What These Blood Test Monitor
- TSH, T3, T4, CBC with Differential, Vit D (25-hydroxycholecalciferol), Calcium, Fe and Ferritin are all basic blood tests that give important information about your metabolism, thyroid, blood abnormalities, bone health and abnormalities should be further evaluated. Many times, abnormalities can be easily corrected. Early detection allows for and should lead to early intervention.
- TSH, T3, T4, CBC with Differential, PSA for men, Ca, Estrogen for females, Testosterone, ESR, CRP, and CEA abnormalities can all lead to early detection of inflammation and cancer.
- Estrogen and testosterone levels, if well documented, may allow for maintenance therapy in the future.
- Cortisol and TSH, T3, and T4 can all provide information about stress levels.
- BUN/Cr, B12, and SGOT(AST)/SGPT(ALT) provide information regarding kidney and liver function.
Blood test (yearly or bi-yearly as recommended by your doctor)
-
HbA1c
Is a measure of your blood sugar over the past three months. Blood sugar is highly correlated with heart, vascular and kidney function. -
BUN/Cr
Provide information about kidney function. -
SGOT(AST)/SGPT(ALT)
These are liver enzymes that provide information about your liver health -
LDL, HDL and Total Triglyceride
LDL – low-density lipoprotein constitutes the majority of the cholesterol in your body. These lipoproteins can build up in blood vessels and are highly correlated with heart and blood vessel function HDL – high-density lipoprotein. Triglycerides are another form of fat in your body that are associated with heart function. These values are very important as is the LDL/HDL ratio. -
B12
Carries a very important role in red blood cell formation, nerve function, cell function and DNA production. Typically, B12 is obtained in our meat, fish and dairy dietary choices. Plant-based diets may have a greater risk of B12 deficiency. Regardless of diet, some people as we age simply don’t absorb B12 for a variety of reasons. -
TSH, T3, T4
These thyroid hormones are responsible for growth, sleep, mood disorders, sexual function and metabolism. Abnormalities may be the origin of anxiety, hair, loss, hyperactivity, tremors weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, brain fog and sweating. -
CBC with Differential
Is an easy measurement of blood cell metabolism and provides information about infections, inflammation, cancer and blood illnesses. -
PSA for Men
Prostate-specific antigen is an easy screen test to look for prostate cancer in men. -
Vit D (25-hydroxycholecalciferol)
Is required for bone health and is frequently overlooked regarding its value. Surprisingly, deficiencies are common among athletes. Levels correlate with bone health. Vitamin D is also important for maintaining the immune system and the brain. -
Calcium
Provides information about your parathyroid gland as well as bone metabolism. -
Estrogen
Regulates the female reproductive system. The real value of obtaining these measurements is to see how your estrogen level changes over time. One day in the future and that day may be very soon, recommendations to maintain your normal estrogen level by taking estrogen supplements may arise. If you don’t know what your normal estrogen levels are you won’t know how much estrogen replacement to take in the future. -
Testosterone
Male sex hormone. The real value in obtaining these measurements is to see how your Testosterone level changes over time. One day in the future and that day may be very soon, recommendations to maintain your normal Testosterone level by taking Testosterone supplements may arise. If you don’t know what your normal Testosterone levels are you won’t know how much Testosterone replacement to take. -
ESR, CRP
A Measure of inflammation in your body. -
Fe and Ferritin
Fe (Iron) is the mineral required for the protein in red blood cells, hemoglobin. It is the hemoglobin that carries the oxygen in your blood throughout your body. Ferritin is the blood protein that contains and stores iron in your cells. -
Homocysteine (may not be covered by insurance)
High levels of Homocysteine may indicate deficiencies in B2, B6, B12, zinc, and folate and are also seen with renal disease. High levels of homocysteine are not associated with maintaining blood vessels, the heart, or the brain. -
Cortisol
Is a stress hormone in your body made by your adrenal glands. Your levels will give information about your adrenal glands and your level of stress. -
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
Elevated CEA levels are usually not found in the normal gastrointestinal system. This test is not absolute and may yield false positives and false negatives
