Menopause Empowerment Guide | 6 4 Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamin D, Zinc, and Magnesium VITAMIN D: 42% of patients, on average, have low Vitamin D, and this number gets worse with age and menopause.5 This deficiency can be due to geography limiting sun exposure, darker skin limiting absorption, a genetic issue, absorption issue, or kidney disease. Vitamin D has MULTIPLE roles in the body: it is a hormone precursor that plays a key role in immune function and mood. Deficiencies in vitamin D can also be a factor in autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.6 Be sure to ask for it if you have mood disorders or fatigue. ZINC: Zinc is used by your body in cell production and immune functions. When you’re zinc deficient, your body can’t produce healthy, new cells. This deficiency leads to symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, wounds that won’t heal, lack of alertness, and decreased sense of smell and taste.7 MAGNESIUM: Deficiency is linked to poor sleep, nerve problems, mood disorders, fatigue, muscle cramping, headaches, and brittle hair and nails. It is also important for heart health and blood pressure and keeping your thyroid balanced.8 5 Anemia Panel (iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12) Anemia is a major cause of chronic fatigue. Low vitamin B12 is common among vegetarians and vegans but can also exist among omnivores due to nutrient malabsorption issues caused by antibiotic overuse or celiac or Crohn’s disease. Folate plays a crucial role in healthy pregnancy and preventing birth defects but often is not screened. Low iron can present as anemia or even hypothyroidism. Even if you’re not anemic (which can be tested for with a CBC), you can still be iron deficient—which is why testing for iron and ferritin separately is important.9 6 Chronic Inflammation Testing: High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HsCRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate These tests are great ways to see if you are inflamed and then use them as a marker after nutrition/lifestyle changes to track progress. However, these markers are nonspecific, meaning that abnormal levels can show that something is wrong but not what is wrong. Since nutrition and lifestyle changes fight many causes of chronic inflammation – it is worth testing. HSC-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP): CRP is naturally produced in the liver in response to inflammation. A high level of CRP in your blood can occur due to several inflammatory conditions.10 ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE (ESR): The ESR test is rarely performed alone, as it doesn’t help pinpoint specific causes of inflammation. Instead, it can help your doctor identify that inflammation is occurring. It can also help them monitor your condition.11 These tests can help you get the most out of your health care and your annual exam. There is nothing more important than understanding what is going on in your body to make the best nutritional choices for your future. And now that you have read through the different tests available, it’s my hope that you feel more confident and empowered to ask for what you need.