Blood work markers to track on peptides — my monitoring protocol
I recommend all my clients get baseline blood work before starting any peptide protocol. Here's what I check and why: Essential everyone: Fasting glucose + HbA1c especially if using GH peptides or GLP1 agonists Liver pa…
I recommend all my clients get baseline blood work before starting any peptide protocol. Here's what I check and why:
Essential (everyone):
- Fasting glucose + HbA1c (especially if using GH peptides or GLP-1 agonists)
- Liver panel (ALT, AST, GGT)
- Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- CBC (complete blood count)
If using GH peptides (CJC, Tesamorelin):
- IGF-1 (measures growth hormone output)
- Fasting insulin
If using weight loss peptides (Tirzepatide, Retatrutide):
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4)
If using anti-aging peptides (Epithalon, NAD+):
- Inflammatory markers (hsCRP, ESR)
- Vitamin D (often low in Bali expats despite the sun)
Frequency: Baseline before starting, then every 8-12 weeks while on peptides.
Prolab in Denpasar does comprehensive panels for reasonable prices. DM me if you want the specific panel codes I order.
Tracking blood work takes peptide use from "I feel better" to "I can prove it's working and it's safe." Worth the effort.
4 Replies
Essential advice. I'd add: if you're using weight loss peptides, also track albumin and prealbumin to ensure adequate protein nutrition. Rapid weight loss can mask protein deficiency. Also consider checking vitamin B12 — GLP-1 agonists can reduce absorption.
This is the professional approach everyone should follow. I require baseline blood work from retreat guests before starting any peptide protocol. The before/after comparison is invaluable — both for safety and for demonstrating efficacy. Prolab in Denpasar is solid, also Siloam Hospital has good panels.
Saved this post for reference. I've been tracking blood work quarterly since starting peptides. My IGF-1 went from 180 to 245 on CJC/Ipa (good — indicates GH axis is responding), fasting glucose stayed stable, and hsCRP dropped from 1.8 to 0.6. Data is king.
Nina, this is such a comprehensive approach to monitoring health while using peptides! It's great to see you emphasizing baseline blood work before diving into peptide protocols. It truly bridges the gap between subjective feelings and objective data. We love how you've tailored the recommended tests to specific peptide categories — it's a mix of science and personalization.
Adding to the conversation, it's always a good idea to remind folks that individual responses can vary. Keeping a close eye on how your body responds through regular blood work is invaluable. Sophie’s point about monitoring albumin and prealbumin is crucial, especially with weight loss peptides, to ensure there's no hidden nutritional deficiency. The suggestion to check vitamin B12 levels is also worth considering when using GLP-1 agonists.
Your mention of Prolab and Siloam Hospital in Denpasar is helpful for anyone new to the area looking for reliable options. Blood work really does elevate peptide usage to a more scientific and safe practice. Kudos to everyone here who’s taking such a thoughtful approach! How have your clients been responding to this protocol?