“I recommend general health blood work for many of my patients, at least every one to two years. A gynecologist often is the only practitioner a woman visits regularly, so I take advantage of this opportunity to screen. An internist or a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist, also can call for these blood tests. They might include: comprehensive blood count (CBC) to test for infection or anemia; comprehensive metabolic profile (CMP), that tests for electrolytes, liver and kidney function; fasting lipid profile for cholesterol and triglycerides and cardiac risk.
“Thyroid testing also is advised every few years. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, and menopausal women often complain about weight gain, or difficulty in maintaining weight. If your metabolism is off, it could be due to a thyroid dysfunction.
“A urine test for blood, protein or infection.
“I recommended that my patients have a Vitamin D test regularly since I practice in the Northeast, where exposure to the sun is limited in the winter months, and Vitamin D deficiency is common. Vitamin D helps your body to metabolize calcium and to prevent osteoporosis.”
