HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Lipid Profile (Cholesterol + Triglycerides)

Lipid levels (fat in your blood), including triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL or low-density lipoprotein), significantly impact cardiovascular health. Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to elevated lipid levels, low levels of good cholesterol (HDL, or high-density lipoprotein), and increased body fat and visceral fat. These effects increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as clogged arteries (atherosclerosis), heart disease, and stroke. If your levels are high, we will focus on diet, exercise, and stress management to get your levels back in check and reduce the associated risks. 

Proper HDL (good cholesterol) levels help your arteries clear out the cholesterol your body doesn’t need, negating the above effects. Low HDL levels can be caused by smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a lack of exercise. HRT combined with exercise can increase your HDL, which will also help you lose weight. Knowing your lipid levels can help us determine the cause of your symptoms and what actions to prioritize.

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)

T3, the most active of the three thyroid hormones, controls over 200 functions in the body. It sustains muscle control, brain function, heart and digestive health, and is pivotal in metabolism and bone health. Given its influence on almost every physiological process, maintaining optimal T3 levels is crucial for combating fatigue, weight gain, depression, brain fog, muscle aches, and joint pain.

Creatinine

This measurement gives insight into kidney function and lets us know how well they are filtering waste from your blood. An increased level can indicate poor kidney function, which is essential to know if you have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other condition that elevates the risk for kidney disease. Loss of kidney function can affect your skin, appetite, energy levels, sleep, and so much more.

Insulin

Testing insulin levels is vital for uncovering issues like insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. In 2021, an estimated 97.6 million adults aged 18 years or older had prediabetes, highlighting the critical importance of insulin monitoring women’s health. Uncovering and acting upon hidden dangers like this reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems, obesity, and weight gain. Our healthcare providers can offer personalized lifestyle and exercise recommendations tailored to individual needs based on these results.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Addressing PCOS is vital as this condition significantly heightens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our comprehensive testing includes LH, FSH, free T3, insulin, vitamin D3, triglycerides, progesterone, HDL, and creatinine, providing detailed insights into your symptoms. From weight gain and fertility challenges to excess body hair, hair loss, and acne, our tests unveil the hormonal imbalances contributing to PCOS symptoms. By identifying these issues, we empower you to reclaim control over your health and relieve symptoms while improving your chances of ovulation.

Estradiol (The most powerful form of estrogen)

Testing estradiol levels is essential for understanding hormonal balance and addressing postmenopause symptoms and concerns. Estradiol levels become erratic leading up to menopause and then decline significantly, resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Low estradiol levels are also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. Balancing estradiol levels can help alleviate symptoms, enhance bone and heart health, aid in weight loss, and enhance the quality of life after menopause. Note: We primarily test estradiol levels after you’ve gone through menopause.

Progesterone

Recognizing progesterone’s role in health is essential for treating women of all ages, not just during menopause. Testing progesterone levels is crucial for understanding hormonal health and identifying symptoms like irregular cycles, mood swings, and hot flashes. Progesterone naturally declines in the lead-up to and during menopause due to decreased ovarian function, exacerbating these symptoms. It serves as a vital mood regulator, particularly evident during postnatal depression and menopause. Supplementation can provide a valuable mood boost during these phases when hormone levels drop, aiding women in overcoming emotional challenges. Optimizing progesterone levels can improve mood, aid restful sleep, support bone health, enhance fertility, reduce hot flashes, and protect against breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.

Total and Free Testosterone

Testosterone is not just a male hormone. It’s just as important, if not more important, in women than in men. Low levels are linked to reduced sexual desire and energy levels, which can resemble symptoms of depression, such as mood changes, feeling blue, and fatigue. Checking free testosterone levels is crucial because it indicates how much hormone is available for use by the body. Optimizing these levels can improve libido, mood, and overall vitality. Plus, you’ll notice some great benefits like increased collagen and skin elasticity, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, weight loss, and a faster metabolism.

Vitamin D3

Checking your vitamin D3 levels is crucial, but did you know it’s not really a vitamin? It’s a hormone. This hormone helps balance other hormones and lowers the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. During menopause, many people run low on D3, leading to problems like osteoporosis and low mood. If your levels are low, we can boost them with supplements. They’ll help balance your hormones, keep your bones strong, support your immunity, and lift your mood. So, keeping an eye on your D3 levels and maintaining healthy levels can really improve how you feel.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

LH and FSH are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that work together to regulate the reproductive system and support sexual health. With reproduction, LH matures the egg on the ovary, and FSH releases the egg. Furthermore, LH and FSH influence the production of estrogen via the ovaries. Variations in your LH and FSH levels provide insight into your symptoms and overall hormone health and contribute to understanding your estrogen and progesterone levels. This test aids in the diagnosis of perimenopause and PCOS. 

DHEA-S

DHEA-S plays a significant role in women’s hormonal health, so monitoring and maintaining levels is crucial. DHEA-S levels naturally decline as women age, affecting libido, energy levels, and bone health. Supplementation has been shown to alleviate symptoms, with studies suggesting that restoring levels to those of younger individuals may reverse the effects of aging. Increasing DHEA-S levels may boost estrogen and testosterone in peri and postmenopausal women, supporting hormone health and improving their quality of life. DHEA-S is also the best hormone for treating stress. Additionally, it reduces belly fat and improves cholesterol, sleep quality, and memory.