Blood Work for PEDs and Steroid Users

Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in males and females however, its role is amplified in males. It is responsible for the regulation of libido, bone and muscle mass, mood changes and fertility determination. The testosterone levels are prevalent in men during puberty when it peaks and often decreases over age. An increase in testosterone levels is associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and testicular issues in males.

Albumin is a protein present in blood plasma and plays a binding role similar to SHBG. Albumin is produced by the liver. Albumin will help to detect any issues in the functioning of the kidney or liver. It prevents the fluid in blood vessels from leaking out.

Total Protein measures the amount of two classes of proteins present in the blood: Albumin and Globulin. Albumin is mainly responsible for preventing the fluid in the bloodstream from leaking out. Whereas Globulin is produced by the liver as well as the immune system. The function of globulin is to strengthen the immune system by fighting germs as well as infections.

Platelet count is a medical test that measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are small cells that help your blood clot. A low platelet count can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as leukaemia or cancer.

Total Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein in the male bloodstream, produced by the prostate gland which is located beneath the bladder. The amount of PSA in blood, even if it's in minute quantities, is measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL increase the chances of contracting prostate cancer. However, if levels exceed 10 mg/mL then a biopsy is always recommended to identify cancer. Higher PSA levels are associated with older men and men who have undergone urologic procedures.

A full blood count (FBC) test is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about various biomarkers involved in the composition and function of blood. It includes measurements of haemoglobin, which represents the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, haematocrit, which indicates the volume of red blood cells in the blood, and the red cell count, which determines the number of red blood cells. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of red blood cells, while mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) evaluate the amount and concentration of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. Red cell distribution width (RDW) assesses the variability in red blood cell size. Additionally, the white cell count enumerates the total number of white blood cells, providing an overview of the body's immune response. The differential count further categorizes white blood cells into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, reflecting different aspects of the immune system's functionality. Lastly, platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) measure the quantity and average size of platelets involved in blood clotting. The FBC test serves as a fundamental tool for evaluating overall blood health, identifying potential abnormalities, and aiding in the diagnosis and management of various disorders, such as anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders.

The haematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. It is normally about 40% for men and 38% for women. A high haematocrit indicates a higher than normal level of red blood cells, which can be a sign of dehydration or other conditions. A low haematocrit indicates a lower than normal level of red blood cells, which can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.