Mike O’Hearn dissects how involved you should be in your bloodwork and also lists the top five signs that may signal low testosterone
On a recent episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Mike O’Hearn welcomed the return of John Tsikouris, owner of the HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) clinic, Titan Medical. The conversation centered around the significance of bloodwork in the fitness and bodybuilding community, a topic that has gained considerable traction in recent years. Mike O’Hearn also breaks down the top five signs that you may have low testosterone.
While many athletes recognize the need for regular blood tests, few understand the intricacies involved in the process. In this episode, John provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect from blood tests, the difference between what general practitioners offer and what specialized clinics like Titan Medical can provide, and why this is crucial for athletes seeking to optimize their health and performance.
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Signs You Should Consider Bloodwork and TRT
Mike O’Hearn asked John to share some common symptoms that might indicate the need for bloodwork or consideration of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). John provided a list of signs that athletes should watch for:
- Low energy levels and difficulty maintaining consistent sleep patterns.
- Mental fog and frequent moments of struggling to remember simple things.
- Unexpected weight gain, especially when exercise and diet remain consistent.
- Erectile dysfunction or a noticeable decline in sexual performance.
- Unexplained feelings of depression, even in the absence of external stressors.
These symptoms can be indicative of underlying hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or growth hormone deficiencies. Addressing these issues through comprehensive bloodwork and HRT, if needed, can help athletes maintain peak performance and improve their overall quality of life.
Understanding Bloodwork: What Do General Practitioners Offer?
When discussing bloodwork, Mike O’Hearn asked John to clarify what happens when someone goes to their general practitioner for a blood test. This question is pivotal, as many bodybuilders and athletes rely on their doctors for health assessments but may not fully grasp what is included in the typical bloodwork panel.
John explained that when visiting a general practitioner for bloodwork, the standard procedure involves receiving a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). This panel includes 14 different tests that analyze key indicators like liver function, kidney function, electrolyte levels, and glucose levels. Essentially, these tests assess the health of vital organs, which helps doctors understand the foundational aspects of a patient’s health.
In addition to the CMP, most patients will also receive a cholesterol panel and a test for red and white blood cell counts. These tests help in identifying potential risks for cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions. However, John notes that while these panels cover essential health markers, they might not delve into the more specialized aspects that athletes need to monitor closely.
Specialized Bloodwork for Athletes: Going Beyond the Basics
Mike O’Hearn highlighted a common issue within the bodybuilding community: many athletes assume that a standard blood test covers everything they need to know. However, as John pointed out, the tests typically conducted by general practitioners often lack depth when it comes to evaluating an athlete’s hormonal and metabolic profile. For bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, understanding these finer details is critical for optimizing performance and long-term health.
John emphasized the importance of testosterone testing, specifically noting that athletes should ensure their bloodwork includes both total testosterone levels and free testosterone levels. While total testosterone gives a broad overview, free testosterone is a more precise measure of the hormone that is actively available in the body. This is particularly important for those considering or already undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). At specialized clinics like Titan Medical, these tests are a routine part of the assessment process, offering athletes a more granular understanding of their hormonal balance.
Moreover, John recommended checking IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) levels, as IGF-1 is closely related to growth hormone production. As individuals age, their growth hormone levels naturally decline, which can lead to deficiencies that may not be immediately noticeable. Monitoring IGF-1 levels helps detect these declines early, which can prevent premature aging, fatigue, and other age-related discomforts.
Why Are General Practitioners Limited in Their Bloodwork Panels?
A significant part of the discussion revolved around why general practitioners may not provide the detailed bloodwork that athletes need. John explained that the primary reason is related to health insurance policies. When a doctor orders a blood test, each test is associated with a code that is submitted to the health insurance company.
For the insurance company to approve the cost of a specific blood test, there needs to be a clear medical reason or diagnosis justifying it. If the insurance company deems a test unnecessary, the costs get shifted back to the patient, which can discourage doctors from ordering more comprehensive tests.
This limitation means that general practitioners often stick to basic panels unless a specific issue arises. For athletes, this can result in a lack of data on critical markers like free testosterone, IGF-1, and other hormones. As a result, many athletes find themselves turning to specialized HRT clinics like Titan Medical for a more tailored approach to bloodwork.
Additionally, John mentioned that the reporting of results to health insurance companies can impact a patient’s insurance premiums. If a blood test reveals an undiagnosed issue, it could potentially lead to higher costs for the patient in the future. By contrast, at a private clinic like Titan Medical, tests are conducted without being reported to health insurance, offering a degree of privacy and control that appeals to many fitness enthusiasts.
The Role of Experience in Bloodwork: Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Needs
Another factor influencing the limited scope of bloodwork from general practitioners is their level of comfort with specific tests. John pointed out that many doctors, especially those from older generations, may not be comfortable ordering tests beyond their usual scope, as they might not see the necessity for them.
The movement toward more specialized bloodwork, such as hormone testing for athletes, is relatively new within the medical community. As a result, some practitioners may be hesitant to adopt these approaches unless the patient insists or a clear medical need is identified.
Mike and John both stressed the importance of athletes advocating for themselves when it comes to their health. Athletes push their bodies to extremes that the average person does not, and this requires a deeper understanding of what is happening internally. Whether it means seeking more comprehensive testing or working with a clinic that understands the unique needs of athletes, taking that extra step can make a significant difference.
Wrap Up
The discussion between Mike O’Hearn and John Tsikouris on The Mike O’Hearn Show sheds light on the crucial role that bloodwork plays in maintaining health and optimizing performance, especially for athletes and bodybuilders. While general practitioners provide essential services, their approach to blood testing may lack the depth needed for those pushing their physical limits.
By seeking more detailed assessments from specialized clinics like Titan Medical, athletes can gain a better understanding of their hormonal health and take proactive steps toward achieving their fitness goals. Whether you are a professional bodybuilder or someone dedicated to staying in top shape, understanding your body through comprehensive bloodwork is a vital component of your wellness journey.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
