Why Private MD Labs?
90-day money-back guarantee Lab order in minutes Save a trip to the doctor Low prices since 2005 Labs within 2 miles
Sample image
Sample report
Natural bodybuilder hormone panel measuring testosterone, IGF-1, and muscle-building biomarkers

Hormone Test for Natural Bodybuilders & Muscle Growth

Natural Bodybuilder Panel

  • Pinpoint nutrient gaps to boost muscle growth
  • Reveal hormone imbalances affecting your gains
  • Assess your recovery rate for optimal training
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're a natural bodybuilder or serious athlete experiencing training plateaus, slow muscle recovery, or difficulty building lean mass despite consistent workouts and nutrition. It helps identify hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic issues that may be limiting your performance and gains. Many natural lifters use this panel to ensure their body is optimized for muscle growth, recovery, and overall athletic performance without using performance-enhancing drugs.

How should I prepare for this test?

Fasting: 12-14 hours
No biotin: 72 hours

You should fast for 12-14 hours before your blood draw, consuming only water during this period. If you're using testosterone cream, avoid applying it to the inner elbow area for at least 24 hours before testing as it can artificially elevate results. Stop taking biotin supplements (vitamin B7, B8, or H) at least 72 hours prior to testing, as high doses can interfere with some test results. Results typically take 10 business days, though this may be extended if confirmation testing is required.

What's included in this test?

Estradiol,Ultrasensitive, LC/MS Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

This comprehensive panel evaluates your anabolic hormones through testosterone, free testosterone, IGF-1, and estradiol levels, which directly impact muscle growth, strength gains, and recovery. It also checks thyroid function to identify metabolic issues affecting energy and body composition, measures reproductive hormones (FSH, LH) that influence testosterone production, and assesses cardiovascular health through lipid panels and metabolic markers. The Complete Blood Count monitors overall health and recovery capacity, while liver and kidney function tests ensure your organs are handling your training load effectively.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your hormone levels, metabolic markers, and recovery indicators mean for your training and muscle-building goals. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, training modifications, supplement suggestions, or whether you should work with a sports medicine specialist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your biomarkers over time using our trends feature to see how your training and nutrition interventions are improving your performance.
When will I get my results?
The estimated turnaround time for your results is 10 business days from when your sample reaches the lab. If any biomarkers require confirmation testing for accuracy, the timeline may be extended slightly. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is perfect for natural bodybuilders, powerlifters, and serious strength athletes who want to optimize their hormones and health for maximum muscle growth and performance. It's especially valuable if you've been training consistently but experiencing slow gains, persistent fatigue, difficulty recovering between workouts, or unexplained changes in body composition. Competitive natural athletes also use this panel to establish baseline hormone levels and ensure they're competing drug-free while maximizing their natural potential.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
You may benefit from this test if you're experiencing persistent muscle soreness lasting more than 48 hours, decreased strength despite consistent training, stubborn body fat that won't budge, low motivation or drive in the gym, poor sleep quality, or longer recovery times between workouts. Other signs include difficulty building muscle despite proper nutrition and training, decreased libido, mood changes, or feeling constantly run-down despite adequate rest. These symptoms can indicate hormone imbalances or metabolic issues that are limiting your bodybuilding progress.
How can I naturally support my testosterone and muscle-building hormones?
Focus on compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses that stimulate natural testosterone production, and prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep when growth hormone peaks. Include zinc and magnesium-rich foods like oysters, red meat, pumpkin seeds, and leafy greens, and ensure adequate healthy fat intake from sources like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish. Manage training volume to avoid overtraining, minimize stress through recovery practices, maintain a slight caloric surplus when building muscle, and limit alcohol consumption which can suppress testosterone production.
What is IGF-1 and why does it matter for bodybuilding?
IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in muscle growth and recovery by promoting protein synthesis and new muscle cell development. It works alongside growth hormone and testosterone to help you build lean muscle mass, repair damaged tissue after intense workouts, and improve overall body composition. Natural bodybuilders monitor IGF-1 to ensure their body is producing adequate levels for optimal muscle-building potential, and low levels can explain slow gains despite proper training and nutrition.
How often should natural bodybuilders retest these biomarkers?
Most natural bodybuilders should retest every 3-6 months during active training phases to monitor how their hormones and health markers respond to training, nutrition, and supplementation changes. If you're making significant changes to your program, preparing for a competition, or experiencing concerning symptoms, testing every 8-12 weeks can provide valuable feedback. Once you've established optimal ranges and your training is consistent, annual testing is sufficient for maintenance, though you may want to test more frequently during cutting or bulking phases when hormones can fluctuate significantly.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Testosterone, Total 385 ng/dL
Demo results
Low Optimal 400 - 1000 High
385 ng/dL

What this means

Your total testosterone is slightly below the optimal range for natural bodybuilding and muscle growth. While not critically low, this level may be contributing to slower muscle gains, longer recovery times between workouts, and reduced strength progression despite consistent training and nutrition.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Hormone Test for Natural Bodybuilders & Muscle Growth

  • Pinpoint nutrient gaps to boost muscle growth
  • Reveal hormone imbalances affecting your gains
  • Assess your recovery rate for optimal training
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.

Ask Me Anything

Your 24/7 Personal Lab Guide

Quick questions:

What does this test measure?
How do I get $497 in free labs? 🎁
Do I need to fast for this test?
When will I get my results?
A

Hi, I'm here to make labs simple, clear, and stress-free. Not sure where to start? That's okay. Tell me what's going on and I'll guide you from there.

I can help you:

  • choose the right test
  • prepare for your lab visit
  • take the next step with confidence and more
Just now
A
Not finding what you need? Text 754-799-7833, we've got you.
We provide helpful guidance, not medical diagnoses. For medical decisions, consult a licensed professional.