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The 5 Labs You Should Run Before the New Year to Reset Your Health in 2026

The end of the year brings excitement, stress, travel, and indulgence. For many people, it also brings symptoms like fatigue, bloating, mood swings, weight gain, and brain fog. Before setting your 2026 health goals, the smartest thing you can do is understand what’s happening inside your body. These five essential labs give you a clear picture of your thyroid, hormones, metabolism, stress response, and immune health — and each one is backed by clinical research and guidance from reputable medical organizations. 1. Full Thyroid Panel Why it matters: A complete thyroid panel helps detect hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and conversion issues that TSH alone can miss. A full panel typically includes: TSH Free T4 Free T3 Reverse T3 TPO & TgAb antibodies What research shows: The American Thyroid Association states that symptoms of thyroid dysfunction often remain undetected when only TSH is tested, emphasizing the value of a full panel for accurate diagnosis. (Sour...

The Midlife Duo: Navigating Menopause & Breast Health with Confidence

  Let’s Talk About Two Big October Stars: Menopause & Breast Cancer October isn’t just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s also the time to shine a spotlight on menopause and breast cancer — and the fact that these two things can be connected (though in complex ways) means it’s extra important to talk about both. Let’s walk through this with a little empathy, a little sass, and a whole lot of “you’ve got this.” 1. Why are we talking about menopause and breast cancer together? Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each October we don the pink ribbons (or maybe just a cozy pink scarf) to raise awareness about breast cancer: screening, treatment, survival, and community. In the U.S., about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. And yep, it's one of the most common cancers in women.  Menopause: The Big Mid-Life Shift. When your ovaries start dialing it down, you enter menopause and the hormonal landscape shifts. Hot flashes, night sweats, m...

Microdosing GLP-1 in Perimenopause: A New Tool for Hormone & Metabolic Health

Perimenopause is often described as a “rollercoaster” — and for good reason. Hormone fluctuations can bring on symptoms like weight gain, stubborn belly fat, mood swings, disrupted sleep, heavy cycles, and changes in metabolism that feel out of your control. While lifestyle interventions like nutrition, movement, and stress management remain the foundation of health, many women are exploring new tools to support their journey. One of those tools? Microdosing GLP-1 medications. GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are typically used in higher doses for diabetes and weight management. But in perimenopause, microdosing — starting with much smaller, individualized doses — may offer unique benefits without the intensity of full-dose therapy. Why GLP-1 May Be Helpful in Perimenopause 1.  Supports Metabolic Health Perimenopause is marked by rising insulin resistance and changes in fat distribution, especially increased abdominal fat. GLP-1s help improve insulin sensit...