Comprehensive lab testing is essential for identifying underlying issues related to PCOS/PMS, thyroid function, and hormonal balance during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jennifer MacDonald ND offers targeted tests that evaluate hormone levels, metabolic markers, and nutrient deficiencies, enabling personalized treatment strategies for weight management, acne, skin health, and mental well-being.
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Lab Testing
- Female and male sex hormones
- AMH (anti-mullerian hormone)
- Insulin and glucose testing
- Complete thyroid hormone assessments
- Inflammation
- Vitamin levels (B12, folate, iron, D)
- Cholesterol
- Liver testing
- Cortisol
- Digestive health tests
Hormonal Health
Blood testing for hormones:
- Different hormones will be tested based on symptoms. Some hormones that may be tested include: cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, DHEA-S, testosterone, DHT, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), TSH, T4, T3, Reverse T3, Anti TG and Anti TPO.
DUTCH - Urine testing:
- DUTCH testing is a dried urine test that investigates hormones such as: estrogen, progesterone, DHEA-S, testosterone, DHT, cortisol and their breakdown products. It provides a comprehensive investigation into which hormonal imbalances could be contributing to your symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Health
Organic Acids Testing
- This comprehensive test provides an investigation into yeast and bacterial overgrowth along with assessments of mitochondrial health, digestion, nutrient levels and much more. A build up of organic acids in the urine suggests a metabolic block or inhibition. This can be due to an infection, nutrient deficiency, drug effect or genetic polymorphism.
GI MAP
- This test investigates your digestion, absorption, gut immune function and bacterial imbalances (yeast overgrowth, H pylori, parasites, etc.). It also outlines the levels of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
SIBO testing
- Breath testing that investigates bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines.
Parasite testing
- A stool sample investigating parasite growth.
Personalized Lab Testing To Support Menopausal Health
Perimenopause is a time of transition, mentally and physically. There are various symptoms each woman will have when entering menopause from nothing to a multitude of symptoms. Each woman is different and I approach each case in a different way. Targeted lab testing helps to identify areas that need more support to personalize a treatment plan for you. More than just hormones are tested because I look at your overall health as well as other aspects that can be contributing to your symptoms such as your metabolic health.
Key Labs To Test In Perimenopause And Menopause
- Hormone panel: Estradiol, Progesterone, FSH, LH, DHEA-S, total and free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
- Nutrients: Iron, vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. Nutrient deficiencies can make perimenopausal symptoms worse.
- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, thyroid antibodies): Hypothyroidism may be mistaken for perimenopause
- Metabolic health: Fasting insulin and fasting glucose, insulin glucose challenge, HbA1c
- Cholesterol panel: A cholesterol panel, or lipid panel, helps to identify cardiovascular risk that heightens in perimenopause. Depending on family history and risk factors, Apolipoprotein B and/or lipoprotein A will be tested.
- Cortisol: Chronic stress can impact your hormones, weight, and overall energy levels