The 6 Essential Tests to get at Your Annual Exam
Let’s be real—your annual exam can feel rushed and incomplete. You sit down with your doctor, answer a few questions, and get some routine blood work done. You might hear terms like CBC (complete blood count) or CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), but rarely do you get a clear explanation of what these tests are actually looking for. And when you’re told everything came back “normal,” it’s easy to just move on until the next year. Sound familiar?
But here’s the thing: If you’re serious about optimizing your health, especially during perimenopause and menopause, there are specific tests you should be asking for—tests that can provide real insight into your hormonal health, inflammation, nutrient levels, and more.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before you go to your next annual exam, it’s important to prepare so you can get the most out of your visit.
Here’s How to Prepare:
Document Your Family History: Write down any family history of diseases, which relatives had them, and at what age. This information could make certain tests eligible for insurance coverage.
Make Note of Personal Medical History and Lifestyle Habits: Include current medications and supplements, any new health concerns since your last visit, and your exercise routine, diet, and lifestyle habits (alcohol, caffeine, smoking).
Keep a Symptom Journal: Track any changes in your health, including:
Hot flashes and night sweats (frequency and severity)
Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or waking frequently)
Weight changes
Vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain during sex
Urinary issues (incontinence, frequent UTIs)
Brain fog or memory problems
Hair Loss
Fatigue
Note when your last period occurred, even if it’s been months or years.
Check Insurance Coverage: Call your insurance company to confirm what tests are covered.
Schedule a Morning Appointment: Showing up fasting for tests like glucose and lipid panels gives you the most accurate results. Stay hydrated for urine tests, and wear comfortable clothing.
Write Down Your Requests and Questions: Know exactly which tests you want and why. Be ready to explain your symptoms and concerns to your doctor.
The Essential Tests to Request
1. Standard Blood Work: CBC, CMP, and Lipid Panel
These foundational tests provide an overview of your general health and help identify potential issues early.
CBC (Complete Blood Count): Evaluates red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Helps detect anemia, infections, immune system disorders, and certain cancers like leukemia. Abnormal white blood cell counts may signal infections, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases.
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): Includes 14 different measurements to assess liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.). Checks protein levels, which can indicate nutritional status or liver/kidney issues. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver disease, medication side effects, or alcohol-related damage.
Lipid Panel: Measures different types of cholesterol to assess heart health. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): "Good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): "Bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries, increasing heart disease risk. Triglycerides: High levels can signal poor diet, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes.
2. Diabetes Screening: Hemoglobin A1C
Unlike a simple fasting blood glucose test, which only provides a snapshot of your blood sugar at one moment, the Hemoglobin A1C test reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This test is critical for identifying prediabetes and diabetes early. High A1C levels (>5.7%) indicate poor blood sugar control, which increases the risk of nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues. Elevated blood sugar is also linked to Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and certain cancers.
3. Thyroid Panel
Since thyroid disorders affect 1 in 10 women and are often under-diagnosed, it's essential to check for imbalances, especially if you have fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or mood swings.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Indicates whether the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Free T4 (Thyroxine) & Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): Measures actual thyroid hormone levels; low T3 can contribute to fatigue and weight gain.
Reverse T3: Helps determine if stress or illness is slowing thyroid function.
Anti-TPO & Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Detect autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
4. Nutrient Deficiency Testing: Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium
Deficiencies in these key nutrients can lead to fatigue, poor immune function, and mood disorders.
Vitamin D: Supports immune function, bone health, and mental well-being. Low levels are linked to depression, weakened immunity, and osteoporosis. Since sunlight exposure varies, many people have low Vitamin D levels without realizing it.
Zinc: Essential for immune function, wound healing, and hormone balance. Deficiencies can contribute to frequent colds, skin issues, and slow healing wounds.
Magnesium: Plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation, nerve function, sleep quality, and heart health. A deficiency can cause muscle cramps, insomnia, anxiety, and irregular heartbeats.
5. Anemia Panel
Anemia is a common but often overlooked cause of fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss. A standard CBC might not detect all types of anemia, so additional tests are important.
Iron & Ferritin: Ferritin is the stored form of iron, and low levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia before it appears on a CBC. Low iron can cause extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell production. Deficiency can cause memory problems, numbness, tingling, and anemia. Low B12 is more common in vegans, vegetarians, and people with gut issues like IBS or celiac disease.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Critical for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and mood regulation. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and anemia.
6. Inflammation Testing: CRP, ESR, and Plasma Viscosity
Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Testing inflammation markers can reveal hidden health issues.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Produced by the liver in response to infection, injury, or chronic inflammation. Elevated levels are linked to heart disease, autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and metabolic disorders.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. A faster rate indicates higher levels of inflammation, but it doesn’t pinpoint the cause.
Plasma Viscosity: Assesses the thickness of your blood, which can be affected by inflammation. High levels may indicate chronic disease, infection, or blood disorders.
The Bottom Line
Knowing which tests to request is just the first step. The key to maximizing your annual exam is advocating for your health and being proactive about getting the answers you deserve.
Are you ready to make your next visit more productive and empowering? Write down your questions, keep track of your symptoms, and be clear about what you want to achieve. Your health is worth it.
I am here to support you through your peri-menopause and menopause journey. For a personalized consultation, use the link below.
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