Home › Patient Education › Understanding Your Labs
Understanding Your Labs
Patient Education Library
What common blood tests measure, how to read your results and what lab numbers can and can’t tell you.
About This Topic
What Your Results Can and Can't Tell You
Lab results are an important part of understanding your health, but they are only one part. A number inside the reference range does not always mean everything is fine, and a number slightly outside it is not always a problem. Results are most useful when they are read alongside your symptoms, history and goals.
The guides below explain what common tests measure, how results are typically interpreted and which questions to ask your provider. They are organized into hormone labs, metabolic and thyroid labs, and general tips for reading your results.
Hormone Labs
Testosterone, Estrogen & Related Tests
What Is SHBG and Why Does It Matter?
3 min read
Metabolic & Thyroid Labs
Blood Sugar, Thyroid & Iron
Reading Your Results
Ranges, Vitamins & Monitoring
Vitamin D and B12 Levels Explained
3 min read
Looking for Treatment?
Direct Primary Care in Lake Forest
Membership-based primary care with the same provider over time, so your lab results are reviewed in the context of your overall health.
Other Topics
Explore the Library