Female Lab Work: what you need to know
I see around 30-40 patients each week in my practice and during the initial consultation, I request lab work (blood work) to identify any macronutrient deficiencies, check liver or kidney function, and detect signs of inflammation or autoimmunity. Although I cannot diagnose, I can analyze the lab results to devise appropriate protocols for my clients.
One of my main concerns is that regular check-ups or traditional blood tests in America often fail to include essential tests such as Vitamin D, Iron / Ferritin, and a complete Thyroid Panel. Therefore, I recommend that we all request these tests during our annual check-ups.
Thanks to modern technology, we can receive lab results immediately, even before the doctor gets to see them. However, sometimes, when the results are within the low end of the “normal” range, they may not get flagged as abnormal, even though the patient is symptomatic. For example, I see many people with low Ferritin Iron levels and depleted Vitamin D who experience symptoms like fatigue, low energy, and low sex drive, but their results still fall within the “normal” range and no one gives them advice about it.
I am passionate about educating all my patients about their bodies and also my approach to functional medicine and nutrition, which focuses on identifying the root cause of the problem, treating the whole system, and optimizing health outcomes.
Functional medicine and nutrition use functional ranges in lab work to determine how individuals feel. If I identify someone with, say, peaking high glucose levels within the normal range, I take preventative measures rather than waiting for the levels to rise further.
I would like to share some functional values on certain micronutrients and hormones with you so that you can advocate for your own health and you are experiencing symptoms, I urge you to talk to your doctor about them and explore further.
FERRITIN/IRON
Normal Range (depending on lab)
15-150 ng/ml for adult women and 30-400 ng/ml
Functional/Optimal Values:
80-100 ng/ml
VITAMIN D
Normal Range (depending on lab)
30-100 ng/ml
Functional/Optimal Values:
50ng/ml
TSH
Normal Range
0.45-4.5 uIU/mL
Functional/Optimal Values:
0.5-2.5 uIU/mL
I understand that medical procedures can be intimidating, but I want to assure you that your health is important and you deserve the best care. Remember that advocating for yourself and expressing your concerns is crucial.
I would like to invite you to my upcoming learning event on Saturday March 30th, where we will be discussing cortisol. This workshop is especially relevant if you're a #girlboss, #bossbabe, mom, entrepreneur, or a full-time professional. We will be discussing strategies to help your body perform to the best of its abilities and avoid burnout. The event is virtual, and you can register below.
Keep shining and take care of yourself!
With love, Meli
