Nourishment before more formulas
Begin with regular meals, enough energy and protein, varied plants, and hydration suited to your health. Consider what is missing before layering on products.
01 / The introduction
The Perimenopause Edit
Thoughtful support for the changing female body.
A personal collection of botanical medicines, foundational nutrients, and everyday rituals for this changing season of life.
A Note from Dr. Michele.
I'm In It With You.
I'm 45, and I'm navigating perimenopause right alongside you.
For years, I've studied women's hormones, reproductive physiology, and the extraordinary ways our bodies change throughout our lives. But there's something entirely different about experiencing those changes yourself.
The shifting hormones, the subtle changes in sleep, mood, energy, and metabolism. The moments when you recognize your body is entering a new chapter, even if you can't quite explain what's changing.
As a naturopathic physician and functional medicine doctor, I see perimenopause not simply as a collection of symptoms to manage, but as an important physiological transition that deserves deeper understanding, thoughtful nourishment, and individualized care.
I believe in looking at the whole picture, our hormones, thyroid health, nervous system, metabolic health, nutrition, and the daily rhythms that influence how we feel.
This collection brings together both my clinical training and my personal experience. The botanical medicines, foundational nutrients, functional laboratory insights, and everyday rituals I believe are worth understanding during this season of life.
We're not meant to simply endure this transition. We deserve to understand it, support our bodies through it, and feel deeply connected to ourselves along the way.
With love,
Dr. Michele Burklund, NMD
Naturopathic Physician & Functional Medicine Doctor
03 / Begin with the foundations
Before protocols. Before supplements.
Rhythm, rest & movement
Sleep, daylight, movement that fits your capacity, and supportive relationships belong in the first conversation. Look at the demands placed on your body and the recovery available to it.
Your environment & daily habits
Consider relevant exposures, irritants, personal care products, and the routines shaping your symptoms. Change what is meaningful and practical; an elaborate routine is not the goal.
A reason for the next step
Review symptoms, current medicines, allergies, pregnancy or preconception plans, and existing results. A test or formula should answer a real question or support a clear need.
04 / Inside the Edit
A place for each selection.
These are distinct options to consider individually. Explore the preparation before deciding what belongs in your care.
01 / NOURISH
The daily foundation.
A nutritional starting point, chosen around your food, your history, and what you already take.
02 / ENERGY & BONE
Cellular energy. Strong foundations.
I include creatine here for cellular energy and mitochondrial support: it helps replenish ATP, the energy your cells use. Osteo K is the bone health selection.
03 / FEMININE ECOLOGY
Plants & the inner ecosystem.
Botanical tradition and the microbiome both have a place in my approach to the changing female body.
- Shop this supplementShatavari ComplexGaia Herbs Pro
- Shop this supplementFemEcologyVitanica
- Shop this supplementVaginal Beauty SerumQuicksilver ScientificExternal intimate care · Contains estriol + DHEA
- Shop this supplementDHEA Ovals 2XBezweckenVaginal moisture · Contains DHEA
- Shop this supplementKolorex Vaginal Care CreamKolorexExternal vulvar care · No added hormones
04 / THE INNER LIFE
How you feel matters.
Mood, sleep, and the demands of everyday life deserve their own conversation. This selection belongs within that individual assessment.
05 / The science behind my selections
Read a little deeper.
Needed
Creatine Powder
Why I chose it
The formulation. A creatine monohydrate powder.
The physiology. Creatine increases the muscle phosphocreatine pool, helping rapidly replenish ATP during short, demanding efforts; it is best considered alongside progressive strength work.
The human evidence. Human evidence for strength and training support is stronger than lifespan claims. A small six week trial in perimenopausal women reported exploratory sleep consistency and symptom findings with exercise; cognitive reaction time changes did not differ between groups. This is not proof of cognitive rejuvenation or hormone balancing.
Individual considerations. Review kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding and the full health history before use. Tell the clinician interpreting kidney blood tests that creatine is being taken; use the current product label rather than adding a generic loading protocol.
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Gaia Herbs Pro
Shatavari Complex
Asparagus racemosus
Why I chose it
Plant part
Confirm the plant part on the current manufacturer label.
