Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a general health screening or are having symptoms such as fatigue or weakness you may want to get a CBC. 

COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL (CMP)

If you want a general health screening or are having symptoms such as fatigue,
increased or decreased urination, weight loss, frequent infections, fluid retention, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes you may want to get a CMP.

CORTISOL

Symptoms that you may want to consider a Cortisol Test for include:

• Weight gain, particularly around your midsection and upper back
• Rounding of your face (moon face)
• Fatty pad or hump between your shoulders (buffalo hump)
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fatigue
•  Facial flushing
• Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin of your abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
• Thin, fragile skin that bruises easily
• Slow healing of sores and infections
• Darkening of the skin (hyper pigmentation)
• Thicker or more visible hair on the body and face (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Stress, depression, anxiety, irritability, and/or loss of emotional control
• New or worsened high blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Cravings for salt
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods in females
• Decreased sex drive
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction also known as ED)

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP)

If you have a high risk for heart disease you should consider a CRP Test along with a standard Lipid Panel. People considered high risk have one or more of the following risk factors including a previous heart attack or stroke, family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels, being male, cigarette smoking, uncontrolled diabetes,  uncontrolled high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, or obesity. 

A CRP Test may also help identify infections and diseases that cause inflammation

ESTROGEN

Women might want to consider the Estrogen Test if they are having symptoms such as heart pounding or racing, hot flashes, night sweats, skin flushing, decreased interest in sex, irregular menstrual periods, mood swings with irritability, depression, and/or anxiety, vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse.

Men might want to consider the Estrogen Test to help explain abnormal sexual characteristics, such as enlarged breasts. Also, this test can help detect the presence of estrogen-producing tumors growing in the testicles.

PREGNANCY

A pregnancy test is recommended for women who think they may be pregnant.

HOMOCYSTEINE

Screening for elevated homocysteine levels is recommended in patients with a strong personal or family history of heart disease, and it is also recommended for patients with unexplained blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, or other symptoms related to heart disease, especially if they do not have typical risk factors, such as smoking cigarettes, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high LDL cholesterol levels.

IRON

If you are having symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weakness, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, irritability, brittle nails, poor appetite, or a compulsion to eat things other than food, you might want to consider the Iron Test for deficiency.

If your symptoms include joint pain, especially in the hands, chronic fatigue, loss of sex drive, trouble getting or maintaining an erection (Erectile Dysfunction or ED), lack of menstruation, or abdominal pain you many want to consider the Iron Test to assess if your iron levels are too high.

You might also want to consider the Iron Test if you want to monitor your nutritional status or to check if iron supplementation is working.

LIPID PANEL

It is recommended that adults age 20 or older should get a Lipid Panel once every five years. Ideally, testing should begin when you are relatively healthy.

A Lipid Panel test is also recommended if you are overweight, get little to no exercise, have diabetes, eat foods high in fat, or if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. 

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Screening should be considered for men over 50 and for men who have a high risk for prostate cancer, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, or for African-American males.

Also, if you are having symptoms such as difficulty or pain when urinating, more frequent urination, weak urine flow, blood in the urine, pain or discomfort in the groin, abdomen, or back, or trouble getting or maintaining an erection (Erectile Dysfunction, also known as ED) you might want to consider getting a PSA test. 

TESTOSTERONE

Men might want to consider a Testosterone Test if they are having problems fathering a child (infertility), experiencing decreased sex drive,  or are having trouble getting or maintaining an erection (Erectile Dysfunction, also known as ED).   Also, a Testosterone Test may help determine the cause of osteoporosis in men.

Women might want to consider a Testosterone Test if they are having irregular menstrual periods, decreased sex drive, or to find out why they are developing male characteristics, such as excessive hair on the face or body (hirsutism) or a deep voice.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Screening is recommended for those over 60 or who have a family history of autoimmune disease.  Also, if you are experiencing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, dry/flaky skin, tremors, excessive sweating, smooth/soft skin, fine hair, a rapid heart rate you may want to get a TSH Test.

URINALYSIS (UA)

If you want a general health screening or are having symptoms such as abdominal pain, back pain, frequent or painful urination, blood in your urine, or other urinary problems, you may want to consider getting a UA.

VITAMIN D

A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone softening diseases including Rickets, Osteomalacia, and Osteoporosis.

If you are having muscle weakness or dull aching pain in the spine, pelvis, and/or legs that persists or becomes severe you may want to consider a Vitamin D Test. If you are having symptoms such as constipation, decreased appetite (anorexia), dehydration, fatigue, irritability, or vomiting, it may be a sign of Vitamin D toxicity and you might want to consider getting a Vitamin D Test.

You might also want to consider the Vitamin D Test if you want to monitor your nutritional status or to check if vitamin D supplementation is working.

PANELS

Choose Panels based on your specific health concerns.  The description of each test above provides a reference for you to choose the panel that best suits your needs.  We recommend choosing one of our panels for your annual health screening check-up.