefore risk of clotting. I will do a PSA test next time, but it was already in my recent labs at the doctor's office.
The lipid panel and A1C is just to see how much the weight loss and tirz is helping in those areas. The CMP was cheap so I threw it in.
I also ordered an IGF test separately for "shits and giggles" since Fitomics offers it cheaper than anyone else (about $13).
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zpped
Research Enthusiast
You can post your results and we can go over them. or you can DM and we can chat about them. discord might be easier for that though.
Thank you, I may do that
zpped
Research Enthusiast
You should be getting the sensitive (LCMS) versions of e2 and test. especially e2. But we're discouraged from talking trt here and encouraged to go to meso for that. DM me and I can help you.
Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
Another company with good pricing:My Blood
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Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
An amazing resource is this price-comparison spreadsheet, posted by @Peloma:
Discounted Labs did not do very well in the comparision.
Discounted Labs did not do very well in the comparision.
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I am curious how you decided which tests to take. You mentioned high triglycerides in another thread, was that a test you had done here? I want to do some testing, but am not sure how to determine which are important and which i need to go back for intermittently. I think i would like to know about triglycerides as well as any vitamin deficiencies, also the free T, to name a few.
Is there like a common set of tests good for guys like us that are looking to maximize the benefits of stacks and supplements or is this something I need to get a Doc to help with?
EDIT-
Adding I did get great advise on the Total Testosterone (LC/MS) & Free Testosterone (Dialysis) - LabCorp
I am just wondering if there is a common group for the other items
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Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
Triglycerides are included in any lipid panel/test.
I will post some of the test combinations recommended by Fitomics soon.
I will post some of the test combinations recommended by Fitomics soon.
Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
Here's the one I used as a guide:
Being frugal, I picked just a subset of those.
For the other half of the population:
Being frugal, I picked just a subset of those.
For the other half of the population:
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zpped
Research Enthusiast
Most of the fitomics panels are shit. For example, everything in the "Womens" panel is also equally relevant to Men.
Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
I assumed it was a cost-benefit thing they did, rather than include everything at an even higher price. I am not much into optimization myself, more about preventing/monitoring side effects.
I usually build mine out myself. There is always either something missing in the panel or something I don’t care to get.
Calm Logic
Research Enthusiast
I plugged both panels into Google Gemini:
Here's a table of the blood tests, with duplicates removed and ordered by their general importance for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) monitoring. Keep in mind that individual needs can vary, and a doctor will always determine the most appropriate tests for you.
Here's a table of the blood tests, with duplicates removed and ordered by their general importance for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) monitoring. Keep in mind that individual needs can vary, and a doctor will always determine the most appropriate tests for you.
| Rank | Blood Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Testosterone, Free, Direct With Total Testosterone | Directly measures the amount of bioavailable testosterone and the total amount in your blood. Crucial for diagnosing low testosterone and monitoring TRT effectiveness. Different labs might use slightly different names (e.g., "Testosterone, Free, Direct With Total Testosterone, LC/MS-MS"), but they measure the same key analytes. |
| 2 | Estradiol, Sensitive, LC/MS | Measures the primary form of estrogen. Important for monitoring potential side effects of TRT, as testosterone can aromatize (convert) into estrogen. The "sensitive" assay is preferred for men as it has a lower detection range. |
| 3 | Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential | Assesses overall blood health, including red and white blood cell counts, and platelets. Important to monitor as TRT can sometimes affect red blood cell production (erythrocytosis). |
| 4 | Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total+ | A marker for prostate health. Important to monitor, especially in men over 40 or those with a family history of prostate issues, as TRT *might* have an impact on PSA levels in some individuals. The "%" often refers to the percentage of free PSA, which can provide additional information. |
| 5 | Lipid Panel | Measures cholesterol and triglycerides. Important for assessing cardiovascular risk, which can be influenced by hormone levels and lifestyle changes associated with TRT. |
| 6 | Metabolic Panel (14), Comprehensive | Provides a broad overview of your body's chemical balance, including kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and blood glucose. Important for overall health assessment and to monitor for any potential metabolic changes. |
| 7 | Sex Hormone-binding Globulin (SHBG) | Measures the protein that binds to testosterone and estrogen in the blood. Knowing SHBG levels helps in more accurately determining the amount of free (bioavailable) testosterone. |
| 8 | Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) | These pituitary hormones stimulate testosterone production in the testes. Measuring them can help determine the cause of low testosterone (primary vs. secondary hypogonadism) *before* starting TRT. Their role in ongoing monitoring during TRT is less direct. |
| 9 | Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) | A more potent androgen than testosterone. While not always routinely monitored, it can be important in some individuals due to its role in certain androgenic effects (e.g., hair loss, prostate issues). |
| 10 | Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) With Z Score | Primarily reflects growth hormone levels and has various metabolic effects. May be monitored in some individuals, but not as directly related to TRT management as the hormones listed above. The Z-score helps interpret the IGF-1 level relative to age and sex. |
| 11 | Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) | The primary marker for thyroid function. While thyroid issues can sometimes overlap with testosterone issues, it's not a direct marker for TRT management unless there's a known thyroid condition or symptoms suggesting one. |
| 12 | Free Thyroxine + T4 | Measures the free and total levels of the main thyroid hormone. Similar to TSH, important for overall health but not a primary marker for TRT unless indicated by symptoms or other findings. |
| 13 | Cortisol | A stress hormone with various effects on the body. While important for overall health, it's not routinely monitored for TRT unless there are specific concerns or symptoms related to adrenal function. |
| 14 | Insulin | Measures blood sugar regulation. While metabolic health is important in the context of TRT, insulin levels are not a direct marker for TRT effectiveness or typical side effects, unless there are specific concerns about insulin resistance or diabetes. |
| 15 | Triiodothyronine (T3), Free | Another thyroid hormone. Similar to TSH and T4, it's important for overall health but not a primary marker for TRT unless indicated by symptoms or other findings. |
Thank you for addressing this, and taking the time to post.
My main concern is vitamins and triglycerides, but wanted the free T test to be sure thee was no issue. I appear to be fine there and doubt I will do any TRT.
This will really help!
Unfortunately for vitamins/minerals there is not one panel that covers them all. I usually add Vitamin D ($16), B12/Folate ($12) and sometimes magnesium ($5) to my panels.