Preparation
Multi herb capsules with standardized shatavari extract
An Ayurvedic rasayana traditionally associated with reproductive health.
Important constituents. Steroidal saponins known as shatavarins; the listed formula contains additional botanicals.
Small short term trials of specific root extracts, including Aspurūs, report menopausal symptom improvement. They do not validate the complete Gaia multi herb blend or establish long term safety and hormone effects.
Review asparagus allergy, hormone sensitive conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding and all medicines. Safety review must cover every formula ingredient rather than shatavari alone; a current full label is needed.
Manufacturer highlights Aspurūs shatavari plus damiana, white peony, milky oats and tribulus. This is not a complete verified ingredient panel; catalog descriptions also mention rehmannia and epimedium. Do not label as single herb or transfer ingredient trial efficacy to the blend.
The formulation. A shatavari root extract blend with supporting botanicals including damiana, white peony, milky oats and tribulus.
The physiology. Shatavari is used traditionally in Ayurveda for women’s health; its steroidal saponins and other compounds are being studied for menopausal support.
The human evidence. Small ingredient studies and traditional use do not establish that this entire blend reliably relieves vaginal dryness or all menopausal symptoms.
Individual considerations. The product is not for pregnancy or lactation. Review hormone sensitive conditions, medications and persistent vaginal discomfort with the clinician; symptoms may need a specific diagnosis and treatment.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
Needed
Perimenopause Multi Capsules
Why I chose it
The formulation. A multivitamin and mineral formula containing B vitamins, vitamins D and K2, iodine, choline and other nutrients.
The physiology. It provides nutritional cofactors for normal energy metabolism, thyroid function and tissue maintenance when food intake leaves gaps.
The human evidence. Correcting a deficiency can matter, but a multivitamin does not establish hormone balance or treat every cause of fatigue, brain fog or menopausal symptoms.
Individual considerations. Choose it as an alternative to another broad multivitamin, including the Perelel pack. Review total vitamin D, B6 and iodine, thyroid conditions, and vitamin K with warfarin.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
Perelel
Peri Support Pack
Why I chose it
The formulation. A daily pack combining a multivitamin, EPA/DHA fish oil, a carnitine/green tea/berberine capsule, and a peri complex with ashwagandha, DIM and rhubarb extract.
The physiology. The formulas combine nutrient coverage with botanicals studied for stress or menopausal symptoms and compounds involved in metabolic signaling.
The human evidence. The manufacturer reports a sponsored six week placebo controlled trial with stress findings and exploratory sleep/tiredness findings. This short study does not establish long term outcomes, hormone normalization or that every component is needed.
Individual considerations. The current pack contains fish and 4,000 IU vitamin D; review other vitamin D and multivitamin products. Botanical and medication review matters, particularly with thyroid, glucose or anticoagulant treatment and pregnancy possibility.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
Vitanica
FemEcology
Why I chose it
The formulation. An oral Lactobacillus probiotic with five strains, including L. acidophilus LA14 and L. plantarum LP115.
The physiology. The selected organisms are intended to support gastrointestinal and vaginal microbial ecology through oral supplementation.
The human evidence. Benefits depend on the particular strain and clinical setting. Oral use does not guarantee vaginal colonization or prevention of urinary or vaginal infection.
Individual considerations. Take only by the oral route on the label; this is different from V Probiotics vaginal suppositories. Review live microbe products in severe illness or immunocompromise, and assess recurrent symptoms rather than relying on a probiotic alone.
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NBI
Osteo K
Why I chose it
The formulation. A bone focused combination of calcium citrate, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 as MK 4.
The physiology. Calcium supplies mineral substrate, vitamin D supports calcium absorption, and vitamin K participates in the activation of bone related proteins.
The human evidence. Ingredient studies do not mean this combination prevents every fracture or replaces bone density assessment, strength and balance work, or treatment when indicated.
Individual considerations. The manufacturer says people taking warfarin should not use Osteo K. Review calcium and vitamin D totals, kidney disease or stones, and medicines affected by calcium absorption. Osteo K, Osteo K Minis and MK4 are distinct products.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
BrainMD
Serotonin Mood Support
Why I chose it
The formulation. A formula containing saffron extract, 5 HTP, folate and vitamins B6 and B12.
