Blood Tests Every Woman Over 40 Should Consider

A guide to energy, hormones, fat loss, and long-term health

As women move into their 40s, the body begins to change in ways that are not always visible on the outside. Hormonal balance shifts, recovery becomes slower, and the body often reacts differently to food, stress, and training than it used to.

One of the most powerful tools you have to understand these changes is blood testing. Quite simply: what you don’t measure, you can’t improve.

Below are the most important blood tests every woman over 40 should consider if she wants to feel strong, energetic, and in control of her health.

Why Blood Tests Matter After 40

Many common symptoms in women over 40 are not “just aging” — they are often signs of nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, or low-grade inflammation.

Blood tests can help you:

• Identify hidden deficiencies

• Optimize hormone health

• Improve energy and mental clarity

• Reduce inflammation

• Lose fat while preserving muscle

• Train smarter and recover better

1. Iron Status: Hemoglobin (Hb) and Ferritin

Iron deficiency is extremely common in women — and ferritin (iron stores) is especially important. Many women have low ferritin without knowing it.

Common signs of low iron:

• Extreme fatigue

• Brain fog

• Hair loss

• Heart palpitations

• Reduced endurance

Low iron can significantly impact both daily energy levels and training performance.

2. Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4

Your thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, mood, and hormonal balance. Thyroid imbalances become more common during perimenopause.

Common signs of thyroid imbalance:

• Weight gain

• Feeling cold

• Swelling or puffiness

• Low mood

• Irregular menstrual cycles

Testing more than just TSH gives a clearer picture of how your thyroid is actually functioning.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for immune function, hormone health, and muscle function. Deficiency is very common, especially in northern climates.

Common signs of low vitamin D:

• Low energy

• Low mood

• Muscle or joint pain

Optimal vitamin D levels support recovery, strength, and overall vitality.

4. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the nervous system, focus, and energy production.

Common signs of B12 deficiency:

• Numbness or tingling

• Dizziness

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

Low B12 is common during periods of stress, low stomach acid, or in vegetarian and vegan diets.

5. Blood Sugar & HbA1c

These markers show how stable your blood sugar is over time. After 40, blood sugar regulation often becomes more sensitive.

Common signs of blood sugar imbalance:

• Sugar cravings

• Energy crashes

• Mood swings

• Increased abdominal fat

Stable blood sugar is foundational for fat loss, hormonal balance, and consistent energy.

6. Cholesterol & Blood Lipids

Blood lipids are important indicators of cardiovascular health and inflammation. After 40, the protective effect of estrogen begins to decline.

Even without symptoms, regular testing is essential to catch early risk factors and guide lifestyle adjustments.

7. CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – Inflammation

CRP measures low-grade inflammation, a silent but powerful driver of many health issues.

Common signs of chronic inflammation:

• Joint or muscle pain

• Swelling

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Slow recovery

Reducing inflammation can dramatically improve how your body feels and responds to training.

How to Use Your Results

Blood tests are not about labels — they are about clarity.

The right tests allow you to:

• Personalize your nutrition and supplementation

• Adjust training intensity and recovery

• Support hormones naturally

• Reduce inflammation

• Build a body that performs and feels better long-term

Final Thoughts

If you’re a woman over 40 who feels tired, stuck, inflamed, or frustrated despite “doing everything right,” blood testing can be a game changer.

Your body is not broken — it’s communicating. Blood tests help you listen.