Women's Health
|
November 18, 2024

Functional Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology: Essential Lab Tests for Women's Health

Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
November 21, 2024

Women's health issues are often complex and deeply interconnected, leading to prolonged struggles with symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive challenges. In recent years, the functional medicine approach in obstetrics and gynecology has gained traction for its focus on personalized, root-cause-focused care. By using comprehensive lab testing, this method moves beyond symptom management to uncover underlying imbalances that affect women's health. 

This article explores the essential lab tests that functional medicine practitioners use to enhance diagnostic accuracy, create tailored treatment plans, and, ultimately, transform outcomes for women. 

[signup]

Understanding Functional Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology

An obstetrician/gynecologist, or OB/GYN, is a healthcare professional who specializes in female reproductive health. Taking a functional medicine approach to obstetrics and gynecology means looking beyond immediate symptoms to address the underlying causes of women's health issues.

Traditional OB/GYN practices often center on symptom management and treating diseases as they present. Functional medicine, on the other hand, seeks to identify and address the root causes of health problems, promoting overall wellness and preventing future issues.

Comprehensive, functional lab testing helps identify underlying causes of women's health issues that might remain hidden in traditional assessments. These tests provide objective data that inform personalized treatment plans, ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective.

Key Functional Medicine Labs for Obstetrics and Gynecology

Functional OB/GYN utilizes a variety of lab tests, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a woman's health. 

Thyroid Panel

A thyroid panel assesses thyroid gland function. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

Components of the Test

A comprehensive thyroid panel includes the following biomarkers to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis: 

  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Indicates how well the thyroid is functioning
  • Free T3 and Free T4: Measure the active thyroid hormones
  • Reverse T3: Helps assess thyroid hormone conversion
  • Thyroid Antibodies: Detect autoimmune thyroid conditions

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

Thyroid disease affects one in eight women and can have significant impacts on women's health. Thyroid disease can cause:

When thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed, it can be corrected through pharmaceutical and natural means:

  • Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is the first-line therapy for replacing deficient thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism.
  • Hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid medications (methimazole or propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
  • A nutrient-dense diet (rich in selenium, zinc, and iodine), adequate sleep, effective stress management, and anti-inflammatory practices can help improve thyroid function (17). 

Test Examples

Cardiometabolic Panel

A cardiometabolic panel evaluates factors that influence cardiovascular and metabolic health, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and inflammation markers.

Components of the Test

  • Lipid Panel: Assesses cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Fasting Glucose and Insulin: Evaluates blood sugar control and insulin resistance
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Provides an average blood sugar level over three months
  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measures systemic inflammation

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, which collectively increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Women with MetS have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular complications compared to men (42). 

Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to MetS due to hormonal changes that exacerbate insulin resistance and fat accumulation. 

Cardiovascular risk can be lowered by bringing cardiometabolic biomarkers into optimal ranges through heart-healthy lifestyle changes, targeted medications, and supportive nutraceuticals.

Test Examples

Female Hormone Panel

A female hormone panel measures sex hormones that regulate the female reproductive system. 

Components of the Test

  • Estrogens: Responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and sex characteristics. Estradiol (E2) is the primary estrogen in premenopausal women. Estrone (E1) is the primary estrogen post-menopause. Estriol (E3) is produced during pregnancy by the placenta.
  • Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and maintains pregnancy.
  • Testosterone: Is converted to estradiol and plays a role in libido, bone strength, and muscle mass.
  • DHEA-S: An androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts as a precursor to other sex hormones.
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that regulates the availability of sex hormones.

Clinical Applications in Women's Health 

Hormonal imbalances can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, mood swings, and decreased libido. Common imbalances include:

  • Estrogen Dominance: Estrogen levels are elevated in relation to progesterone. This is associated with painful and heavy periods, PMS and PMDD, fibrocystic breasts, headaches, reproductive cancers, endometriosis, and fibroids. (12) 
  • Progesterone Deficiency: Low progesterone symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding, irregular periods, frequent miscarriages, and PMS.
  • Hyperandrogenism: Androgen excess refers to elevated levels of testosterone and DHEA. It is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, acne, weight gain, hirsutism, alopecia, and infertility. 

Test Examples

Adrenal Stress Profile

An adrenal stress profile assesses adrenal gland function by measuring the hormones involved in the stress response and energy metabolism.