The physiology. 5 HTP is a serotonin precursor; the B vitamins serve as metabolic cofactors, while saffron extracts have been studied for mood symptoms.
The human evidence. Ingredient studies do not diagnose a serotonin deficiency or prove that this complete formula treats depression or perimenopausal mood changes.
Individual considerations. The label says not to use with antidepressants or MAO inhibitors and does not recommend use during pregnancy or nursing. Other serotonergic medicines or supplements also require a pharmacist review because combining them can be unsafe. Do not stop prescribed treatment to use the product.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
BrainMD
Bright Minds Therapy Lamp
Why I chose it
The formulation. A portable LED light therapy device with white and blue modes and manufacturer stated brightness up to 10,000 lux.
The physiology. Timed bright light acts through the eyes to influence circadian timing and can support treatment of seasonal mood symptoms.
The human evidence. Clinical evidence concerns light therapy under defined conditions; it does not establish that this particular device corrects hormones or treats every type of insomnia or low mood.
Individual considerations. Follow the device specific distance and timing instructions rather than staring into the light. The manufacturer advises medical review for retinal disease or photosensitizing medicines; mood activation or bipolar history also warrants clinician guidance.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
Timeline
Longevity Serum Pro
Why I chose it
The formulation. A topical serum with Mitopure urolithin A, a vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, panthenol and other supporting skin ingredients.
The physiology. The formulation combines moisturization and barrier support ingredients with urolithin A, a compound studied for mitochondrial quality control pathways.
The human evidence. Skin research concerns selected appearance and biological measurements; it does not demonstrate longer human life or prove that topical treatment reverses systemic aging. Early product research should not be represented as established long term clinical benefit.
Individual considerations. Use externally, avoid eyes, and patch test if skin is sensitive. Stop for persistent irritation. The serum is not a replacement for sunscreen and routine sun protection.
Shop This ProductResearch & references
Quicksilver Scientific · 30 mL
Vaginal Beauty Serum
External intimate care · Contains estriol + DHEA
Why I chose it
Intimate comfort deserves a place in the perimenopause conversation. I include this serum as a targeted option to discuss when hormonal changes accompany dryness, after looking at everyday irritants and the health of the tissue itself.
The formula brings together estriol, DHEA, and hyaluronic acid in a topical nanoemulsion. Hyaluronic acid contributes moisture, while estriol and DHEA make this a hormone containing preparation that needs an individual assessment. The manufacturer lists 0.75 mg estriol and 2.5 mg DHEA per pump.
For external intimate skin only; do not insert it into the vagina. Your clinician should guide whether it belongs in your care and how often to use it.
Review your hormone history and any other hormone products before use. Do not use during pregnancy, while planning pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Stop if irritation or a rash develops. New bleeding or persistent pain needs assessment before adding a product.
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Bezwecken · 16 suppositories
DHEA Ovals 2X
Vaginal moisture · Contains DHEA
Why I chose it
When vaginal dryness changes everyday comfort or intimacy, the tissue deserves direct attention. This oval combines cocoa butter, vitamin E, and beeswax with DHEA in a moisturizing base. It is a hormone containing option for an individual care plan.
Bezwecken lists approximately 13 mg of DHEA per oval. The manufacturer allows application to skin or vaginal insertion under practitioner guidance. It belongs here as a distinct local preparation, with its own route, strength, and instructions.
Use the schedule prescribed for you. The current manufacturer directions distinguish an initial period from less frequent ongoing use; a daily dose should not be carried forward indefinitely without review.
Discuss hormone sensitive conditions, unexplained bleeding, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and other hormone use with your clinician before use. Do not combine it with the DHEA containing serum without reviewing the total exposure. Persistent dryness, pain, or bleeding warrants assessment.
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Kolorex · 50 g
Kolorex Vaginal Care Cream
External vulvar care · No added hormones
Why I chose it
A botanical option for the skin on the outside. This cream combines New Zealand horopito with aloe vera, vitamin E, apricot kernel oil, and tea tree oils in a pH balanced formula designed for dry or irritated external intimate skin.
