Being prepared for every doctor’s appointment is more important than ever, especially as appointment times get shorter and wellness becomes more self-driven. Dr. Mary Claire’s lab checklist empowers people in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause to advocate for their own health by knowing exactly which critical labs to discuss with their clinician. This blog breaks down her recommendations into a practical guide anyone can save, share, and use as a starting point for better, more collaborative healthcare.
Why Preparation Is Essential
Doctors are experts in the functionally of the body, they know how it functions. But you are the expert of your body, you know how it feels. To get the most out of each appointment, arrive with written concerns, questions, and requests. Think of the appointment as a partnership, what is invested in preparation will come back in better outcomes. Self-advocacy can be life-changing, whether facing a new diagnosis or navigating midlife transitions.
The Lab Checklist Guide
Here’s what Dr. Mary Claire suggests and why each test matters for midlife wellness:
Advanced Lipid Panel
Ask for: ApoB, LDL, HDL, Lp(a), Small Dense LDL, Total Cholesterol
Why: Menopause alters cholesterol patterns, often increasing heart disease risk. ApoB and Lp(a) add layers of information beyond basic cholesterol tests, offering better insight into cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar & Insulin
Ask for: Fasting Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR
Why: Hormone shifts can create insulin resistance and hidden metabolic risk. HOMA-IR detects diabetes risk years before diagnosis early action means better outcomes.
Bone Health
Ask for: Baseline DEXA Scan, Vitamin D
Why: Estrogen loss can rapidly weaken bones. DEXA scans identify problem areas before fractures, and correcting Vitamin D deficiency is a powerful, fixable way to strengthen bones.
Thyroid Check
Ask for: TSH, Free T4, Free T3 (if needed)
Why: Underactive thyroids can mimic menopause symptoms and go undetected. Catching and treating thyroid dysfunction can dramatically improve symptom management.
Iron & Anemia Panel
Ask for: Ferritin, and a full anemia panel if ferritin is low (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Iron, TIBC)
Why: Years of heavy periods may deplete iron stores. Ferritin reveals hidden deficiencies affecting energy and mental clarity, and an anemia panel unpacks the cause.
Hormones (Optional)
Ask for: Estradiol LC/MS, Testosterone Free and Total
Why: Fluctuating hormones impact mood, libido, and muscle mass. Testing helps clarify what’s driving symptoms and guides conversations about treatment.
Chronic Inflammation Testing
Ask for: High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HsCRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Why: These tests recognize inflammation a common but subtle driver of many menopause symptoms and track progress after nutrition or lifestyle changes.
Standard Annual Labs
Don’t forget about regular CBC and CMP for basic blood, liver, kidney, and metabolic health these basics are foundational but not enough to uncover the unique risks during menopause.
How to Advocate Like an Expert
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Print this checklist and bring it to each appointment, marking tests most relevant for your symptoms or risk factors.
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Write down a list of concerns, questions, and requests based on your personal experience.
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Use patient scripts from Dr. Mary Claire’s guide if needs or symptoms are dismissed.
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Track labs and symptoms over time this makes every appointment more productive.
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Consider a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being addressed.
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Ask about options for hormone testing, bone density monitoring, and inflammation tracking even if you feel well now, early information is empowering.
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If you work with nutritionists or wellness experts, running labs can help customize meal plans and lifestyle changes based on your real, current health data.
Why Advocacy Matters—A Personal Perspective
As someone who survived cancer and returned to school to study nutrition, self-advocacy became an essential skill for thriving especially during perimenopause. Navigating appointments, asking questions, and gathering information transformed my health journey. No degree or certification is required just curiosity, preparedness, and the willingness to speak up for personal wellness.
Save This Guide, Share It With Others
This checklist and approach are meant for educational purposes. Always discuss labs and health changes with a qualified doctor before making any decisions about care. Use this guide to make each appointment count, strengthen the collaborative relationship with your health team, and take meaningful action for lifelong wellness.
Xo,
Clarita, Founder of Claridad