Components of the Test

  • Cortisol: Often called the "stress hormone" because the adrenal glands produce it to support the body in adapting to a stressful trigger
  • DHEA: Reflects adrenal hormone production

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in sustained cortisol elevations. Over time, this overactivation of the HPA axis disrupts the natural diurnal rhythm of cortisol, leading to symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue. 

Chronic elevations in cortisol also interfere with the signaling pathways controlling thyroid and ovarian function, perpetuating additional hormonal imbalances. This can manifest as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and menstrual irregularities. (68) 

Abnormal adrenal stress profile results necessitate the importance of stress management through techniques like a healthy diet, quality sleep, adaptogenic herbs, and mind-body therapies. 

Test Examples

Micronutrient Test

A micronutrient test assesses levels of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients within the body, offering a complete picture of nutritional health. This type of testing is valuable because it can identify nutritional imbalances that might not yet present as obvious symptoms but could impact immune function, energy levels, mental clarity, and hormonal health.

Components of the Test

Micronutrient tests will assess the status of 30+ vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids. Examples of nutrients that are especially relevant to women's health include:

  • Calcium: Supports strong bones and teeth and plays a role in muscle function and cardiovascular health. Postmenopausal women are particularly at risk of osteoporosis.
  • Vitamin D: Necessary for calcium absorption, vitamin D also supports immune health, mood regulation, and hormone balance. 
  • Iron: Integral to oxygen transport in the blood. Women of reproductive age need more iron due to menstrual blood loss, with deficiency leading to anemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive performance.
  • Folate: Important for cell growth and DNA synthesis, folate is especially critical for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, and mood regulation. It also aids in hormone balance and can relieve PMS symptoms.

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

Detecting suboptimal and deficient nutrients helps OB/GYNs make targeted dietary, supplemental, and lifestyle recommendations to optimize nutritional health and alleviate ailments.

For example, menstruating women deficient in iron will benefit from eating more iron-rich foods and supplementing with iron (either by oral or intravenous administration). Exposure to sunlight and supplements can be recommended to optimize vitamin D levels. 

Test Examples

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

A comprehensive stool analysis examines the health of the gastrointestinal tract, including gut microbiota, digestive function, and markers of inflammation.

Components of the Test

  • Microbiome Composition: Diversity and balance of gut bacteria
  • Digestive Function Markers: Enzyme levels, macronutrient absorption
  • Inflammation Markers: Calprotectin, lactoferrin, white blood cells
  • Microbial Metabolites: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), beta-glucuronidase
  • Pathogen Screening: Presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, or yeast

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

The estrobolome is a collection of gut bacteria that plays a role in regulating estrogen metabolism within the body. A balanced estrobolome maintains balanced estrogen levels by breaking down estrogen metabolites and preparing them for excretion from the body. An imbalance in the estrobolome can lead to estrogen dominance by excessively recycling estrogens into circulation.

A comprehensive stool analysis can identify dysbiotic patterns in the gut microbiome that may contribute to systemic women's health issues, such as PCOS, cancers, bone diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and obesity. 

Recognizing dysbiosis allows healthcare providers to target specific imbalances with personalized interventions, such as probiotics, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, to restore a healthy microbiome and potentially mitigate the risk or severity of these conditions.

Test Examples

Vaginal Microbiome Analysis

Vaginal microbiome analysis assesses the microbial composition of the vaginal environment.

Components of the Test

  • Lactobacillus spp.: Beneficial bacteria that maintain a healthy vaginal environment and protect against infection protect against pathogens.
  • Pathogens: Presence of harmful organisms like Gardnerella or Candida.

Clinical Applications in Women's Health

Vaginal dysbiosis leads to increased vaginal mucosal inflammation and epithelial disruption, compromising the vaginal barrier and immune defenses that predispose a woman to vaginal infections (4).

Chronic bacterial vaginosis is associated with poor obstetric and gynecologic health outcomes, including an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, and low birth weight (2, 47).

Restoring a healthy microbiome promotes vaginal health and reduces the risk of complications.

Test Examples

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Integrating functional medicine lab tests into obstetrics and gynecology practices offers a comprehensive approach to women's health. 
  • A holistic approach to women's health and OB/GYN care involves assessing hormone levels, nutrient status, adrenal function, gut health, and more.
  • By leveraging lab testing, healthcare providers can enhance diagnostic accuracy, tailor treatments, and promote women's health. 
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Learn more

No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

No lab tests!

