What we learn from your panels that you didn't know to ask
Blood, nutrition, and DNA. Three panels that turn 'I feel off' into a specific protocol. Here's what each one shows and how we use it.
Why three panels, not one
Most patients arriving at IHS have had a basic blood panel within the last year. It told them their cholesterol, glucose, and not much else. The panels we run go further — and we layer three different kinds of data because each one answers a different question.
Blood panel — what your body is doing today
70+ biomarkers. The full hormone panel (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, cortisol). Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, homocysteine). Metabolic markers (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin). Nutrient status (vitamin D, B12, ferritin, magnesium). Liver and kidney function. This panel tells us what your body is doing right now — and where the gaps are.
Nutrition panel — what your body needs in food
Personalized macronutrient targets based on your metabolism. Micronutrient correction priorities based on lab deficiencies. Inflammatory food sensitivities. This becomes your eating plan — built around your panels, not a generic anti-aging diet.
DNA / genetic panel — what your body is predisposed to
Genetic variants that affect medication metabolism (so we don't dose into a poor metabolizer). Variants that affect cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Variants that affect detox pathways and hormone clearance. This panel is the one that informs the long-term protocol — what to watch, what to support, what to avoid.
How we actually use the data
Three examples from real patient profiles (anonymized).
Patient A — 'Why won't this weight come off?'
Blood showed elevated fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. Thyroid was borderline. DNA showed a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance. Protocol: GLP-1 for metabolic reset, T3/T4 thyroid support, insulin-sensitizing nutrition plan. Six months later, weight came off — but more importantly, fasting insulin normalized.
Patient B — 'I'm exhausted and my hair is falling out'
Blood showed low ferritin and low B12. Nutrition panel showed inadequate protein for her activity level. DNA showed an MTHFR variant affecting methylation. Protocol: methylated B12, iron repletion under monitoring, protein targets, and methylation support. Hair stopped falling within 90 days.
Patient C — 'I'm 52 and I don't recognize my mood'
Blood showed perimenopausal hormone decline. Thyroid was suboptimal. Cortisol pattern was inverted. Protocol: hormone replacement therapy with bioidenticals, thyroid support, evening cortisol management, sleep protocol. Mood stabilized within the first cycle.
The honest answer
The panels don't make the protocol obvious — they make it possible. The interpretation is what your medical director is for. The same blood panel can lead to very different protocols for two different patients depending on their goals, history, and DNA. Diagnostics are a starting point, not an answer.