Wellness, Hormones 

Weight Management Labs

Boise, Idaho

Laboratory Testing Reference Guide

At our clinic, we believe that truly feeling your best starts with understanding what's happening inside your body. Our comprehensive laboratory testing panels are designed to uncover the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, hormonal imbalances, and more — so we can build a treatment plan that is uniquely yours.

We go beyond standard blood work. Our providers order in-depth hormone panels for both women and men, complete thyroid workups, adrenal assessments, metabolic and weight loss panels, and a full wellness screening that includes iron studies, nutrient levels, cardiovascular markers, and genetic factors. Every result is reviewed personally by your provider and explained in clear, understandable terms.

Whether you are navigating menopause, struggling with unexplained fatigue, working toward weight loss goals, or simply ready to take a proactive approach to your health — our lab testing is the first step toward answers and lasting change.

Hormones (Female)

Estradiol (E2)
The primary and most potent form of estrogen, estradiol is tested to evaluate symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as hot flashes, irregular periods, mood changes, and low libido. It is also used to assess ovarian function, guide hormone replacement therapy, and monitor fertility treatments.
Estrone (E1)
Estrone is the dominant form of estrogen after menopause. Testing helps evaluate menopausal status, monitor HRT, and assess risk factors associated with estrogen-sensitive conditions such as breast and uterine cancer.
Estriol (E3)
The weakest of the three estrogens, estriol is produced in significant amounts during pregnancy. In non-pregnant women it is used in evaluating hormone therapy options, particularly bioidentical HRT.
Progesterone
Progesterone balances the effects of estrogen and is essential for menstrual regularity, fertility, and pregnancy. Low levels can cause estrogen dominance symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and heavy periods. Testing helps guide hormone balancing and evaluate luteal phase function.
Total Testosterone
Measures the overall amount of testosterone in the blood. In women, it is tested when symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, irregular periods, or low libido are present. It helps identify conditions like PCOS, adrenal disorders, and guides hormone therapy dosing.
Free Testosterone
Measures the biologically active portion of testosterone not bound to proteins. This is a more clinically useful marker when total testosterone is normal but symptoms of excess or deficiency persist, providing a clearer picture of how much testosterone the body can actually use.
DHEA-S
Produced by the adrenal glands, DHEA-S is a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. It is tested to evaluate adrenal function, investigate symptoms of androgen excess or deficiency, assess adrenal aging, and support energy, mood, and libido concerns.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein that binds to sex hormones, making them unavailable for use. High SHBG can cause symptoms of low estrogen or testosterone even when total levels appear normal. Testing helps interpret hormone levels more accurately and guides therapy adjustments.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH triggers ovulation and is essential for reproductive function. It is tested to evaluate irregular or absent periods, infertility, suspected PCOS, and to assess menopausal status. Elevated LH alongside low estrogen is a key indicator of menopause or ovarian insufficiency.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and egg development. It is used to assess ovarian reserve, evaluate fertility, diagnose menopause, and investigate irregular cycles. Elevated FSH in reproductive-age women may indicate diminished ovarian reserve.

Hormones (Male)

