11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?

If you’ve ever walked away from your doctor’s office with “normal” labs but still knew something was off, this episode is for you.In Part 1 of this two-part lab deep dive, I’m walking you through the conventional lab panels I run in practice, how I read them through a functional lens, and why standard reference ranges so often miss the early signs of imbalance in women navigating perimenopause and menopause.We'll talk about everything from hormone rhythm disruption, nutrient depletion, blood sugar issues, and inflammation, to how these “basic labs” hold deep insight when viewed in the context of your whole terrain.In this episode, we cover:03:00 What it means to heal your terrain and interpret labs holistically06:00 How I assess CBC, metabolic panels, iron, B vitamins, and liver markers11:00 Glucose, insulin, A1C, and the link to anxiety and weight gain13:00 Cholesterol, cardiovascular risk markers & why estrogen is protective15:00 What a full thyroid panel should include (hint: it’s more than just TSH)17:00 The case for testing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and pregnenolone21:00 Other markers I always run: ferritin, DHEA, prolactin, CRP, IL-6, ANA24:00 Why labs are only part of the picture and what your body is really trying to sayLinks and resources:Lab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/LandingRupa Health Lab Shop: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_6G8RzpnBlood Chemistry & CBC Analysis Book: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Chemistry-CBC-Analysis-Perspective/dp/0976136716Perimenopause: Listening to Your Body’s Wisdom Through Lab Testing: https://drkellylivingston.com/blog/perimenopause-listening-to-your-body-s-wisdom-through-lab-testingLab Panels & Markers Discussed (and commonly run):Standard Labs: CBC, metabolic panel, fasting glucose, A1C, insulin, iron panel, ferritinB vitamins: B12, B6, methylmalonic acid, folateHormones: Estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, prolactinThyroid panel: TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulinInflammation & cardiovascular markers: hs-CRP, IL-6, homocysteine, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL/LDL, lipoprotein A, Apo BImmune & stealth pathogen testing: ANA, Epstein-Barr virus, Candida antibodiesMicronutrient deficiencies and omega-3 indexConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.