A major part of tackling heath issues is getting yourself tested. I mentioned the blood tests earlier, but I've come to learn is that it is important that your doctors order all of the specific lab tests to give the details you need in order to assess issues and then, in turn, start to tackle hormonal and nutrient deficiencies. The first blood panel I got (a 6 vile draw), and the conversation I had with the FM Nurse, led me to believe I knew exactly what the issues were... But last week I met with the Functional Medicine doctor I'll be working with here in Chicago, at Green Circle Wellness. When Dr Dina and I reviewed those lab results, she showed me a sample of the readout from the lab tests she runs. From a more detailed hormonal break down, to a full nutritional panel (I'll post about that one in a few weeks when I get it back)... we are gathering WAY more information... so, more tests!
Friday I filled a vile with saliva and mailed that out, Sunday I took saliva samples before Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Bed, Monday morning I collected a urine sample immediately upon waking up and then I went in for a 13 vile blood draw.
HERE is a list of all of the test profiles available. They are running just about everything for me to make sure nothing is missed. Because I am young compared to those from whom the doctor would expect to see similar hormone levels, we are taking extra time to make sure to run as many lab tests as possible--the more information we have about what's going on inside of me, the better!!
If all goes according to plan, I could start Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy as early as the 31st! Testosterone pellets and progesterone cream are the methods the doctor has hypothesized we will use...To read a bit more about what HRT is, you can read on GREEN CIRCLE
Here are 2 great videos about getting blood tests and HRT from Stan Efferding: BLOOD TESTS and HRT
