Test, Don't Guess

As a functional registered dietitian with advanced training in lab interpretation, I can order functional lab testing directly — no referral needed.

This becomes especially important during perimenopause, when symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weight changes, and cycle irregularities are often written off as "just hormones." In reality, many of these symptoms overlap with thyroid dysfunction, metabolic changes, or nutrient deficiencies.

Advanced lab testing allows us to differentiate what's truly hormonal from what's not, catch early shifts in metabolism and cardiovascular risk, and identify deficiencies that are common during this stage. It also gives us a more complete picture over time — so we're not making decisions based on a single snapshot.

The result is a plan that's grounded in your data, targeted to your physiology, and built to support both how you feel now and your long-term health.

Tests I Work With

• DUTCH Complete — Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones
  A comprehensive hormone test that goes beyond standard bloodwork. The DUTCH Complete evaluates not just estrogen and progesterone levels, but how your body is metabolizing and clearing them. It provides insight into estrogen detoxification pathways, daily cortisol patterns, androgens, and melatonin — offering a more complete picture of hormone function. This is especially helpful for women on hormone replacement therapy who are still experiencing symptoms, as it helps us understand not just how much hormone is present, but how the body is processing it.
• GI-MAP — Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus
  A DNA-based stool test that evaluates gut microbiome composition, opportunistic and pathogenic organisms, and key markers of intestinal health including inflammation and permeability. This is particularly relevant in perimenopause and menopause, where shifts in the gut microbiome can directly influence hormone balance. The gut plays a central role in estrogen metabolism through the estrobolome, impacting how estrogen is processed and recirculated in the body. Understanding what's happening in the gut allows us to better connect digestive health, hormone balance, and overall metabolic function — so interventions are targeted, not guesswork.
• Omega Index — Essential Fatty Acid Balance
  Measures the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids at the cellular level — reflecting what's actually incorporated into your red blood cell membranes, not just dietary intake. This provides insight into systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk, offering a more functional perspective than standard lipid markers alone. Particularly relevant during perimenopause and menopause, when shifts in hormones can increase inflammatory burden and impact metabolic health.
• InBody Composition Analysis
  A detailed assessment of body composition, including lean mass, fat mass, and muscle distribution, using bioelectrical impedance. Especially valuable during perimenopause, when shifts in hormones can lead to loss of muscle mass and increased visceral fat — changes that are not captured by weight or BMI alone. DEXA scans are considered the clinical gold standard for body composition and bone density; InBody provides a practical, accessible way to monitor meaningful changes consistently. I recommend an InBody scan every 4–6 weeks when actively working toward body composition goals, and every 3–6 months during a maintenance phase.

A Note on Cost

Functional tests are out of pocket regardless of where they are ordered. Costs vary by test and lab. I will always discuss whether testing is clinically indicated for your specific situation before recommending it — and I never order tests for the sake of ordering them.

My session fees, where I interpret your results and build your protocol, are typically covered by insurance.

Testing is always personalized based on your symptoms, history, and goals. Not every test is necessary for every client — recommendations are made thoughtfully to ensure we're gathering meaningful data that directly informs your care.