YOUR LABS ARE NORMAL, OR ARE THEY? See my cheat sheet below on labs you should advocate for yourself if you have ADHD and why!

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

- Purpose: Evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders, such as anemia and infection.

- Impact on ADHD: Anemia (low red blood cells) can lead to fatigue and concentration issues, potentially exacerbating ADHD symptoms.

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

- Purpose: Assesses kidney and liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance.

- Impact on ADHD: Imbalances can affect energy levels and cognitive function.

3. Iron Panel

- Purpose: Measures iron levels to check for anemia.

- Impact on ADHD: Iron deficiency is linked to cognitive impairments and can worsen ADHD symptoms.

4. Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)

- Purpose: Evaluates thyroid function.

- Impact on ADHD: Thyroid imbalances can mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, affecting mood and energy levels.

5. Testosterone (Free and Bioavailable) for Men

- Purpose: Measures levels of testosterone.

- Impact on ADHD: Low testosterone can affect mood, energy, and concentration.

6. Female Hormones (Estrogens, Progesterone, LH, FSH)

- Purpose: Assesses hormonal balance in women.

- Impact on ADHD: Hormonal fluctuations can influence mood and cognitive function, impacting ADHD symptoms.

7. DHEA-S

- Purpose: Evaluates adrenal gland function.

- Impact on ADHD: Imbalances can affect stress response and energy levels.

8. Cortisol

- Purpose: Measures stress hormone levels.

- Impact on ADHD: High cortisol levels can affect attention and stress management.

9. Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Iodine, Magnesium

- Purpose: Assesses levels of essential minerals.

- Impact on ADHD: Deficiencies or imbalances can affect neurotransmitter function and cognitive performance.

10. Vitamin B12

- Purpose: Checks for vitamin B12 deficiency.

- Impact on ADHD: Deficiency can lead to cognitive impairments and fatigue.

11. Vitamin D3

- Purpose: Measures vitamin D levels.

- Impact on ADHD: Low levels are associated with mood disorders and cognitive issues.

Resources for Further Reading

1. Iron and ADHD: [Iron Deficiency and ADHD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469453/)

2. Thyroid Function and ADHD: [Thyroid Function and ADHD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/)

3. Hormones and ADHD: [Hormonal Impact on ADHD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/)

4. Vitamins and Minerals in ADHD: [Vitamins and Minerals in ADHD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469453/)

---

This cheat sheet provides a quick overview of how various lab tests can relate to ADHD symptoms. For a more detailed understanding, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended. Insurance coverage is not guaranteed. The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The authors and publishers of this content are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this blog post.