HDL Cholesterol blood test
Cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein, which helps move cholesterol back to the liver.
- Typical range (adult men)
- above 40 mg/dL
- Panel
- Lipid Panel
- Also called
- HDL-C, "Good" cholesterol
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Low HDL is linked to heart risk, and anabolic steroids and some SARMs can lower it sharply.
What can raise it
- Regular aerobic exercise
- Genetics
What can lower it
- Anabolic steroid or SARM use
- Smoking and inactivity
- Insulin resistance and high triglycerides
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand (water is fine).
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect HDL Cholesterol
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Testosterone Cypionate
- Testosterone Enanthate
- Testosterone Propionate
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Masteron Enanthate (Drostanolone Enanthate)
- Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Other lipid panel tests
Questions
What is a normal HDL Cholesterol level?
A typical adult male reference range is above 40 mg/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high HDL Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include regular aerobic exercise and genetics. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low HDL Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include anabolic steroid or SARM use, smoking and inactivity and insulin resistance and high triglycerides.