Physician-reviewed
What labs should you get before starting testosterone?
Medically reviewed byClay Buchanan, MD·Last reviewed September 2026
Before hormone care, a clinician typically checks total and free testosterone, estradiol, a complete blood count with hematocrit, and PSA for men over 40, plus lipids. Labs let your clinician decide what is appropriate and monitor safely.
Why labs come first
Symptoms alone don’t tell the whole story. Labs confirm whether hormone care is appropriate and establish a baseline for follow-up.
How often they’re rechecked
Your clinician sets the schedule, often within the first couple of months and periodically after.
| Lab | Why |
|---|---|
| Total & free testosterone | Confirms the picture |
| Estradiol (E2) | Balance and side-effect risk |
| CBC / hematocrit | Safety monitoring |
| PSA (40+) | Prostate screening |
| Lipids | Cardiovascular context |
Looking for labs-first testosterone care?
Explore the programFrequently asked
Can I use recent labs?
Often yes — you can upload results from the last 90 days, or your clinician can order new ones.
References
- Endocrine Society clinical guidance on testosterone therapy (see PubMed).
This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not create a clinician–patient relationship.