Peptide Blood Work Checklist
Before starting a peptide or GLP-1 protocol, run a baseline panel (CBC, metabolic panel, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, lipids with ApoB, hs-CRP, a hormone panel, IGF-1, thyroid, vitamin D, ferritin), then add the markers specific to your compound class and retest at baseline, 6 weeks, then every 3 months. The trend between draws is what tells you whether the protocol is working. Always order and interpret labs with a licensed provider.
The baseline panel (before you start)
Run this before your first dose so every later draw has something to compare against. A single lab value is a snapshot; the trend across draws is the signal.
What to add by protocol type
Layer these on top of the baseline panel based on what you are running. Markers link to their full reference range and meaning.
GH peptides & HGH
Timing: IGF-1 at baseline, then at 6 weeks (the standard response check), then every 3 months. Draw IGF-1 fasted, in the morning, 24 to 36 hours after the last GH-peptide dose. Watch glucose and insulin, GH compounds can reduce insulin sensitivity.
GLP-1 agonists
Timing: Baseline, then every 3 months. ApoB and HbA1c are the markers that reliably move on this class. Track weight and resting heart rate alongside the labs.
Healing & recovery peptides
Timing: Baseline, then every 8 to 12 weeks. hs-CRP tracks the inflammation these compounds are often run to modulate.
Hormone-axis peptides
Timing: Baseline, then 6 to 8 weeks after starting to assess the axis response. Draw testosterone in the morning.
Aesthetic & longevity peptides
Timing: Baseline, then every 3 months. Check serum copper before starting GHK-Cu, excess copper can be a problem.
When to retest
- BaselineBefore your first dose. The reference point everything else is measured against.
- 6 weeksFirst response check. IGF-1 on GH peptides, early metabolic movement on GLP-1s.
- 3 monthsConfirm the trend and catch any drift in glucose, lipids, or liver markers.
- Every 3 months afterQuarterly while on protocol; annually once stable and unchanged.
Get the formatted Peptide Blood Work Checklist PDF to bring to your next draw, or skip the paper and track every marker on this page across your lab draws in MyProtocolStack, free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blood work should I get before starting peptides?
Most people start with a baseline panel that captures metabolic, hormonal, cardiovascular, and inflammation status: a CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, a lipid panel with ApoB, hs-CRP, a hormone panel (total and free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG), IGF-1, a thyroid panel, vitamin D, and ferritin. Run it before your first dose so every later draw has a reference point. Your provider decides the right panel for you.
How often should I retest while running a protocol?
A common cadence is baseline, then 6 weeks for the first response check (especially IGF-1 on GH peptides), then every 3 months. Use the same lab each time so values are comparable. The trend between draws tells you more than any single result.
When should I draw IGF-1 on a GH peptide protocol?
Draw IGF-1 fasted, in the morning, 24 to 36 hours after your last GH-peptide dose. Drawing it within hours of a dose inflates the number. This is the single most common timing mistake.
What labs do GLP-1s like semaglutide change?
On GLP-1 protocols, HbA1c and ApoB are the markers that move most reliably, with fasting glucose and triglycerides usually moving too. Liver enzymes are worth watching. Track weight and resting heart rate alongside the labs.
Is this checklist medical advice?
No. This is an educational reference for the panels people commonly ask their provider to order. It is not a diagnostic tool and nothing here is a treatment recommendation. Order labs and interpret results with a licensed healthcare provider.
Informational only, not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Order labs and interpret results with a licensed healthcare provider.