Blood work on peptides and growth hormone
Anyone using peptides or growth hormone who wants to do it properly measures. Not because something is bound to go wrong, but because otherwise you cannot tell whether it is doing what you hoped and whether your body is tolerating it.
Peptides and growth hormone act on your growth hormone axis and on your blood sugar handling. Those are exactly the two things blood can track well. Without a baseline you cannot tell afterwards what changed, so that first measurement happens before you start.
Mario Test does not prescribe, does not supply and does not supervise a cycle. What happens here is measuring and explaining what the numbers say. What you do with that is a conversation with a doctor.
Baseline or interim check?
Message where you are in your programme and what you use. Mario will look at which markers make sense and when to draw them.
Reachable Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 18:00. An appointment can usually be scheduled within a few days.
What to track, and why
IGF-1
Growth hormone itself is released in pulses and swings widely across the day, so a single measurement says little. IGF-1 is produced in the liver under its influence and moves far more steadily, which is why IGF-1 is the marker followed in practice.
Fasting insulin, glucose and HOMA-IR
This is the main safety side. Growth hormone and some peptides reduce insulin sensitivity. You see that first in a rising fasting insulin and HOMA-IR while glucose still looks normal. Measuring glucose alone misses that early shift. HbA1c shows the average over roughly three months.
Thyroid
TSH, free T4 and free T3. Conversion of T4 into T3 can shift under growth hormone, so free T3 belongs in the panel rather than TSH alone.
Liver and kidneys
ALT, AST, GGT, creatinine with eGFR and cystatin C. When muscle mass changes, cystatin C gives a fairer read on kidney function than creatinine, which moves with how much muscle you carry.
Blood count, inflammation and hormones
Full blood count plus hs-CRP, since fluid retention is a known side effect and shows in your haematocrit. Testosterone and oestradiol are drawn before 10:00. See testosterone.
All markers at a glance
When to measure
| Moment | Why |
|---|---|
| Before starting | The baseline. Without it every later measurement says little. |
| After 6 to 8 weeks | IGF-1 and fasting insulin respond visibly within that window. |
| Then every 3 months | While your dose or compound is still changing. |
| At every dose change | Otherwise you cannot tell which change came from where. |
Preparation
- Fasting, at least 8 hours, for glucose, insulin and triglycerides. Water is fine and helps the draw.
- Draw before 10:00 if testosterone or cortisol are included.
- No hard training in the 48 hours before. It distorts creatine kinase, hs-CRP and liver values.
- Keep the same time for a follow-up, and always measure at the same point in your dosing schedule.
Which package fits
* Lab cost only. The cost of the visit at your location depends on your address and the appointment. You get the full amount in writing before you commit to anything, via a quote request, WhatsApp or email.
Missing a marker, or want to drop a few? See the full biomarker list and request your own set.
Frequently asked questions
Why measure IGF-1 rather than growth hormone itself?
Because growth hormone is released in pulses.
A single measurement of growth hormone therefore says little. IGF-1 is produced under its influence and moves far more steadily, which makes it usable for tracking.
Which value matters most to watch?
Fasting insulin together with glucose, so HOMA-IR.
Growth hormone and some peptides reduce insulin sensitivity. You see that first in rising insulin while glucose still looks normal. Measuring glucose alone is too late.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, at least 8 hours.
Glucose, insulin and triglycerides require it. Because the draw happens at your home, you do not have to travel to a collection point while fasting.
How often should I measure?
A baseline, then after 6 to 8 weeks, then every 3 months.
And again at every dose change, otherwise you cannot tell which change came from where.
Do you supervise a cycle or adjust doses?
No.
Mario Test measures and explains. Nothing is prescribed and nothing is supplied. For decisions about use or dosing you see a doctor.
Can I add markers that are not listed here?
Yes.
See the full biomarker list. If what you are after is not there, request it by WhatsApp or email and we check whether the lab can run it.
Note: a blood test gives you insight and direction. It does not prove or rule out a condition on its own. Results are meant for prevention and for tracking change over time, not as a diagnosis. For symptoms or values outside the reference range, see your GP.