Core
Complete Blood Count
Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Provides a broad hematologic baseline.
CBC with differential
Bloodwork & Biomarkers
Peptide
Bloodwork Guide
Know your baseline. Track the markers that fit your protocol. Bring better questions—and real data—to your clinician.
Baseline checklist
Protocol-specific panels
Suggested timing
Start here
Bloodwork is context—not a green light
Baseline labs can reveal existing issues and make later changes easier to interpret. They cannot prove that a protocol is safe, rule out every adverse effect, or replace symptom-based medical evaluation.
Foundation
Universal baseline
A practical starting discussion before a new protocol. Your clinician may add or remove tests based on age, sex, medications, symptoms, and medical history.
Core
Metabolic Panel
Kidney function, liver-associated enzymes, electrolytes, protein, and glucose.
CMP
Metabolic
Glucose Control
Fasting glucose shows a point in time; HbA1c estimates average glycemia over roughly three months.
Fasting glucose · HbA1c
Common add-on
Lipid Panel
Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides for cardiovascular and metabolic context.
Fasting may be requested
When relevant
Thyroid Panel
Useful when metabolism, fatigue, weight change, thyroid history, or GH-axis therapy makes thyroid context relevant.
TSH · Free T4; Free T3 selectively
When relevant
Inflammation
High-sensitivity CRP can provide nonspecific inflammatory context but does not identify the cause of inflammation.
hs-CRP
Match the protocol
Protocol-specific monitoring
Start with the universal baseline, then discuss the add-ons associated with the compound class. “Consider” means the marker is context-dependent—not automatically required for everyone.
Metabolic
GLP-1–based compounds
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and cagrilintide-containing strategies.
Track: HbA1c, fasting glucose, CMP, and lipid panel.
Consider: Urine albumin/creatinine when diabetes or kidney risk is present.
Timing: Baseline, after titration or around 8–12 weeks, then based on response and risk.
Growth hormone axis
GH secretagogues
CJC-1295 No DAC / ipamorelin, tesamorelin, sermorelin, and related compounds.
Track: IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and CMP.
Consider: Thyroid testing and lipid panel; cortisol or prolactin only when the compound or symptoms justify it.
Timing: Baseline and after steady use—often around 6–12 weeks.
Advanced
IGF-1 LR3 & growth compounds
Higher-uncertainty compounds need clinician oversight; routine labs do not remove their risk.
Track: Fasting glucose, HbA1c, CMP, and IGF-1 when applicable.
Consider: Fasting insulin and additional testing directed by medical history and symptoms.
Timing: Baseline and clinician-directed monitoring during use.
Recovery
Healing & immune peptides
BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, GHK-Cu, thymosin alpha-1, and similar protocols.
Track: CBC and CMP as general baseline context.
Consider: hs-CRP when inflammation is a defined target; copper status only when clinically relevant to extended copper-peptide exposure.
Timing: Baseline and repeat only when duration, symptoms, or clinical goals support it.
Longevity
Mitochondrial & longevity compounds
MOTS-c, SS-31, NAD+, Epitalon, and longevity-oriented bioregulators.
Track: CBC, CMP, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipid panel.
Consider: hs-CRP when systemic inflammation is a stated outcome.
Timing: Baseline and after a long enough interval to plausibly measure change.
Hormonal
Kisspeptin & reproductive goals
Hormone testing must account for sex, age, menstrual timing, medications, and the reason for testing.
Track: LH, FSH, total testosterone, and estradiol when appropriate.
Consider: Free testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, progesterone, or fertility testing based on the goal.
Timing: Standardize time of day and cycle timing when applicable.
Monitoring timeline
When to check
Before starting
Establish a clean baseline before the compound can influence the marker.
After steady exposure
Often 6–12 weeks, depending on the compound, titration schedule, marker, and clinical risk.
Any time symptoms change
Do not wait for a planned lab date when concerning symptoms appear. Seek medical evaluation.
Reference ranges are not universal. Results vary by laboratory method, age, sex, pregnancy status, medications, collection timing, hydration, and medical history. Use the range printed by the performing laboratory and have results interpreted by a licensed clinician. This guide is educational and is not medical advice.