A CBC measures the overall health of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Many perimenopausal / menopausal women complain of a lack of energy or fatigue. A CBC can help determine if anemia (a low hemoglobin) is contributing to symptoms.

A CMP includes 14 measurements to evaluate your blood sugar, electrolytes, liver and kidney function. We recommend you fast prior to having your blood drawn (nothing to eat or drink except black coffee or water for 12 hours prior to having your blood drawn.) If you do not fast, your results can be affected.

A lipid panel measures your cholesterol levels including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Hormone therapy can increase/decrease your cholesterol depending on the type of therapy you use (oral or transdermal - through the skin). We recommend you fast prior to having your blood drawn (nothing to eat or drink except black coffee or water for 12 hours prior). If you do not fast, your results can be affected.

TSH is secreted by your pituitary gland. It is measured as a screening test for overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid) disease. Thyroid disease and menopause have many of the same symptoms so measuring your TSH is important to determine your best treatment plan.

FSH is a hormone released by your pituitary gland that regulates your ovaries. An elevated FSH in combination with a low estradiol is a reliable marker for menopause in women over 40 without any other associated diseases.

Estradiol is produced in your ovary. Measuring your levels of estradiol helps to determine your ovarian function.

Progesterone is mainly produced in the ovaries and declines in menopause. In women who continue to experience weight gain, mood swings, PMS and breast tenderness, checking a progesterone level can be helpful.

Estradiol is produced in your ovary. Measuring your levels of estradiol helps to determine your ovarian function.

Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone plays a role in libido. In women who are around or already through menopause and bothered by a low sex drive, checking your testosterone can help determine your hormone health.

DHEA is a hormone in the blood produced by your adrenal glands (adrenal glands sit above your kidney). DHEA gets converted to testosterone and estrogen in your blood. DHEA levels naturally decline with menopause. While the scientific studies are lacking, many believe a low DHEA can contribute to decreased sex drive, depression and muscle loss. We suggest measuring your DHEA levels if menopause symptoms persist despite adequate treatment.

Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone plays a role in libido. In women who are around or already through menopause and bothered by a low sex drive, checking your testosterone can help determine your hormone health.

SHBG is measured in women to help determine how much testosterone is used in their tissues. It can be helpful to determine irregular periods, acne and excess facial/body hair, and decreased sex drive.

Herpes 1 and 2 are viral infections obtained from sexual contact. Both types can cause herpes. According to the most recent literature, the majority of herpes infections are transmitted by people who are unaware they have an infection. We recommend testing with each new sexual partner.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that often causes no symptoms but can cause painful urination, vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, painful intercourse, and bleeding between your periods. It is easily treated with antibiotics. While it is more common to see a chlamydia infection in younger women, it can happen at any age. We recommend testing with each new sexual partner.

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease that often causes no symptoms but can cause painful urination, vaginal discharge, Vaginal irritation, painful intercourse, bleeding between your periods. It is easily treated with antibiotics. We recommend testing with each new sexual partner.

TSH is secreted by your pituitary gland. It is measured as a screening test for overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid) disease. Thyroid disease and menopause have many of the same symptoms so measuring your TSH is important to determine your best treatment plan.

Measuring Free T4 along with your TSH can aid in the diagnosis of a thyroid disorder.

Check your level of Vitamin D and learn how to improve it if it is low.

A urine culture tests for abnormally elevated levels of bacteria in the urine. Genital symptoms of menopause include urinary frequency, urinary urgency and frequent urinary tract infections. When a woman has urinary symptoms along with elevated levels of bacteria, treatment is usually recommended with oral antibiotic therapy.