Bloodwork for Optimal Health
3 Tests Crucial in Menopause
Bloodwork is your most important life-saving tool during menopause. When was your last annual physical? If it’s as routine as family photos, I’m doing a virtual happy dance. However, if you’ve put it off as long as the Winter Olympics, we need to talk.
That annual bloodwork—the arm poke and a few vials—may seem like a hassle, but it’s worth every drop. After all, serious health risks could be lurking if you’re not careful.
These are just the top three tests, but there are more to discuss with your doctor. So, let’s dive in and get you back on track!
Full Lipid Profile
Menopause isn’t just about saying goodbye to your monthly visitor. It also brings changes, like shifts in cholesterol levels. Estrogen, the hormone taking a permanent break during menopause, helps regulate your cholesterol. However, as it declines, your lipid profile can become unbalanced, putting your heart health at risk.
That’s where the full lipid profile steps in. It measures your cholesterol levels, including LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), HDL (the “good” one), and triglycerides. This gives you a clear picture of your heart’s well-being.
Thyroid Functions
Ah, the thyroid gland—the tiny powerhouse that regulates everything from your metabolism to your mood. Menopause can throw a wrench into its finely-tuned machinery, leading to thyroid imbalances like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
An imbalanced thyroid can wreak havoc on your energy, weight, and mental clarity. Therefore, it’s essential to check your thyroid function, including TSH and T4 levels, during menopause. By catching any issues early, you can prevent bigger problems and keep everything running smoothly.
Glucose Levels
Last but not least, let’s talk about glucose. Menopause and its hormonal changes can lead to insulin resistance and increase diabetes risk. Add in midlife weight fluctuations, and you’ve got a recipe for blood sugar chaos.
However, by monitoring your glucose levels, you stay one step ahead. Whether through diet changes, exercise, or medication, knowing your blood sugar levels empowers you. This allows you to take control of your health and keep diabetes at bay.
In conclusion, these three medical tests—thyroid function, lipid profile, and glucose monitoring—are essential bloodwork for thriving during menopause. While you may fear the possibility of needing medication, many improvements can be made by focusing on gut health. Reducing stress, focusing on self-care, eating healthy, walking regularly, and getting enough sleep can often make a significant difference.
By staying on top of your thyroid, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, you’re taking control of your health. Moreover, addressing imbalances early on helps prevent serious complications down the road. Therefore, regular check-ups and discussions with your doctor are crucial for maintaining your well-being throughout menopause and beyond.
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*Health and wellness coaches engage in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals. We do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.