I include it in the feminine ecology conversation because comfort also involves the vulva and the products touching it. The formula has no added estriol or DHEA. Its role is external skin care; it should not be presented as a treatment for a vaginal infection.
Apply only to the vulva, following the current label and your clinician’s advice. Do not insert it into the vagina. A botanical formula can still irritate sensitive skin, particularly when essential oils are involved.
Patch test first. Avoid if you are sensitive to tea tree or any other ingredient; stop if irritation develops. Avoid broken skin. Persistent itching, odor, unusual discharge, or pain needs an assessment of the cause rather than repeated use of a cream.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPT06 / Shop the Edit
Check out the full protocol
Explore the complete collection, then choose the individual products that fit your care. Fullscript provides current labels, pricing and availability.
Shop the Full Edit07 / Functional laboratory testing
A Closer Look Through Testing
A test begins with a question. These are options to explore when your history, symptoms, or existing results call for more information. You do not need every test in this directory.
Questions connected with this Edit.
Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
DUTCH Complete
- What it measures
- Sex hormones and selected metabolites, daily cortisol and cortisone patterns, and selected organic acid markers.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician has a specific hormone metabolism or daily rhythm question after reviewing cycle history, symptoms, and hormone use.
- What ordering involves
- Timed dried urine samples collected with the at home kit. Record sleep timing, cycle day when relevant, hormone use, and collection times. Do not substitute DUTCH Complete, Plus, or Cycle Mapping schedules for one another.
- Keep in mind
- Daily patterns are affected by timing, medicines, and collection conditions. These tests do not diagnose grief or adrenal fatigue.
Test information & references
Genova Diagnostics
GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile 1 day
- What it measures
- Selected markers of digestion, intestinal inflammation, and organisms in a one day stool sample.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent digestive symptoms warrant a closer look after the diet, bowel pattern, medication history, and clinical assessment have been reviewed.
- What ordering involves
- Stool collected with the one day at home kit. Follow the selected laboratory instructions for collection days, sample handling, and recent antimicrobial or supplement use.
- Keep in mind
- A stool result is a snapshot. Microbial associations do not prove a cause of symptoms or establish one ideal microbiome; individual markers differ in clinical validation.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- What it measures
- Glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and markers related to liver and kidney function.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A broader metabolic baseline or follow up may clarify symptoms or previous results.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Iron, TIBC and Ferritin Panel
- What it measures
- Serum iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin as a marker of iron stores.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, dietary limitation, suspected depletion, or possible iron overload makes the iron pattern clinically relevant.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
TSH with Reflex to Free T4
- What it measures
- Thyroid stimulating hormone, with free T4 added if the laboratory reflex criteria are met.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Symptoms or history suggest a possible thyroid contribution to changes in energy, temperature tolerance, bowel habits, or cycles.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Apolipoprotein B
- What it measures
- Apolipoprotein B, a protein that helps estimate the burden of atherogenic lipoprotein particles.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A cardiovascular risk review would benefit from particle related information beyond a standard cholesterol result.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Hemoglobin A1c with eAG
- What it measures
- Glycated hemoglobin and calculated estimated average glucose over roughly two to three months.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- There is a reason to assess longer term glucose regulation alongside nourishment, movement, and sleep.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. A1c alone does not require fasting; other tests in the same order may.
- Keep in mind
- Anemia, hemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or transfusion, and altered red cell turnover can affect interpretation. It does not reveal individual meal related glucose peaks.
Test information & references
Tiny Health
Vaginal Health Test
- What it measures
- Vaginal microbial DNA using shotgun metagenomics, including relative abundance patterns and vaginal community state type.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent or recurrent vaginal symptoms raise a question about microbial patterns, with findings interpreted alongside examination and tissue health.
- What ordering involves
- Vaginal swab collected with the at home kit. The listing describes this test for women over 18. Follow Tiny Health’s supplied vaginal swab instructions for timing and preparation; do not apply another laboratory’s kit instructions.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret microbial detection with symptoms and examination. This is not a urine culture or a complete explanation for recurrent urinary symptoms.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Female
- What it measures
- Anti Mullerian hormone, a marker that adds information about ovarian reserve.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A fertility evaluation needs ovarian reserve context, especially for anticipating response to ovarian stimulation.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. AMH can generally be measured on any cycle day; discuss recent hormone use and relevant clinical context.