References

  1. Adrenal & Stress Testing. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/health-categories/adrenal-stress
  2. Allsworth, J. E., & Peipert, J. F. (2011). Severity of bacterial vaginosis and the risk of sexually transmitted infection. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 205(2), 113.e1–113.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.02.060
  3. Barbour, L. (2019). Thyroid Disease & Pregnancy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/pregnancy-thyroid-disease
  4. Berard, A. R., Brubaker, D. K., Birse, K., et al. (2023). Vaginal epithelial dysfunction is mediated by the microbiome, metabolome, and mTOR signaling. Cell Reports, 42(5), 112474–112474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112474
  5. Bertagna, B. (2024, July 24). Understanding Beta-Glucuronidase: Causes, Testing, and Treatment for High Levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-beta-glucuronidase-causes-testing-and-treatment-for-high-levels
  6. Christie, J. (2022, March 8). Weakness, Pale Skin, And Headache Are Signs Of This Mineral Deficiency. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-iron-deficiency
  7. Christie, J. (2022, April 7). 5 Common Root Causes Of Endometriosis And How To Treat Them. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-endometriosis
  8. Christie, J. (2022, April 22). A Functional Medicine Approach to PMS. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-pms
  9. Christie, J. (2022, May 6). 10% Of Women Experience Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Are You One Of Them? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-pmdd
  10. Christie, J. (2022, July 13). How To Shrink Fibroids Naturally, According To Research. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-shrink-fibroids-naturally-according-to-research
  11. Christie, J. (2023, January 6). A functional medicine approach to obesity and weight management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-approach-to-obesity
  12. Cloyd, J. (2023, February 16). A functional medicine protocol for estrogen dominance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-protocol-for-estrogen-dominance
  13. Cloyd, J. (2023, February 21). The Benefits of Incorporating Specialty Lab Testing in Your Integrative Medicine Clinic. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-benefits-of-incorporating-specialty-lab-testing-in-your-integrative-medicine-clinic
  14. Cloyd, J. (2023, March 9). Top Labs to Test To Help Determine The Root Cause of Reoccurring Bacterial Vaginosis. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/top-labs-to-test-for-root-cause-of-reoccurring-bacterial-vaginosis
  15. Cloyd, J. (2023, April 10). A Functional Medicine Hypertension Protocol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/functional-medicine-hypertension-protocol
  16. Cloyd, J. (2023, April 28). How to Heal Your Gut Naturally With Functional Nutrition. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-heal-your-gut-naturally-with-functional-nutrition
  17. Cloyd, J. (2023, May 24). A Functional Medicine Hypothyroidism Protocol: Comprehensive Testing, Supplements, and Integrative Nutrition. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-hypothyroidism-protocol-comprehensive-testing-supplements-and-integrative-nutrition
  18. Cloyd, J. (2023, August 21). Thyroid Hormone Testing Guide: A Comprehensive Review of How to Test for Thyroid Hormones. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/thyroid-hormone-testing-guide-a-comprehensive-review-of-how-to-test-for-thyroid-hormones
  19. Cloyd, J. (2023, October 2). A Functional Medicine Approach to Stress Management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-stress-management
  20. Cloyd, J. (2023, October 18). The Top 6 Essential Health Benefits of Magnesium That You Should Know. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-top-6-therapeutic-uses-of-magnesium-you-need-to-know
  21. Cloyd, J. (2023, October 26). How To Interpret Your DHEAS Test Results. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-dheas-test-results
  22. Cloyd, J. (2023, December 11). How to Interpret Your CRP Blood Test. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-crp-blood-test
  23. Cloyd, J. (2023, December 26). How to Interpret An HbA1c Test and What it Means For Your Patient's Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-an-hba1c-test-and-what-it-means-for-your-patients-health
  24. Cloyd, J. (2023, December 29). Is There An Adrenal Fatigue Test? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/is-there-an-adrenal-fatigue-test
  25. Cloyd, J. (2024, March 1). What is Hyperlipidemia? Symptoms, Testing, and Treatments. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-hyperlipidemia-symptoms-testing-and-treatments
  26. Cloyd, K. (2023, December 19). How to interpret your lipid panel results. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-your-lipid-panel-results
  27. Cloyd, K. (2024, January 17). Understanding Nutritional Deficiencies: When to Utilize Micronutrient Testing. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-nutritional-deficiencies-when-to-utilize-micronutrient-testing
  28. Coleman, E. (2024, March 21). Guide to Hormone Headache: Definition, Causes & Treatments. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/guide-to-hormone-headache-definition-causes-treatments
  29. Cox, A. D. (2022, December 2). Adaptogen Herbs: Evidence, Medicinal Benefits, & More. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/adaptogens
  30. Creedon, K. (2022, March 18). 8 Ways To Prevent Osteoporosis As You Age. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-osteoporosis
  31. Daglis, S. (2024, February 1). Heart Health in Menopause: Understanding and Managing Cardiovascular Risks. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/heart-health-in-menopause-understanding-and-managing-cardiovascular-risks
  32. DeCesaris, L. (2022, May 3). Mary Was Always Sick, Gaining Weight, and Exhausted - Here's How She Found Relief For Her Adrenal Fatigue. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/adrenal-fatigue
  33. DeCesaris, L. (2022, June 6). What Is Gut Dysbiosis? 7 Signs To Watch For. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-your-gut-bacteria-affects-your-overall-health
  34. DeCesaris, L. (2022, August 8). Worried About Your Thyroid Health? Ask Your Doctor For These 3 Thyroid Labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/treating-the-thyroid-naturally
  35. Diorio, B. (2023, March 17). How to test for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis
  36. Fathizadeh, N., Ebrahimi, E., Valiani, M., et al. (2010). Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 15(Suppl1), 401–405. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3208934/
