I know, I know, it’s one of the most confusing parts of TRT, right? Which labs are mandatory, what’s necessary and what’s optional? So many people with so many differing opinions. Well, let me break down my tiered labs approach for you so you’ll know which labs you need to monitor on TRT.

Labs Before Starting TRT Option 1:

If you’re looking to get the most minimal information and start TRT in the fastest and most affordable way possible, the bare minimum you’ll need is free testosterone and total testosterone. You can get those done without an office visit at here for around $30. It will keep you legal and at least let you know if you’re deficient, but it’s not necessarily the best way to go about jumping into a medical process.

Labs Before Starting TRT Option 2:

I used option one when I started, but not because I’m a cheapskate. I didn’t know any better and I wish I would have. Option two would include checking the following:

  • Total Testosterone
  • Free Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follical Stimulating Hormone

You can have these tests done without an office visit as here for $88. Doing those four can help you determine if you’re primary or secondary hypo-gonadal and can definitely be beneficial, but there’s one more option that I would have chosen had I been given the option.

Labs Before Starting TRT Option 3:

Yes, option 3 is more expensive, but it could pay dividends in time saved dialing in your protocol down the road. I see so many guys struggling with prolactin levels, estradiol levels, free testosterone levels, hematocrit levels etc and spending a bit more up front could really help you know where your numbers were before. If you know your numbers it gives you a target ratio to maintain during TRT. Option three includes:

  • Total Testosterone
  • Free Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follical Stimulating Hormone
  • Prostatic Specific Antigen
  • Estradiol
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
  • Lipids
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • Comprehensive Blood Count

Like I mentioned, it’s more expensive, but can be purchased at here for $312. I don’t want to punch you in the gut, but I’d also add on prolactin to option 3 for an additional fee.

Labs After Starting TRT

Once you’re up and rolling with TRT, you’ll need to monitor the following:

  • Total Testosterone
  • Free Testosterone
  • Estradiol
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
  • Prostatic Specific Antigen
  • Lipids (if you’d like_
  • Comprehensive Blood Count

You can browse around here to see the options. There are a ton!

Hopefully this clears things up for you! As always, you can find more information on the All Things Testosterone podcast here or on YouTube here!