- Keep in mind
- AMH informs ovarian reserve and anticipated response to stimulation. It does not measure egg quality or provide a definitive prediction of natural conception.
Test information & references
Explore All Lab Tests 29 more options
Quest Diagnostics
Vitamin D, 25 Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay
- What it measures
- 25 hydroxy vitamin D, the main circulating marker used to assess vitamin D status.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Diet, limited outdoor exposure, bone health, or another clinical factor makes vitamin D assessment useful.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
DUTCH Adrenals Only Panel
- What it measures
- Daily free cortisol and cortisone, associated metabolites, and DHEA S in dried urine.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician has a defined question about adrenal hormone patterns after reviewing sleep timing and relevant symptoms.
- What ordering involves
- Timed dried urine samples collected with the at home kit. Use the supplied DUTCH Adrenals Only dried urine schedule and record collection and sleep times. Review medications and supplements with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Daily patterns are affected by timing, medicines, and collection conditions. These tests do not diagnose grief or adrenal fatigue.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
C Reactive Protein (CRP)
- What it measures
- C reactive protein, a nonspecific marker of inflammation.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An inflammatory condition is suspected or an established inflammatory pattern needs monitoring.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Sed Rate by Modified Westergren
- What it measures
- The rate at which red blood cells settle, an indirect marker of inflammation.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- The clinical picture calls for an additional nonspecific inflammation marker.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation
- What it measures
- Standard and advanced lipid related markers plus selected inflammation markers, including ApoB, lipoprotein(a), and high sensitivity CRP.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A cardiovascular assessment calls for additional lipid and inflammation detail beyond routine testing.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Thyroid Panel (FT3, FT4, TSH)
- What it measures
- TSH, free T4, and free T3: the thyroid regulating signal and circulating thyroid hormones.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent symptoms or prior results justify assessment of thyroid function.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
3X4 Genetics
3X4 Genetics Test + Blueprint Report
- What it measures
- Inherited genetic variants used to describe selected nutritional, metabolic, and lifestyle related pathways.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A person wants to discuss inherited tendencies in nutrition and lifestyle with a clinician familiar with genetic interpretation.
- What ordering involves
- Buccal swab collected with the at home kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inherited risk is probabilistic. Performance varies by condition and the ancestry of the populations used to develop the model; a risk score does not establish disease.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Hemoglobin A1c
- What it measures
- Glycated hemoglobin, reflecting average blood glucose over approximately two to three months.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Longer term glucose trends would inform metabolic care.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. A1c alone does not require fasting; other tests in the same order may.
- Keep in mind
- Anemia, hemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or transfusion, and altered red cell turnover can affect interpretation. It does not reveal individual meal related glucose peaks.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
hs CRP
- What it measures
- Low concentrations of C reactive protein using a high sensitivity assay.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Cardiovascular risk assessment would benefit from an additional inflammation marker when acute illness is absent.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief. These two high sensitivity CRP listings are alternatives, not a reason to order duplicate measurements.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Cardio IQ hs CRP
- What it measures
- Low concentrations of C reactive protein using a high sensitivity assay; a separate ordering option within the Cardio IQ range.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Cardiovascular risk assessment calls for high sensitivity CRP; choose this or the other hs CRP option rather than ordering both routinely.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief. These two high sensitivity CRP listings are alternatives, not a reason to order duplicate measurements.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Micronutrient, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- What it measures
- Circulating coenzyme Q10, a compound involved in energy metabolism and antioxidant activity.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A targeted nutritional question makes a circulating CoQ10 measurement relevant.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Circulating CoQ10 is affected by supplementation and lipoproteins. It is not a direct measure of whole body mitochondrial performance.
Test information & references
SpectraCell
Micronutrient Test
- What it measures
- The response of living white blood cells to different nutrient conditions in a laboratory assay.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician is exploring a nutritional question and can relate the assay to intake, symptoms, and established nutrient testing.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood collected by a phlebotomist using the supplied kit. Follow the selected laboratory collection and shipping schedule; SpectraCell currently says no fasting is needed for its individual Micronutrient Test.
