Hi darling,
I really hope this helps! For any further questions, please pop it in the comments of the post so it doesn't get lost here. I use a company called i-screen (no affiliation whatsoever!) to get my bloods done, and this allows you to receive a referral INSTANTLY and you can go to a local lab (like QML) when is right for you, your cycle, your life. Other forms of testing (eg stool) is a different story. Yes, this way costs money and isn't bulk billed, but to me it is great to have the results instantly sent to me, and you don't need a practitioner referral - however you WILL need a good practitioner to read them for you and take the correct action to balance hormones and/or replete you of nutrients you're in need of (ideally not via synthetic supplements!). Of course, I/my team can help you there if you're in need.
For the incredible nutritional results I have so happily gained, it was purely done via foods I eat day to day and the Foraged For You Mothers Blend, Ocean's Magnesium and Wild Zinc and occasional plain certified organic beef liver also from the same range. And of course... sunshine, supporting my gut health etc.
See below for what to consider either through your practitioner OR companies like i-screen.
I chose from there: Well Woman Test, Thyroid Antibodies, Iodine Urine Test, Active B12 test, Copper Zinc Ratio, and for more advanced testing (just more exy) you can opt for the Advanced DUTCH Test.
Note: you must follow the correct instructions depending on the tests chosen. For any hormones, ensure this is ideally done 7 days post ovulation and fasted. More precise instructions will be provided and/or ask your preferred practitioner.
Overall consider:
GENERAL WELLBEING BLOOD WORK
(functional nutrition lens, women specific)
CORE FOUNDATIONS
These provide an overview of inflammation, nutrient status and organ function.
- Full blood count (FBC / CBC).
- Iron studies including ferritin, serum iron, transferrin and saturation.
- ESR
- Vitamin B12.
- Folate, ideally red blood cell folate.
- Homocysteine.
- Vitamin D (25-OH).
- C-reactive protein, preferably hs-CRP.
- Electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride.
- Urea, creatinine and eGFR.
- Liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP and GGT.
BLOOD SUGAR AND METABOLIC HEALTH
These markers are relevant even in women who do not consume much sugar.
- Fasting glucose.
- Fasting insulin.
- HbA1c.
- HOMA-IR can be calculated if glucose and insulin are available.
THYROID FUNCTION
A functional approach goes beyond TSH alone.
- TSH.
- Free T4.
- Free T3.
- rT3
- Thyroid antibodies including TPOAb and TgAb.
NUTRIENTS AND MINERALS
Often suboptimal despite a nutrient-dense diet.
- Magnesium, preferably red blood cell magnesium if available.
- Zinc.
- Copper.
- Selenium.
- Calcium.
- Phosphate.
- Iodine via urinary testing if clinically appropriate.
FEMALE HORMONES
Timing within the cycle is important for interpretation.
- Oestradiol (E2).
- Progesterone, ideally measured around 7 days post-ovulation or days 19–21 of a typical 28-day cycle.
- Luteinising hormone (LH).
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
- Total testosterone with free testosterone if available.
If cycles are irregular or PCOS is suspected, additional markers may include DHEA-S and androstenedione.
CARDIOVASCULAR AND METHYLATION HEALTH
These provide insight into longer-term risk and nutrient utilisation.
- Homocysteine.
- Lipid profile including total cholesterol, - LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
- ApoB and Lp(a) can be added for a deeper cardiovascular assessment.
I know this is a hard way to receive this - let me know if you'd like a complete blog on this! Again, I/my team are here to nourish, guide, treat and send you on your way!
Sending so much love, and I hope you feel incredible soon x
