When you come to see me for the first time, one of the most important steps in understanding your health is testing — but not just any testing. The right tests, done at the right time and interpreted in the right context, can reveal valuable insights into what’s really driving your symptoms. In this post, I’ll share the key blood tests I commonly request at an initial consultation, how I interpret them, and when we might need to look further with functional testing. The Found

When standard blood tests come back “normal” but symptoms persist, it can feel frustrating — like something important is being missed. This is where functional testing comes in. Functional testing goes beyond just identifying disease, it looks at how your body’s systems are performing and why they may not be functioning optimally. By understanding these deeper patterns, we can be far more precise — and proactive — in how we support your health. Comprehensive Hormone Testing:

Menopause brings many changes, and one of the most overlooked yet impactful is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). While it’s often reduced to “vaginal dryness,” GSM is so much more than that—it affects vaginal, bladder, and urinary health, leading to persistent discomfort that doesn’t always improve on its own and has a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’re experiencing vaginal irritation, painful intercourse, frequent UTIs, or bladder urgency, you’re

Your vaginal microbiome is more than just a collection of bacteria—it’s a first line of defense against infections. A well-balanced vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV), thrush (yeast infections), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even reducing the risk of persistent HPV infections. When this delicate ecosystem is imbalanced, harmful bacteria and yeast can overgrow, leading to recurring infections, irritation, and increased suscep