Lifestyle

Do You Really Need All That Testing? Why Individualized Care and Strategy Matter More Than Lab Reports

Recently, I was reminded of how polarizing the health world can be. An ad popped up in my feed that made me pause. It was bold, emotional, and — honestly — a little harsh. Some practitioners make sweeping claims: that fancy testing is the only way to get real answers, or that one approach is always superior to another.

But the truth? There is no one-size-fits-all path.

I’m not here to tear anyone down — that’s not my style. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know my posts are rarely fueled by outrage or negativity. I’d rather focus on education, connection, and offering tools that help you feel better. Still, seeing that ad got me thinking about something important: how we choose what’s truly worth our time, energy, and money in healthcare.

Here’s the thing: my take isn’t fancy or flashy, and because of that, it won’t go viral on social media. I believe true health changes come from small, subtle shifts and from understanding the connections between our systems, nervous system, hormones, and emotional regulation.

I know you want answers to your health concerns, and it’s natural to wish there was a simple test to confirm what you’re feeling. Testing absolutely has its place — it can provide clarity, confirm a suspicion, or help guide a personalized treatment plan. But the truth is,  not everything shows up accurately in testing, most functional tests aren’t truly diagnostic, and often aren’t the best use of your resources. Sometimes, the most effective medicine is listening closely to your symptoms, your story, and the way your body is speaking to you.

I often see patients who come to me after working with other functional medicine practitioners. They bring pages of test results and a long list of supplements, but their symptoms are still unresolved — or the answers didn’t change things dramatically. In those cases, what they’re really looking for is a more supportive, individualized approach.

My goal isn’t to hand you a stack of expensive reports and a dozen new supplements. It’s to build a plan that feels realistic, sustainable, and actually makes a difference in your health.

The art of medicine is knowing when to lean on testing, and when to trust what’s already clear from the picture in front of us. True informed consent means knowing the details of your options and choosing what’s best for you.

The hallmark of my Hormone Cornerstone Method is flexibility. I meet you where you’re at — whether that means running a panel of labs or focusing on daily habits and foundational care. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. My role is to help you decide what’s going to make the biggest impact for you. On the first visit, treatment focuses on discussing all the testing options (from basic and extended blood work to functional stool and urine tests) and choosing a few specific and vital treatments to implement.

At the end of the day, it’s not about tests vs. no tests, or one profession vs. another. It’s about you feeling seen, supported, and guided toward real, lasting change.

Your health isn’t defined by numbers on a page. It’s defined by how you feel in your body, your energy, your cycles, your sleep, your skin, and your ability to show up for your life. That’s the lens I always come back to.

Because real healing doesn’t come from tests alone — it comes from treating the whole person.

That’s what matters most to me.

If you’re looking for a more individualized and supportive approach to your health—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed after a stack of tests and supplements—I’d love to help you find a plan that truly fits. Feel free to reach out with your questions or book a visit if you’re ready.

Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have and before starting any new treatments (including supplements).

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