Ever thought about asking for additional bloodwork that suits YOUR needs as someone Peri/Post menopause

Here's a fun list of all the goodies, along with a Doctor Letter requesting permission for these panels.

1. Estradiol (E2)
   🔍 Why it matters: This is your primary estrogen. We’re looking at levels to assess how much support the body has for bone density, muscle preservation, cognition, mood, and thermoregulation. Low E2 = more symptoms and potential performance drops.
   
2. Progesterone
   🔍 Why it matters: Crucial for sleep, anxiety regulation, and recovery. Low progesterone (common in peri/menopause) can lead to disrupted sleep, slower repair, and increased injury risk.
   
3. Testosterone (Free + Total)
   🔍 Why it matters: Key for muscle mass, power output, motivation, and libido. We track it to assess performance potential and lean mass maintenance.
   
4. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
   🔍 Why it matters: It binds to sex hormones and affects their availability. High SHBG can mean less bioavailable testosterone and estrogen—important in lean, athletic women.
   
5. Cortisol (AM)
   🔍 Why it matters: A snapshot of stress adaptation. High or dysregulated cortisol can blunt recovery, increase visceral fat, disturb sleep, and flatten training response.
   
6. Creatinine & Creatine Kinase (CK)
   🔍 Why it matters: These tell us about muscle breakdown, kidney function, and overtraining. Elevated CK may signal poor recovery, especially post-intense workouts.
   
7. Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)
   🔍 Why it matters: Critical for bone health, immune function, muscle strength, and mood. Many menopausal women are deficient, especially in northern climates.
   
8. Ferritin + Iron Panel (Iron, TIBC, % Saturation)
   🔍 Why it matters: Iron status = energy production. Even post-menopause, athletes may have suboptimal iron, which affects oxygen transport, energy, and endurance.
   
9. High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
   🔍 Why it matters: Inflammation marker. We monitor it to assess systemic inflammation, recovery status, and overall cardiovascular risk.
   
10. Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 if possible)
    🔍 Why it matters: Thyroid function impacts metabolism, mood, thermoregulation, and recovery. Perimenopause often overlaps with undiagnosed thyroid shifts.
    

🧬 Bonus: Optional but powerful additions

• Homocysteine + B12 + Folate – For cardiovascular + cognitive health
  
• RBC Magnesium – For muscle contraction, stress buffering, and sleep
  
• Insulin + HOMA-IR – For insight into glucose handling + metabolic flexibility

Dear [Doctor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. As I continue navigating menopause while maintaining a strong level of physical training, I’d like to request a more comprehensive set of lab tests to better understand my body’s current needs and performance capacity.

I’m seeking to proactively manage hormonal shifts, recovery, mood, sleep quality, muscle retention, and energy levels. Based on guidance from current research and clinical best practices in performance-focused women’s health, I am requesting the following tests:

Hormonal Health:

• Estradiol (E2)
  
• Progesterone
  
• Testosterone (Free + Total)
  
• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
  

Stress & Recovery:

• Cortisol (AM blood draw)
  
• Creatine Kinase (CK)
  
• Creatinine
  

Nutrient & Performance Markers:

• Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)
  
• Iron Panel (Iron, Ferritin, TIBC, % Saturation)
  
• RBC Magnesium
  
• Vitamin B12 + Folate
  
• Homocysteine
  

Inflammation & Thyroid Function:

• High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
  
• Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4 – and Reverse T3 if available)
  

This panel will provide critical insights to support both my current training demands and overall wellbeing through menopause. I deeply value your clinical expertise and appreciate your support in approaching this stage of life with data, intention, and care.

Thank you,

YOUR NAME