- Canadian labs use SI units: testosterone in nmol/L, estradiol in pmol/L, hematocrit as a fraction (L/L), cholesterol in mmol/L.
- The markers that matter most on steroids are hematocrit, HDL, blood pressure, liver enzymes and estradiol.
- Time your draws: mid-way between injections, and not after a heavy training day.
- A baseline before you start makes everything after it easier to interpret.
Bloodwork is the most useful safety tool for anyone on testosterone or steroids, but only if you can read it. Most guides online use American units, which makes Canadian lab reports confusing. This guide explains each important marker in the units LifeLabs, Dynacare and hospital labs actually use, with what to look for on and off cycle.
Getting tested in Canada
- Through your doctor: your family doctor or a walk-in clinic can order tests; many are covered provincially when medically indicated.
- Privately: LifeLabs and Dynacare offer self-pay testing for many markers.
Telling your doctor about steroid use helps them interpret results and is confidential.
Timing
- Test hormones in the morning, before 10 AM if possible
- On injectables, draw blood midway between injections (a “trough” draw just before your next injection is also common; be consistent)
- Avoid hard training for two to three days before testing liver enzymes and creatinine
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours if your lipid panel or glucose needs it
Hormones
| Marker | Canadian unit | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Total testosterone | nmol/L | Typical adult male range roughly 8 to 30 nmol/L. On a cycle it will be far above; after a cycle it shows recovery. To convert from US ng/dL, multiply by 0.0347. |
| Free testosterone | pmol/L | The unbound portion; useful when SHBG is unusual |
| Estradiol (E2) | pmol/L | Rises with testosterone. Very high levels link to water retention and gynecomastia; very low levels hurt libido, joints and lipids. |
| LH and FSH | IU/L | Near zero on a cycle (suppression); rising again after you stop shows recovery |
| Prolactin | µg/L | Worth checking on nandrolone or trenbolone |
| SHBG | nmol/L | Binds testosterone; androgens and orals lower it |
Blood counts
- Hematocrit: reported in Canada as a fraction, such as 0.46 L/L (46%). Testosterone, Equipoise and Anadrol raise it. Above about 0.54 L/L, clot and stroke risk increase and doctors usually act.
- Hemoglobin: reported in g/L (for example 160 g/L); rises alongside hematocrit.
Lipids
- HDL: mmol/L. Often drops sharply on orals and trenbolone; above about 1.0 mmol/L for men is generally desirable.
- LDL, non-HDL and apoB: Canadian guidelines use these as targets; rising values on cycle add to risk.
- Triglycerides: mmol/L, fasting.
More in our cholesterol guide.
Liver
- ALT and AST (U/L): rise with liver strain and with hard training
- GGT (U/L): liver-specific; helps tell liver from muscle
- Bilirubin and ALP: rise with bile-flow problems from oral steroids
See our liver guide.
Kidneys
- Creatinine (µmol/L) and eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²): muscle mass and creatine supplements raise creatinine and lower eGFR without kidney damage
- Cystatin C: unaffected by muscle mass; ask for it if creatinine is borderline
- Urine ACR: early sign of kidney damage
See our kidney guide.
Other useful tests
- PSA (µg/L) for men over 40
- Fasting glucose and HbA1c, especially with HGH
- Thyroid (TSH) if using T3 or feeling unusually tired
- Blood pressure at home; see our blood pressure guide
A simple testing schedule
| When | Panel |
|---|---|
| Before | Hormones, CBC, lipids, liver, kidney, PSA (40+), glucose |
| 6 to 8 weeks in | Testosterone, estradiol, CBC, lipids, liver |
| 6 to 12 weeks after stopping | Testosterone, LH, FSH, CBC, lipids |
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal testosterone level in Canada?
Labs report total testosterone in nmol/L; typical adult male ranges are roughly 8 to 30 nmol/L, varying by lab.
What hematocrit is too high on testosterone?
Above about 0.54 L/L (54%), clot and stroke risk rise and doctors usually reduce the dose or intervene.
How do I convert testosterone from ng/dL to nmol/L?
Multiply ng/dL by 0.0347. For example, 600 ng/dL is about 20.8 nmol/L.
Can I get bloodwork without a doctor in Canada?
Yes. LifeLabs and Dynacare offer self-pay testing for many markers.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