Total Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, total testosterone is tested to evaluate symptoms of low T such as fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, decreased muscle mass, and increased body fat. It is also used to monitor testosterone replacement therapy and assess overall androgen status.
Free Testosterone
Measures the biologically active portion of testosterone not bound to proteins. Free testosterone is often more clinically relevant than total testosterone, as it reflects what is actually available for the body to use. It is particularly useful when symptoms of deficiency persist despite normal total testosterone levels.
DHEA-S
A precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that converts into testosterone and estrogen. In men, low DHEA-S is associated with fatigue, decreased libido, reduced muscle mass, and accelerated aging. Testing helps assess adrenal contribution to androgen production and overall hormonal reserve.
Estradiol (E2)
Although primarily considered a female hormone, estradiol is present in men and plays an important role in bone density, cardiovascular health, and libido. Elevated levels in men can cause gynecomastia, water retention, and erectile dysfunction, and are commonly monitored during testosterone therapy.
Progesterone
Although present in much smaller amounts than in women, progesterone plays an important role in male hormonal health. It serves as a precursor to testosterone and cortisol, helps balance the effects of estrogen, and supports neurological function, mood, and sleep. Low levels in men are associated with estrogen dominance, low libido, weight gain, and increased risk of prostate issues.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
SHBG binds to testosterone, making it unavailable for use. High SHBG reduces the amount of free, active testosterone even when total levels appear normal. Testing is essential for accurately interpreting testosterone results and is commonly elevated with aging, thyroid dysfunction, and liver disease.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH signals the testes to produce testosterone. Testing helps determine whether low testosterone is caused by a problem with the testes themselves (primary hypogonadism) or by insufficient signaling from the pituitary gland (secondary hypogonadism), which directly guides treatment decisions.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
In men, FSH stimulates sperm production in the testes. It is tested when evaluating infertility, low sperm count, or testicular dysfunction. Elevated FSH may indicate testicular failure, while low FSH may point to a pituitary or hypothalamic issue.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and is used to screen for prostate cancer, monitor prostate health, and serve as a baseline and ongoing safety marker for men on testosterone replacement therapy. Rising PSA levels during treatment require further evaluation.

Adrenal

Cortisol (AM & PM)
Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Testing both morning and evening levels evaluates the natural diurnal rhythm. Abnormal patterns can indicate adrenal fatigue, Cushing's syndrome, or Addison's disease, and are associated with fatigue, weight gain, and poor stress resilience.
DHEA-S
As both a hormone and adrenal marker, DHEA-S reflects the overall functional capacity of the adrenal glands. Declining levels with age or chronic stress are linked to fatigue, decreased immunity, reduced libido, and poor recovery. It is a key indicator of adrenal reserve.
Progesterone
In the context of adrenal health, progesterone serves as a precursor to cortisol and other adrenal hormones. When the body is under chronic stress, progesterone can be redirected toward cortisol production — a concept known as "pregnenolone steal" — depleting progesterone levels and contributing to hormonal imbalance, fatigue, anxiety, and poor stress resilience.

Thyroid

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH is the primary screening test for thyroid function, produced by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to produce hormones. Elevated TSH suggests an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It is the most sensitive early indicator of thyroid dysfunction.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
Free T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that directly affects metabolism, energy, mood, and body temperature. Testing free T3 is essential because some patients have normal TSH and T4 but poor T4-to-T3 conversion, leading to persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite standard treatment.
Free T4 (Thyroxine)
T4 is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which is converted into the active T3 in tissues. Testing free T4 helps assess how well the thyroid is producing hormone and is used alongside TSH to determine whether hypothyroidism is primary (thyroid) or secondary (pituitary) in origin.
Total T3
Total T3 measures both the free and protein-bound forms of T3. It provides additional context when evaluating thyroid hormone levels, particularly in cases of suspected hyperthyroidism or when assessing overall thyroid hormone availability in the body.
Total T4
Total T4 measures all circulating T4, including hormone bound to proteins. It is used in conjunction with other thyroid markers to evaluate overall thyroid output and can be helpful in assessing thyroid function in pregnancy or when protein-binding abnormalities are suspected.
Reverse T3 (rT3)
Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that can block active T3 receptors. The body produces more rT3 during periods of chronic stress, illness, inflammation, or nutrient deficiency. Elevated rT3 can cause hypothyroid-like symptoms even when TSH and T4 appear normal, making it an important marker in complex thyroid cases.
TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase)
TPO antibodies are produced when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Elevated levels are the hallmark of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Testing is essential for identifying autoimmune thyroid disease, which can be present years before TSH becomes abnormal.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
These antibodies indicate autoimmune activity against the thyroid. They are tested alongside TPO antibodies to fully evaluate autoimmune thyroid disease, and are particularly useful in monitoring thyroid cancer patients after treatment to detect recurrence.
T3 Uptake
T3 uptake is an indirect measure of thyroid hormone binding proteins, particularly TBG (thyroxine-binding globulin). It is used to help calculate the free thyroxine index and provides context for interpreting total T3 and T4 results, particularly when binding protein levels may be abnormal.