- Keep in mind
- An ex vivo cell response assay is different from a serum nutrient concentration. Use alongside diet, symptoms, and established tests rather than assuming every flagged result requires high dose supplementation.
Test information & references
Boston Heart Diagnostics
Polygenic Risk Map Female Complete
- What it measures
- Combinations of inherited variants used to estimate susceptibility to selected conditions.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A genetics informed prevention conversation includes family history, current biomarkers, the limitations of risk scores, and privacy considerations.
- What ordering involves
- Saliva collected with the at home kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Risk estimates are probabilistic, not diagnoses. The current listing describes comparison with a European reference dataset, so applicability across ancestries needs particular care.
Test information & references
Jona
Jona Clinical Gut Microbiome Analysis Advanced
- What it measures
- Microbial DNA from shotgun metagenomic sequencing together with selected stool chemistry markers.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent digestive concerns warrant a discussion about whether microbial and stool chemistry information would change care.
- What ordering involves
- Stool collected with the at home kit. Follow the selected laboratory instructions for collection days, sample handling, and recent antimicrobial or supplement use.
- Keep in mind
- A stool result is a snapshot. Microbial associations do not prove a cause of symptoms or establish one ideal microbiome; individual markers differ in clinical validation.
Test information & references
TruDiagnostic
TruAge + TruHealth
- What it measures
- DNA methylation based estimates of biological aging and related health patterns.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An informed longevity discussion includes exploratory aging estimates alongside established metabolic markers and physical function.
- What ordering involves
- Bloodspot collected with the at home kit. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Methylation derived estimates are not direct measurements of serum nutrients or hormones, a disease diagnosis, or proof of lifespan extension.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Hepatic Function Panel
- What it measures
- Liver related enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- History, symptoms, medications, or prior findings give a specific reason to assess liver health.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Micronutrients, Antioxidants Panel
- What it measures
- Selected antioxidant nutrients: vitamins A, C, E, and coenzyme Q10.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Diet, absorption, or supplementation raises a focused question about selected antioxidant nutrients.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- This panel measures vitamins A, C, E, and CoQ10, not collagen, skin appearance, or every antioxidant system.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Heavy Metals Panel (Venous)
- What it measures
- Arsenic, lead, and mercury in venous blood.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An occupational, household, dietary, or environmental history suggests exposure to one of the measured metals.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Heavy Metals Panel, 24 Hour Urine
- What it measures
- Selected metals excreted in urine over a complete 24 hour collection.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A specific exposure question requires assessment of metal excretion over a full day.
- What ordering involves
- Complete 24 hour urine collection using the laboratory container. Follow the exact start/stop and storage instructions. Incomplete collection affects results; do not add a chelation challenge.
- Keep in mind
- Excretion over one day is not total body burden. Recent exposures and specimen handling matter.
Test information & references
RealTime Labs
Environmental Toxins Panel
- What it measures
- Selected environmental chemical metabolites in a urine specimen.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A relevant exposure history supports a discussion about whether measured urinary chemical metabolites would change practical exposure reduction.
- What ordering involves
- Urine collected with the at home kit. Use the RealTime Labs urine kit and its current collection, storage, and shipping instructions. Do not substitute blood collection instructions.
- Keep in mind
- A spot urine finding reflects the substances measured and recent exposure or excretion. It does not establish total body burden, locate the source, or prove the cause of symptoms.
Test information & references
Access Labcorp Draw
Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Random Urine
- What it measures
- Arsenic, lead, and mercury in a random urine sample.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- The exposure history points toward arsenic, lead, or mercury and the selected specimen fits the clinical question.
- What ordering involves
- Random urine sample collected according to the order instructions. Follow the exact assay instructions and disclose recent seafood intake when arsenic is measured. Do not add a chelation challenge.
