Issue #103

Genetics and Blood Testing: Part IV of a Series

by: DrJMW

Part IV--The Mechanics of Incorporating Blood Testing Into One's Enhancement Program and Correcting Pre-Existing Problems

Proper, well-timed blood testing is what separates the user from the abuser. How can anyone begin an enhancement program without knowing if one is going to be hurt by the program itself? Pre-existing conditions such as elevated cholesterol levels; polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count); liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases are exacerbated by improper choice and dosing of AAS and improper diet. The major purpose of baseline blood testing is to rule out any of these pre-existing conditions and other problems. If any problems are exposed during baseline testing, it is the responsibility of the athlete to take care of these problems BEFORE embarking on an enhancement program. In some cases, AAS is to be avoided; in others, AAS may actually be the treatment.

The other important information garnered from baseline testing is HPTA status. From testing testosterone levels, one can determine if a recovery cycle is warranted or if the athlete truly requires indefinite hormone replacement to maintain gains. From establishing estradiol (estrogen) levels, one can determine if the athlete is at risk for estrogenic sides (gyno, fat accumulation, water retention). From prolactin levels, we can determine if the athlete is at risk for prolactin-induced sides (glandular gyno/lactation, erectile dysfunction). In addition, high levels of these hormones inhibit recovery of testosterone levels. FSH and LH testing helps the athlete determine if there are any pituitary problems. Low, baseline levels of either of these may indicate HPTA suppression from exogenous substances or it may indicate a pituitary tumor. As the athlete can see, it is of the utmost importance to establish baseline levels before embarking on enhancement protocols.

Based on the baseline results, body type and previous experience, the athlete can then create a suitable regimen for enhancement. Is the goal- -cutting/fat loss? Is the goal--size/strength? Now the athlete has all of the information needed to create suitable enhancement programs. Once the athlete begins his cycle, it is imperative that he check his body's reaction to the program. If the athlete is doing an eight-week cycle, for example, I would suggest blood drawing during week six. Most athletes seem to peak anywhere between weeks four and six. One wants to rerun all the tests from the baseline series to see how the cycle has affected every bodily system. If problems are noted, the athlete needs to make adjustments with his meds, diet and/or training. The ultimate goal is to have a healthy blood profile during a cycle and to have no side effects. With proper planning, this goal is consistently obtainable.

Once the cycle is completed, the athlete moves right into recovery. The need for doing a recovery cycle is determined by baseline blood testing. Assuming the athlete needs to do a recovery cycle, we will want to blood test him during week seven or eight of recovery. One wants the results to virtually match up to the baseline testing, with no abnormalities present. Again, if abnormalities are present, the athlete will need to take steps to correct them. If the athlete decides to stay "on" and drop to maintenance levels, then blood testing should be performed around week six of maintenance to see the body's reaction. After these three initial batteries of tests are done, one needs to do follow-ups three to four times a year and basically check problem areas.

Part V--Real-Life Problems: Solutions and Prevention