“It’s In Your Blood”
I thought I’d call attention to a classic article by a friend/colleague of mine, Will Brink, on the value of blood work for both health and physique improvement. A lot of us get routine blood chemistry tests as a part of our physical exams (as well as before various medical interventions), but these still leave things out that are important for health/fitness, such as hormones like thyroid or testosterone. I know several people on the forums I moderate, who’ve really struggled with losing fat and/or building strength due to sub-optimal hormone levels. If your hormones aren’t up to snuff, it’s like pushing a noodle.
On the flip side, I also know people who randomly experiment with various over-the-counter hormone-based products, like DHEA, pregnenolone, and/or progesterone creams (not to mention various quasi-legal bodybuilding supplements). I don’t have a problem with some experimentation, but it shouldn’t be done blindly. Just because these hormones occur naturally in the body and are available without a prescription is no guarantee of absolute safety. Even naturopaths don’t advise winging it – even for something as (seemingly) basic as DHEA. More isn’t better.
If you’re trying to get into shape/improve your health, you should know if your hormone levels are within normal limits, and whether you have disease risk factors that need to be improved, such as LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine or C-reactive protein, for example. Your success – and long term health – may depend on it.
You will need a referral to get tested…this should be available from your doctor or doctor-affiliated wellness organizations, such as the Life Extension Foundation.
No, blood tests aren’t cheap…but then again, they’re quite cost-effective when you consider the knowledge you get for your money.