- Keep in mind
- Speciation may be needed to distinguish arsenic forms. Concentration and recent exposure affect urine findings; results are not a total toxin burden.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
PFAS (FOREVER CHEM) 9
- What it measures
- Nine per and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the reported combined concentration.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A credible exposure history makes a PFAS measurement useful for an informed exposure reduction conversation.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- The result cannot identify the exposure source, attribute symptoms, predict individual disease, or establish a treatment by itself.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Lipid Panel, Standard
- What it measures
- Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and calculated lipid measures.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A baseline or follow up cardiovascular assessment is needed.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without CO2, ALT
- What it measures
- Selected metabolic, electrolyte, protein, kidney, and liver related markers. This specific panel omits carbon dioxide and ALT.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician specifically selects this reduced metabolic panel and confirms that omitted markers are not needed for the question.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- This is not the same panel as the Women’s Health Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: CO2 and ALT are omitted. Confirm which measurements are needed before ordering.
Test information & references
Precision Point Diagnostics
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel w/ Antibodies
- What it measures
- TSH, free and total T3, free and total T4, plus thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Symptoms, family history, or previous thyroid findings call for both thyroid function and antibody assessment.
- What ordering involves
- Serum collected by a phlebotomist using the supplied kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Functional Health Panel (Female)
- What it measures
- A broad set of 55 reported biomarkers selected for an assessment of female health; review the current analyte list to avoid duplicate orders.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A wider baseline is clinically justified after reviewing existing results and the risk of unnecessary overlapping tests.
- What ordering involves
- Blood draw; the listing specifies plasma, serum, and whole blood. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- This Quest panel overlaps with individual tests. Review the exact 55 marker list and existing results before ordering; a broad panel can produce incidental findings.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
CBC (includes Differential and Platelets)
- What it measures
- Red cell measures, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and a white cell differential.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Fatigue, suspected anemia, immune cell changes, or another clinical question warrants a blood count.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
US BioTek
Oral Microbiome Profile
- What it measures
- Selected oral organisms and oral pH using a targeted quantitative PCR profile.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A dental or medical clinician considers a targeted microbial profile useful alongside oral examination and daily oral care history.
- What ordering involves
- Oral specimen using the supplied kit; the storefront lists saliva. Confirm the kit method before collection. The storefront lists saliva, while manufacturer instructions describe an oral collection kit. Confirm and follow the supplied kit method and restrictions on recent eating, drinking, and oral products.
- Keep in mind
- A targeted profile is not a complete census of the oral ecosystem. Detection does not independently establish active dental disease or systemic disease causation.
Test information & references
Access Medical Labs
Urinalysis w/ Reflex to Culture
- What it measures
- Urine chemistry and microscopic findings, with culture performed only when the laboratory reflex criteria are met.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Current urinary symptoms require evaluation for infection or another urinary problem.
- What ordering involves
- Urine collected according to the laboratory instructions. Obtain during symptoms when evaluation is needed. Collect before antimicrobial treatment when feasible, without delaying necessary assessment or treatment.
- Keep in mind
- A culture is not automatic for every sample. Reflex criteria, contamination, and recent antimicrobials affect interpretation; persistent symptoms may require reassessment.
Test information & references
Ordering eligibility, availability and collection fees can vary by test and location. Confirm the current listing and your clinician’s instructions before ordering. Laboratory results belong within your history and care; no single result identifies the whole cause of a symptom.
08 / The physician behind the Edit
09 / Related reading & collections
Keep exploring.
What should I know about creatine during perimenopause?
Creatine can support the muscle conversation alongside resistance exercise and adequate nutrition. Evidence does not make it a treatment for every perimenopause symptom. Review the formulation, kidney history, and existing medicines with your clinician.
Are the prenatal and other nutrient products meant to be combined?
No. Review nutrient overlap and individual dietary needs. These selections are alternatives or targeted options rather than a single daily protocol.
Can a hormone panel diagnose perimenopause?
Hormones fluctuate. Age, cycle changes, symptoms, medicines, and the clinical history often matter more than a single measurement. The Women’s Health Lab Edit explains what the selected panels measure and their limits.
10 / Research & references
The details behind the Edit.
Research & references
Individual preparation references appear with each selection. Traditional uses and laboratory findings are distinguished from human clinical evidence. These educational collections do not establish a physician, patient relationship. Purchases through the Fullscript links may financially support my practice.
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