Weight Loss & Metabolic

Fasting Insulin
Fasting insulin measures how much insulin the pancreas is producing in a resting state. Elevated levels indicate insulin resistance, which is one of the most common and underdiagnosed drivers of weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and cravings — often before blood sugar levels become abnormal.
Fasting Glucose
A foundational metabolic marker, fasting glucose measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. Elevated levels indicate impaired glucose metabolism, prediabetes, or diabetes, all of which are directly linked to weight gain, inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk.
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months, providing a longer-term picture of glucose control than a single fasting glucose reading. It is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and to monitor how well blood sugar is being managed over time.
hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
hsCRP is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key driver of insulin resistance, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight. Elevated hsCRP may indicate metabolic syndrome, poor gut health, food sensitivities, or cardiovascular risk.
Leptin
Leptin is the hormone that signals the brain when the body has sufficient fat stores and should stop eating. In overweight individuals, leptin resistance is common — the body produces plenty of leptin, but the brain stops responding to it, leading to persistent hunger, overeating, and weight loss resistance.
Food Sensitivity Panel (IgG)
Food sensitivity testing measures IgG antibody reactions to a broad range of foods. Unlike food allergies, sensitivities often produce delayed responses that can be difficult to identify without testing. Chronic food sensitivities can trigger systemic inflammation, bloating, water retention, fatigue, and insulin resistance — all of which can contribute to weight gain and make weight loss significantly more difficult despite diet and exercise efforts.

Wellness

CBC (Complete Blood Count)
The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It screens for anemia, which is a common and often overlooked cause of fatigue and exercise intolerance. It also provides insight into immune function and overall health status, forming an important part of any comprehensive wellness evaluation.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
The CMP evaluates kidney and liver function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and protein levels. It provides a broad snapshot of overall metabolic health and is important for identifying organ dysfunction that may contribute to weight gain, fatigue, or fluid retention, and for monitoring safety during any treatment program.
MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase)
MTHFR is a genetic mutation that affects the body's ability to convert folate into its active form, which is essential for methylation — a critical process involved in DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and hormone metabolism. Testing helps identify patients who may not respond well to standard B vitamin supplements and who may benefit from methylated forms of folate and B12.
Iron (Serum Iron)
Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. Low levels are a common cause of fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, and poor exercise tolerance, particularly in women of reproductive age.
Ferritin
Ferritin is the storage form of iron and is the most sensitive marker for iron deficiency. Low ferritin can cause significant fatigue, hair loss, and cognitive difficulties even when serum iron and hemoglobin appear normal. Elevated ferritin can indicate inflammation, infection, or iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
TIBC measures the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron. It is used alongside serum iron and ferritin to fully evaluate iron status. High TIBC typically indicates iron deficiency, while low TIBC may suggest iron overload or chronic inflammation.
Vitamin D (25-OH)
Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a vitamin and plays a critical role in metabolism, immune function, mood, and inflammation. Deficiency is extremely common and has been linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, fatigue, depression, and impaired thyroid function.
Vitamin B12
B12 is essential for energy production, neurological function, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency causes fatigue, brain fog, and weakness — symptoms that can mimic or worsen hormonal imbalances. It is particularly important to monitor in patients taking metformin, as this medication depletes B12 over time.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Abnormal levels are associated with insulin resistance, poor diet, thyroid dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. Elevated triglycerides in particular are a strong indicator of metabolic dysfunction and carbohydrate intolerance.
Apolipoprotein A (ApoA)
Apolipoprotein A is the primary protein component of HDL (good) cholesterol and plays a key role in reverse cholesterol transport — the process of removing excess cholesterol from tissues and returning it to the liver. Low ApoA levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and may be a more accurate predictor of heart disease than HDL cholesterol levels alone.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Apolipoprotein B is the primary protein found in LDL and other atherogenic (artery-clogging) particles. Each LDL particle contains one ApoB molecule, making it a direct measure of the number of harmful cholesterol particles in circulation. Elevated ApoB is considered one of the strongest independent predictors of cardiovascular disease and provides important information beyond standard LDL cholesterol measurements.
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