1. Higher Homocysteine Levels

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. If levels become elevated, it may increase risk for heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

2. Low Energy and Fatigue

Poor methylation and low B-vitamin activity may affect energy production.

3. Mood and Brain Health Challenges

Some people report issues with anxiety, depression, focus, or brain fog.

4. Hormone and Detoxification Support

Methylation is involved in processing hormones and toxins, so sluggish pathways may affect balance.

5. Pregnancy Concerns

Folate is especially important before and during pregnancy for healthy fetal development.

1. Creatinine (Blood Test)

Creatinine is a waste product created from normal muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter it out of the blood.

What It May Mean:

• • High creatinine: Reduced kidney filtration, dehydration, muscle breakdown, some medications
  • Low creatinine: Often low muscle mass, less commonly a concern

Creatinine alone doesn’t tell the full story, but it helps calculate eGFR.

2. eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

This is one of the most important kidney markers. It estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste.

General Ranges:

• • 90 or above: Normal (if no other signs of damage)
  • 60–89: Mild reduction, may still be okay depending on age/history
  • 30–59: Moderate decline
  • 15–29: Severe decline
  • Below 15: Kidney failure range

A single low result doesn’t always mean disease—it should be interpreted over time.

3. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

BUN measures another waste product filtered by the kidneys.

High BUN May Suggest:

• • Dehydration
  • High protein intake
  • Kidney stress
  • GI bleeding
  • Certain medications

Low BUN May Suggest:

• • Low protein intake
  • Liver concerns
  • Overhydration

4. Urinalysis

A simple urine test can reveal a lot.

It may detect:

• • Protein
  • Blood
  • Glucose
  • Infection
  • Crystals
  • Concentration status

Protein or blood in the urine should always be followed up.

5. Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)

This is a powerful early marker, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Small amounts of albumin leaking into urine can indicate early kidney damage before creatinine rises.

6. Cystatin C (Advanced Marker)

This blood test can give another estimate of kidney function and may be more accurate in some people, especially those with low or high muscle mass.

7. Electrolytes & Minerals

Kidneys help regulate:

• • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Bicarbonate

Abnormal levels may signal kidney dysfunction.

Studies have linked high homocysteine with memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy blood flow and low inflammation are essential for brain health.

Helping care for “fur babies” and grandchildren isn’t just emotionally rewarding — it also affects brain chemistry.
Acts of caregiving can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to mood, motivation, attention, and learning. Researchers often call this the “helper’s high.”

One study following older adults for four years found that those who regularly helped others:

• Scored higher on memory tests
• Had better thinking skills
• Showed stronger executive function
• Continued outperforming peers over time

These benefits likely come from a combination of:

• Mental stimulation
• Social connection
• Reduced stress

Greater meaning and purpose

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Think of this as your foundational snapshot.

It evaluates red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets—helping detect:

• • Anemia
  • Immune issues
  • Underlying health concerns

It’s basic—but essential.

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

This panel gives you a window into how your body is functioning day-to-day.

It assesses:

• • Liver and kidney health
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Electrolytes and hydration

It’s one of the best broad indicators of overall metabolic health.

3. Advanced Lipid Panel (Beyond Basic Cholesterol)

Menopause changes how your body handles cholesterol—and not in your favor.

A standard lipid panel isn’t enough.

Ask for deeper markers like:

• • ApoB (number of artery-damaging particles)
  • Lp(a) (a genetic risk factor many women don’t know they have)

These provide a much clearer picture of your true heart disease risk.

4. Blood Sugar & Insulin Testing (HbA1c + More)

Blood sugar balance is one of the biggest drivers of long-term health.

Don’t stop at glucose—look at the full picture:

• • Hemoglobin A1c (your 2–3 month average)
  • Fasting insulin
  • HOMA-IR (insulin resistance marker)

Why it matters:

Imbalanced blood sugar is linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, and metabolic dysfunction.

5. Bone Health Screening (DEXA + Vitamin D)

Bone loss accelerates rapidly after menopause—and often without symptoms.

A DEXA scan measures bone density in critical areas like the hips and spine.

• • Also test:
  • Vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone strength

Early awareness allows you to take action before fractures occur.

6. Comprehensive Thyroid Panel

Thyroid issues are incredibly common—and often mistaken for menopause.

Symptoms like:

• • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Hair thinning
  • Depression
  • Brain fog

…can all point to thyroid dysfunction.

Go beyond TSH and request:

• • Free T4
  • Free T3
  • Reverse T3
  • Thyroid antibodies

This deeper look can uncover issues early—when they’re most manageable.

7. Iron & Nutrient Status (Ferritin, B12)

• • Low iron is one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue in women.
  • Ferritin shows your stored iron (often low before anemia appears)
  • Vitamin B12 supports energy, brain function, and nerve health

Low levels can leave you feeling exhausted, foggy, and depleted—and are often easy to correct once identified.

8. Hormone Testing (When Appropriate)

Hormone testing isn’t always necessary—but in certain cases, it’s incredibly helpful.

Especially if:

• • You’ve had a hysterectomy
  • You use an IUD
  • Your cycle is unclear

Key markers include:

• • Estradiol
  • FSH
  • Testosterone (often overlooked but critical for energy, strength, and libido)

These insights can guide more personalized support and treatment options.

9. Inflammation Markers (hs-CRP, ESR)

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases—and often goes unnoticed.

Key tests:

• • hs-CRP
  • ESR

While they don’t tell you the exact cause, they do tell you something needs attention—and can help track your progress as you make lifestyle changes.

The PREVENT risk tool is designed for adults who:

• Are between the ages of 30 and 79
• Do not already have cardiovascular disease

It is intended to help guide early prevention strategies before heart disease develops.

Here are three foundational ways I support clients on GLP-1 medications so they protect their gut, preserve muscle, and prevent nutrient depletion.