10/24/2026
The things I wish more women knew about their labs 👇
“Normal” and “optimal” are not the same thing. Lab ranges are built from averages, and the average person isn’t thriving.
1️⃣ Timing matters for hormones.
�Progesterone is best tested about 7 days after ovulation. In a 28-day cycle, that’s around days 19 to 23. If your cycle is longer or irregular, test about 7 days before your next expected period.
I’m not just checking if estrogen and progesterone are “in range.” I’m looking at the ratio between them. You can have two normal numbers and still have progesterone that’s too low relative to estrogen. That can show up as PMS, breast tenderness, heavy or painful periods, spotting, mood changes, poor sleep, headaches, and bloating.
2️⃣ Fasting glucose isn’t enough.
�I also want fasting insulin and A1c. Insulin resistance is a spectrum, and insulin can rise years before glucose looks abnormal. I like fasting insulin around 2 to 5 and glucose closer to 70 to 90.
3️⃣ TSH alone doesn’t tell the full thyroid story.
�I also want Free T4, Free T3, and TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies. Antibodies can show up years before TSH looks off. Your thyroid affects your energy, digestion, hair, skin, temperature, mood, fertility, and cycle.
Taking biotin? Pause it a few days before thyroid labs. It can skew results.
4️⃣ Ferritin and vitamin D are two of the most overlooked labs.
�Low ferritin can mean hair shedding, fatigue, and feeling cold, even with normal hemoglobin. I like vitamin D around 50 or higher.
5️⃣ Your gut affects more than digestion.
�Gut dysfunction often shows up with acne, rosacea, eczema, brain fog, fatigue, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and hormone symptoms.
Your body is interconnected. The symptom you’re chasing often isn’t where the problem started.
So we don’t just ask, “How do we get rid of the symptom?”
�We ask, “Why is the body creating it in the first place?”
Save this for your next lab appointment 🤍 book a discovery call to learn more - link in bio 🦋