  37. Greenan, S. (2021, October 11). 7 Early Signs Of Insulin Resistance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-insulin-resistance
  38. Greenan, S. (2021, November 19). What is Functional Medicine? How Do I Find A Functional Medicine Practitioner? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-functional-medicine
  39. Jacobson, M. H., Howards, P. P., Darrow, L. A., et al. (2018). Thyroid hormones and menstrual cycle function in a longitudinal cohort of premenopausal women. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 32(3), 225–234. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppe.12462
  40. Khakham, C. (2023, April 6). Understanding Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease With Functional Medicine Labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-your-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-with-functional-medicine-labs
  41. LoBisco, S. (2022, November 16). Progesterone Imbalance: Signs & Treatments. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/progesterone-imbalance-signs-treatments
  42. Macut, D., Ognjanović, S., Ašanin, M., et al. (2021). Metabolic Syndrome and Myocardial Infarction in Women. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 27(36), 3786–3794. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612827666210610114029
  43. Maholy, N. (2023, April 14). How to reduce stress through mind-body therapies. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-reduce-stress-through-mind-body-therapies
  44. Maholy, N. (2023, June 29). The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Gut Health: An Integrative Perspective. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-probiotics-and-prebiotics-in-gut-health-an-integrative-perspective
  45. Marano, G., Traversi, G., Gaetani, E., et al. (2023). Gut microbiota in women: The secret of psychological and physical well-being. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 29(45), 5945–5952. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v29.i45.5945
  46. Mazzilli, R., Medenica, S., Di Tommaso, A. M., et al. (2022). The role of thyroid function in female and male infertility: a narrative review. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 46(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-022-01883-7
  47. Ng, B. K., Chuah, J. N., Cheah, F. C., et al. (2023). Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. Frontiers in Surgery, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2023.1084867
  48. Preston, J. (2023, August 24). How to Test Progesterone Levels and Increase Progesterone Naturally. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-test-progesterone-levels-and-increase-progesterone-naturally
  49. Preston, J. (2024, February 7). Iron 101: RDA, Iron-Rich Foods, and Supplementation. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/iron-101-rda-iron-rich-foods-and-supplementation
  50. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. (2020). Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/shbg
  51. Skarulis, M., & Stack, B. (2019, April). Thyroid Disease. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease
  52. Stanford, J. (2024, July 22). 6 Proven Strategies To Reverse Insulin Resistance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/reverse-insulin-resistance
  53. Sweetnich, J. (2023, February 7). A Non Pharmaceutical Approach to PCOS. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-non-pharmaceutical-approach-to-pcos
  54. Sweetnich, J. (2023, February 22). An Integrative Medicine Approach to Estradiol Imbalance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-estradiol-imbalance
  55. Sweetnich, J. (2023, February 23). 4 Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Root Cause of Estrone Imbalance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/4-functional-medicine-labs-to-test-for-root-cause-of-estrone-imbalance
  56. Sweetnich, J. (2023, February 28). Testosterone Testing 101. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/testosterone-testing-101
  57. Sweetnich, J. (2023, March 28). Calcium 101: Testing, top foods, & supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/calcium-101-testing-top-foods-supplements
  58. Sweetnich, J. (2023, May 4). Vitamin D 101. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/vitamin-d-101-testing-rdas-and-supplementing
  59. Sweetnich, J. (2023, May 8). Vitamin B9 (Folate) 101. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-the-importance-of-folate-testing-and-proper-supplementation-for-optimal-health
  60. Villines, Z. (2019, January 25). What is an OB-GYN? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324292
  61. Weinberg, J. L. (2022, March 31). How to tell if you have an estrogen imbalance. Www.rupahealth.com. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-estrogen-imbalance
  62. Weinberg, J. L. (2022, September 7). An Integrative Medicine Approach to Hypothyroidism. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-hypothyroidism-and-how-to-treat-it-naturally
  63. Weinberg, J. L. (2022, December 19). How Short Chain Fatty Acids Affects Our Mood, Digestion, and Metabolism. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-short-chain-fatty-acids-affects-our-mood-digestion-and-metabolism
  64. Weinberg, J. L. (2023, January 11). How To Test Your Patients For Metabolic Syndrome. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-test-your-patients-for-metabolic-syndrome-a-functional-medicie-approach
  65. Weinberg, J. L. (2023, February 7). A Functional Medicine Protocol for Hyperthyroidism. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/5-functional-medicine-labs-that-can-assist-a-root-cause-treatment-for-hyperthyroidism
  66. Yoshimura, H. (2023, August 1). The Role of Integrative Medicine in Fertility Treatment: Enhancing the Success of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-integrative-medicine-in-fertility-treatment-enhancing-the-success-of-assisted-reproductive-technologies
  67. Yoshimura, H. (2023, August 8). Balancing Hormones in Younger Women: A Comprehensive Guide to Hormonal Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/balancing-hormones-in-younger-women-a-comprehensive-guide-to-hormonal-health
  68. Yoshimura, H. (2024, April 9). The Interplay Between Thyroid, Adrenal, and Sex Hormones in Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/thyroid-adrenal-sex-hormones-functional-medicine
Jaime Cloyd
Author
Dr. Jaime Cloyd ND
Naturopathic Physician based in the greater Seattle area
Medically Reviewed by
Order from 30+ labs in 20 seconds (DUTCH, Mosaic, Genova & More!)
We make ordering quick and painless — and best of all, it's free for practitioners.
Sign up free
Browse the lab catalog

