114. Your Labs Said Normal. Your Body Said Otherwise with Cindy Dupuie

Most of us go to our annual checkup, hand over our arm for blood work, and wait to hear "everything looks normal." But what if normal isn't the same as optimal — and what if the tests your doctor ordered aren't even telling the full story? In this episode, Kate sits down with functional medicine practitioner and nutritionist Cindy Dupuie to break down exactly what blood work women in perimenopause should be asking for, why conventional ranges often miss the mark, and how to start advocating for your health in a system that wasn't built with you in mind.From thyroid panels to metabolic markers to the cholesterol conversation nobody's having honestly — this one is packed with practical, empowering information. Because understanding your blood work isn't just for practitioners. It's for you.In this episode we explore:Why TSH alone is never enough — and what a full thyroid panel actually looks likeThe 6 key lab panels every woman in perimenopause should know about (thyroid, nutrients, metabolic, inflammatory, and more)Why "normal" ranges on your labs were created from sick populations — and what optimal actually meansThe cholesterol conversation your doctor probably isn't having with you (and why rising cholesterol in perimenopause isn't always the villain)How to advocate for better lab work in Canada — including workarounds when your MD won't order what you needCindy Dupuie is a functional medicine practitioner and nutritionist with over 20 years of experience helping people who are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Her specialty areas include digestion, thyroid health, blood work interpretation, and supporting women through their perimenopause and menopause years. She holds a degree in Dietetics and discovered functional medicine over 23 years ago after navigating her own health crisis — a rebellious digestive system and early menopause at 43. Since then, she's helped hundreds of clients heal through a root-cause lens.Cindy's superpowers are research, pattern recognition, and education — she digs deep, connects dots, and doesn't take things at face value. In addition to her 1:1 telehealth practice, she offers courses, lab work assessments, and teaches yoga. She's also a mom and grandma whose mission is simple: help women become their own best healthcare advocates.Resources:Find Cindy on Instagram @cindy_dupuieCindy’s Website alivingbalance.net‍ ‍Cindy’s YouTube channel @alivingbalance Find Cindy on Facebook @cdupuieCheck out Cindy’s Course: Grace In Transition for Women Of A Certain Age Download Lab Checklist for The Pause YearsTake Kate’s FREE Quiz What Hormone is Running the ShowAbout KateKate Nguy is the founder of Shee Revival and a Certified Hormone Health Practitioner and Cycle-Syncing Strategist who helps busy women in their 30s and 40s balance their hormones and reclaim their energy. Specializing in the hormonal ups and downs of midlife—from PMS and perimenopause to burnout and cortisol overload—Kate guides women to feel at home in their bodies and live in sync with their natural cycles. Through cycle syncing, hormone hacks, and nervous system regulation, Kate empowers women to rebalance their hormones, reconnect to their bodies, and revive the vibrant, grounded version of themselves underneath the overwhelm.Tune in now and join the movement toward better hormone health!Follow me @hormoneswithkate on Instagram for more insights, tips, and support!