Foundation first. Optimisation later.
Start here: hormone basics that prevent dumb mistakes
This is the foundation layer: how TRT works, what “side effects” usually mean, what to track, and what to fix before you touch dose.
New to labs? Use the Bloodwork guide pathway to understand what to test and how to interpret trends before you start “optimising.”
Core hormone basics journey
Follow these in order if you’re new to TRT/peptides or want a clean “first principles” reset.
- What is TRT? – what it is, what it isn’t, and what “replacement” should look like in real life.
- Common side effects & monitoring – the usual issues (water retention, acne, mood, libido swings), and what to check before panic moves.
- Lifestyle factors that move the needle – sleep, stress, training load, alcohol, body fat, and why they can make your numbers look “off.”
If you’re changing dose to fix a lifestyle problem, you’re doing it backwards.
Specific topics you might be looking for
TRT fundamentals
For people deciding whether TRT makes sense and what “good TRT” looks like.
- What is TRT?
- Bloodwork basics for TRT
- Ready for the next layer? Start the Testosterone section: Testosterone category overview.
Symptoms, side effects, guardrails
When things feel “off,” this is the triage lane.
Lifestyle levers before dose changes
The boring stuff that often fixes the problem faster than changing dose.
- Lifestyle factors that move the needle
- Ongoing monitoring & follow-up labs
- If you’re considering peptides, read the safety-first overview: Peptides category overview.
Search within hormone basics
Type a keyword (e.g. “libido”, “sleep”, “estradiol”, “SHBG”, “acne”) and search across hormone basics guides.