Question 1

What lab panels should I have tested?

Accepted Answer

I recommend testing the following panels within at least 3 months (max 6 months) prior to the time of our first session, preferably drawn all at once:CBC (w/ differential and platelets)CMPHbA1cFasting InsulinIGF-1Lipid Panelhs-CRPTotal Testosterone (LC-MS preferred)Sensitive EstradiolProlactinProgesterone (LC-MS preferred)SHBGLH & FSHTSHFree T4Free T3Reverse T3TPO AbTg AbDHEA-SPregnenolone-S (if able)Cortisol (AM)Folate & B12Vitamin DFerritinIron & TIBC
If you are unable to obtain these via your provider or self-order, please let me know and we can work with our affiliate provider, Dr. Narducci, to facilitate them.

Question 2

I had some labs done a few months ago by my doctor - do I really need to do more?

Accepted Answer

In short - it depends, and with some background information during your consultation call, I can help determine the answer for you personally.In my experience, the vast majority of providers are notorious for skipping crucial lab panels (see the list in the answer to the previous question), and even those that do call for some or most of the necessary tests fail to interpret the results properly. This failure to assess the patient comprehensively is very often precisely the reason why so many men come to me with side effects or incomplete treatment responses to TRT.It is also important to note that just because you’ve had prior testing and were told everything is “normal” doesn’t mean this is actually the case. I routinely observe suboptimal hormone levels in my clients even when providers and lab reference ranges insist otherwise. This is because hormone levels must be interpreted in relation to one another, and reference ranges are derived from averages across the entire population, with factors such as age, sickness, and obesity unaccounted for.

Question 3

When initiating or making changes to my TRT/HRT protocol, how does that work with my current provider?

Accepted Answer

I am happy to work with your provider in order to help you achieve an optimal outcome with the greatest efficiency. Since some providers are unable or unwilling to engage in this type of approach, our licensed provider, Dr. Dusty Narducci, MD, is able to see and prescribe to patients via telehealth in most U.S. states when necessary.

Question 4

I’m interested in fitness coaching, but I have “x” pain/injury. Can I still participate and achieve results?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, absolutely, and depending on the nature and severity of the injury, you will actually be able to rehab it while reaching your fitness goals.As mentioned in my bio, my original background is in functional movement applied to strength training as well as clinical rehab. Before you even step foot in the gym, we will conduct a virtual movement screening that assesses for any mobility limitations you may present with. These types of movement restrictions are the root cause of most non-contact aches, pains, and injuries, and regardless of your goals, your program will be customized to resolve and account for whatever limitations we discover in your initial assessment.Even if you’re feeling perfectly healthy, everything we do in your individualized program will cater to optimizing joint health in order to build muscle, lose fat, and accumulate strength safely and sustainably.

Question 5

What kind of equipment do I need access to in order to perform the workouts?

Accepted Answer

I recommend every client has access to a full gym setup (something at least a step-up from Planet Fitness, such as a Crunch or LA Fitness, if you’re in the US). This doesn't have to be anything fancy, as we seldom even use machines, but basic free weights found in any standard gym are non-negotiable, such as an adjustable bench, a power rack, barbells and plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, a cable station, a pull-up bar, plyo boxes, etc.If possible, I also recommend having access to some supplemental equipment, such as a trap bar (or “hex” bar), resistance bands, and a foam roller, all of which most modern gyms will have. When it comes to any additional pieces of equipment we may opt for in order to best serve your individual needs, these will be cheap, simple investments that can easily be purchased online via vendors such as Amazon.

What lab panels should I have tested?

I had some labs done a few months ago by my doctor - do I really need to do more?

When initiating or making changes to my TRT/HRT protocol, how does that work with my current provider?

I’m interested in fitness coaching, but I have “x” pain/injury. Can I still participate and achieve results?

What kind of equipment do I need access to in order to perform the workouts?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS