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.
    (Source: American Thyroid Association — “Thyroid Function Tests”)

  • Low thyroid hormone can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, constipation, and cold intolerance.
    (Source: Mayo Clinic — “Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and Causes”)

Testing before the New Year helps identify issues early, especially as stress can alter thyroid hormone conversion. Get tested here.

2. Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA)

Hormone imbalances affect your cycle, sleep, libido, metabolism, and mood — and holiday stress can amplify these symptoms.

What research shows:

  • The Endocrine Society highlights that estrogen and progesterone fluctuations can directly influence mood, bloating, sleep, and PMS severity.
    (Source: Endocrine Society — Hormone Health Network)

  • Low testosterone in women is associated with fatigue, decreased libido, and reduced muscle mass.
    (Source: Cleveland Clinic — “Low Testosterone in Women”)

  • DHEA levels naturally decline with age and stress.
    (Source: NIH — National Library of Medicine, DHEA studies)

Testing now helps you get ahead of the hormone shifts that commonly worsen in winter months. Not sure where to start? Our Initial Review is the perfect place to start!

3. Fasting Insulin

Fasting insulin is one of the earliest indicators of metabolic health — long before glucose or A1C change.

What research shows:

  • The NIH notes that insulin resistance begins years before changes in blood glucose levels, making fasting insulin a key early marker.
    (Source: NIH — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

  • High fasting insulin is linked to fatigue, weight gain (especially around the midsection), sugar cravings, and difficulty losing weight.
    (Source: American Diabetes Association)

Holiday eating patterns can temporarily elevate insulin — making December a perfect time to evaluate metabolic stability before January weight-loss goals begin. Get started here.

4. Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

Cortisol isn’t just a “stress hormone” — it regulates energy, inflammation, sleep, and metabolism.

What research shows:

  • Chronic stress disrupts cortisol rhythms, leading to fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
    (Source: Cleveland Clinic — “Cortisol Test”)

  • Irregular cortisol patterns influence immunity and inflammation.
    (Source: NIH — Stress and Health Research, National Library of Medicine)

Because stress spikes during the holidays, running cortisol now helps identify adrenal patterns that could affect your energy heading into 2026. See how Revive can help you get back on track.

5. Vitamin D

Winter months leave most people deficient — especially in northern states with less sunlight.

What research shows:

  • Up to 42% of U.S. adults have Vitamin D deficiency, with levels dropping more dramatically during winter.
    (Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin D Fact Sheet)

  • Low Vitamin D contributes to fatigue, mood changes, immune weakness, and hormonal imbalance.
    (Source: Mayo Clinic — “Vitamin D Deficiency”)

  • Vitamin D plays a critical role in thyroid and reproductive hormone regulation.
    (Source: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines)

Knowing your levels now ensures you start 2026 with optimal immune and hormone support. Get a full picture of your health!

Start 2026 With Clarity, Not Guesswork

Running these labs before the New Year gives you:
✔ Clear answers
✔ A personalized plan
✔ Insight into thyroid, hormone, metabolic, and stress health
✔ Data that prevents symptoms from being dismissed or overlooked

Revive Wellness offers all five labs — plus a comprehensive interpretation — through our Lab + Wellness Review, designed to give you a full picture of your health before the New Year even begins.

Start 2026 feeling better, clearer, and more in control. Book your Lab + Wellness Review today.


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