About this episode
In this episode I’m sharing my recent lab test, 23 lab tests in menopause, to be exact. I’ll share why so many, how often, what I’ll learn from them. If you’re at a loss for what to order or really, what you need and want a doctor to run this will help. Connecting the dots is not always easy! Though I ran almost all of these as a part of writing You Still Got It, Girl! Almost a decade ago, by ordering self-directed labs and doing the research to interpret them and take actions to either follow up with a physician or to consider dietary, exercise, and natural solutions that would improve results, I recommend you utilize a physician who’s willing to and not threatened by your desire to learn more about the what, why and when for these tests. You know how you feel and what’s right for you. Hopefully you’re not settling for less than feeling great. Signs that you’re not doing okay, in spite of your efforts include unexplained weight gain, inability to lose it, feeling lethargic/tired either on a regular basis or after exercise. Add to that insomnia, dizziness, brain fog, gut issues, and so many more. Having a basic understanding of the tests, that often are not ordered by Western trained docs, and why you want them, may help you be a detective and an advocate for your own health. Recent Lab Tests in Menopause Fasting Glucose Fasting levels above 125 are indicative of diabetes. Those 100-125 indicate prediabetes. Knowing this is helpful for monitoring your habits. A continuous blood glucose monitor can be a fantastic tool for you. https://www.flippingfifty.com/myglucose Fasting Insulin Metabolism issues or weight loss resistance are good reasons to check fasting insulin (beyond just fasting glucose). Insulin resistance can promote additional weight gain. A1C This number can indicate how well controlled sugar levels have been over the past 3 months and also can indicate a prediabetic or diabetic condition. Serum Ferritin Reliable indicator of body’s iron stores. Low or very high ferritin may have a condition that results in fatigue. Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy This is important for energy and gaining muscle, particularly fast twitch muscle, as well as energy. Falling into “norms” is under optimal levels so this one can be important for women in midlife and beyond to know. Uric acid Optimal levels may support antioxidant activity but too high can be linked to oxidative stress. Vitamin A Concentrations of uric acid and vitamin A are closely associated. This test may be used to indicate a reason why uric acid levels are high. CRP A major marker of inflammation. Risk of disease increases significantly with high CRP. A Fasting Lipid Panel Looking at cholesterol, LDL, HDL and the total/HDL ratio can tell you what’s happening in your body. It might be genetic, lifestyle or also occurring during menopause as the body generates more cholesterol to attempt to produce hormones. Free Testosterone This is the testosterone immediately available. Can support weight loss and improve memory and strength. Testosterone Elevated testosterone can lead to hair growth, acne, moodiness. But too low can lead to difficulty gaining muscle and bone density. DHEA-S Your precursor to the sex hormones and also an indicator of adrenal function. Variety of Lab Tests in Menopause Estradiol Check for optimal levels for some women, confirming they’re in menopause and for others like me doing hormone replacement, that hormone levels are optimized. Estrone The estrogen product after menopause. Progesterone Can lower post menopause and make sleep and relaxing harder. Thyroid Hormone Tests TSH Released by your brain to signal your thyroid gland. It can be used to monitor dosing of your thyroid medication or as a screening test for the presence of thyroid disease. Free T4 The thyroid makes predominately T4. Free T4 is what your body uses to make the active thyroid hormone called free T3. These are advanced biomarker tests, not routinely done, but very helpful to determine if the thyroid can be affecting how you feel. Free T3 Symptoms (constipation, weight gain, tiredness, low libido) of low thyroid may be missed (passed off as normal or something else) unless the active thyroid hormone (free T3) is measured. High levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue, anxiety, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, more frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, sweating and tremors. Free T3 is an advanced screening biomarker that helps screen routinely missed thyroid issues. TPA (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) Thyroid disease has become very common and we can often pick up inflammation in the thyroid years before the thyroid fails. This is important because natural interventions may help reverse the inflammation of the thyroid gland. TA (Thyroglobulin Antibodies) This test can be positive in people with inflammation of the thyroid gland, and it can be seen years before complete thyroid failure – giving you time to take action! Reverse T 3 Reverse T3 is the storage form of the active thyroid hormone. Many conditions can cause you to store thyroid instead of use it as active free T3. If your reverse T3 is high then you may need to address the reasons why. Broader Selection of Lab Tests in Menopause **FSH (**Follicle-stimulating hormone) Levels of this hormone indicate phases of hormones including puberty, reproduction and menopause. Levels rise significantly after menopause. ****This test can be helpful for someone who isn’t sure what’s happening or wants to confirm levels are dropping. **SHBG **(**Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) SHBG is used to keep excessive free estrogen out of the blood stream, looking at these levels can help identify if hormone control health habits can improve your overall health. Sex hormone binding globulin is a protein mainly produced by the liver, and studies show that diets high in simple sugars cause the liver to produce less SHBG. Low levels of SHBG are seen in obesity, prediabetes, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Other Tests Total Cortisol Early morning cortisol screen for adrenal gland function. 4 Sample Saliva Test Measures throughout the day to get a more accurate picture of your stress hormone pattern. ACTH Stimulation Test Administered by a physician to test response Omega 3 and 3/6 Index For muscle and joint aches and pains, and brain health, knowing your omega 3 and 6 index can help you improve overall health and decrease inflammation. Food Sensitivity Testing Depending on which level of comprehensive test you do, you can test for 90 common food sensitivities (or more) and learn what is low, moderate, and highly sensitive for you. Avoiding moderate and higher food sensitivities for 3 months while also taking extra care of your gut can help reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, or other digestive issues stemming from leaky gut situation. Adding probiotics, glutamine, oregano oil and foods known to support gut bacteria can all help improve the gut before attempting to reintroduce. GI-Map For gut issues that aren’t resolved with dietary changes, scores will tell you your gut bacteria levels and which may be out of balance so you can choose very specific probiotics to help rebalance, as you avoid foods that show moderate and high on your sensitivity results. Other Episodes You Might Like: When Exercise & Diet Aren’t Working: Which Lab Tests Should I Get?: https://www.flippingfifty.com/which-lab-tests/ Adrenal Fatigue Talk with the Hip Hop Energy Doc, Tricia Pingel: https://www.flippingfifty.com/adrenal-fatigue-talk/ Is a Food Sensitivity Getting in the Way of Your Fitness After 50? https://www.flippingfifty.com/is-a-food-sensitivity-getting-in-the-way-of-your-fitness-after-50/ Resources: **Link to Ultimate Assessment: https://www.flippingfifty.com/store** https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/coaching-programs/private-coaching-90-min/