Latest Articles

View more on Women's Health
A Comprehensive Guide to Cephalexin Side Effects and RisksA Comprehensive Guide to Cephalexin Side Effects and Risks
A Comprehensive Guide to Cephalexin Side Effects and Risks
Dr. Jaime Cloyd, ND
November 18, 2024
Dr. ,
November 18, 2024
Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Potential TreatmentsBladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Potential Treatments
Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Potential Treatments
Dr. Jaime Cloyd, ND
November 18, 2024
Dr. ,
November 18, 2024
Boric Acid Suppositories: Uses, Benefits, and SafetyBoric Acid Suppositories: Uses, Benefits, and Safety
Boric Acid Suppositories: Uses, Benefits, and Safety
Dr. Jaime Cloyd, ND
November 18, 2024
Dr. ,
November 18, 2024
Ofloxacin Ear Drops: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper DosageOfloxacin Ear Drops: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Dosage
Ofloxacin Ear Drops: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Dosage
Dr. Jaime Cloyd, ND
November 18, 2024
Dr. ,
November 18, 2024
See all Articles
Subscribe to the Magazine for free
Subscribe for free to keep reading! If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Trusted Source
Rupa Health
Medical Education Platform
Visit Source
Visit Source
American Cancer Society
Foundation for Cancer Research
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Library of Medicine
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of The American College of Radiology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Cancer Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
World Health Organization (WHO)
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Pediatrics
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
CDC
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Office of Dietary Supplements
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Institutes of Health
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Brain
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Rheumatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Hepatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Kidney International
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Chest
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Blood
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Gastroenterology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Diabetes Care
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Circulation
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
JAMA Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
PLOS Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Nature Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Lancet
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Pubmed
Comprehensive biomedical database
Visit Source
Visit Source
Harvard
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Johns Hopkins
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.