What Labs Do You Need Before Starting TRT?
Why a responsible hormone evaluation looks at more than total testosterone, and what happens to your results at Forge.
If a clinic will prescribe testosterone without bloodwork, walk away. Labs are how a provider knows whether treatment is appropriate and, later, whether it's working safely.
More than one number
Total testosterone alone can mislead. A thorough evaluation commonly considers free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH and FSH, hematocrit, PSA, and metabolic markers, so decisions reflect the whole picture and so ongoing treatment can be monitored for safety.
How it works at Forge
After your $100 consult, your provider orders the panel. You get drawn at a lab near you, results come back to Forge, and your provider reviews them with you on video before any protocol is built. Follow-up labs happen on a defined schedule.
What it costs
Lab costs are separate from Forge plan pricing and are paid to the lab. Ask during your consult for typical costs in your area.
Educational content only, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Treatment decisions are made after evaluation by a licensed provider.
Questions about your situation?
Book a $100 consult or send us a message. We'll give you a straight answer.