You're sitting in the exam room, explaining to a doctor what's been bothering you. You mention the fatigue that clings to you, even after a full night's sleep. The weight that's crept up despite eating well and getting your steps. The brain fog, the mood swings, the sense that something just feels...off.
Your doctor listens, nods, and then says:
Nothing to worry about.
It's probably just stress.
That's normal for your age.
For many women, this isn't a one-time experience; it's a pattern. You go to your appointments looking for answers and leave with reassurance, but no real explanation. And yet, the symptoms don't go away.
The issue is often about a lack of visibility. Many of the conditions that affect energy, metabolism, hormones, and overall health don't show up clearly in a short visit or a basic lab panel. They develop gradually, often beneath the surface, long before they become obvious enough to diagnose.
"Many of the biggest threats to our long-term health quietly build for years before symptoms appear," says Jessica Shepherd, MD, and chief medical officer at Hers. "Blood work lets us see the full picture early, when the most powerful interventions are still the simplest."
That's the gap more women are starting to identify: If something feels off, what if there's even more I need to know?
Why women's symptoms are often dismissed and what gets missed
The experience of having your symptoms discounted by a doctor is not rare — it's systemic.
"Nearly one in three women in the U.S. say a healthcare provider has ignored or dismissed their concerns within the past two years," Dr. Shepherd says, citing a 2024 national survey by KFF. "For women, proactive detection is particularly important. The earlier they can identify risks and course-correct, the longer women can live vibrant, healthy lives."
Part of the issue is that many of the symptoms women report — fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, weight fluctuations — are nonspecific. They can be tied to multiple systems within the body: hormones, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and even cardiovascular health.
But when those systems aren't evaluated together, early warning signs can be easy to overlook.
How blood tests can detect health issues before symptoms appear
Lab-testing plays a central role in modern medicine, just not always in a clear or comprehensive way. "Seventy percent of medical decisions depend on a lab test," says Dr. Shepherd. "So it's essential we expand access to these tests. and make results easier to understand."
Traditional lab work often focuses on a narrow set of markers, such as total cholesterol or a basic thyroid check. While helpful, these snapshots don't always reveal trends or early shifts happening throughout the body.
Advanced testing can help identify:
- Early insulin resistance before blood sugar levels rise
- Subtle thyroid imbalances affecting energy and metabolism
- Low-grade inflammation linked to chronic disease risk
- Hormonal fluctuations that impact mood, sleep, and weight
This type of testing goes beyond detecting disease — it's about recognizing risk earlier, when changes are often easier to address.
What comprehensive blood work can reveal about your heart, hormones, and metabolism
Proactive testing is the idea behind Labs by Hers, which offers in-depth, holistic testing designed to provide a clearer picture of your health.
The process is straightforward: Schedule a blood draw at one of 2,000+ Quest Diagnostics locations, complete a single appointment, and then review your results in easy-to-understand terms, along with a doctor-developed action plan to know where to focus first.
Two times a year, you gain access to insights from more than 130 health signals, spanning areas like:
- Heart health
- Metabolism
- Hormones
- Inflammation and stress
- Thyroid
“Labs by Hers makes it simple to monitor 130+ health signals across 10 health areas that matter,” Dr. Shepherd explains, “and then turn those results into action.”
Instead of focusing on a single number, this approach helps connect the dots — revealing how different systems in your body work together and where imbalances may be developing.
How blood work results help women advocate for their health
For many women, having objective data can shift the entire healthcare experience. “Women are often told that worrisome symptoms are 'normal' or 'just stress,'” Dr. Shepherd says. “Data from blood work helps change that conversation.” When you can see measurable changes, it becomes easier to advocate for yourself and pursue more-targeted care. What once felt vague becomes specific, and that clarity can make all the difference.
What happens after your Labs by Hers results
Getting your test results is only part of the equation — understanding what to do next is where real progress happens. With Labs by Hers, users receive a doctor-developed action plan tailored to their results. This may include:
- Lifestyle guidance around nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress
- Clear priorities for where to focus first
- Access to prescription treatment options, if appropriate and if you’re eligible
- Messaging licensed providers 24/7 with questions at no additional cost
The experience is designed to be ongoing: initial testing, mid-year rechecks of key biomarkers, and the ability to track progress over time — including changes in biological age.
“Today, we’re in the midst of a profound shift in healthcare — one that's deeply personal, clinically sound, and powered by technology,” Dr. Shepherd says. “I joined Hers as chief medical officer to help drive a healthcare model that puts women at the forefront, providing the knowledge, tools, and support they need to confidently navigate their health journeys.” It’s a move away from reactive care and toward something more continuous, personalized, and proactive.
By the time your body forces you to pay attention, it’s often already been adapting for a while. What more-comprehensive blood work offers is a chance to see any problematic changes earlier: to identify patterns before they escalate and to take action when the steps are still manageable. Not because something is necessarily “wrong,” but because your body is always evolving.
Having the insight — and the plan — to stay one step ahead can make all the difference.
Labs by Hers is not available in Hawaii. Eligibility and provider order required. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Doctor developed insights and action plans include recommendations that encourage you to take action that may help improve your health. A provider will reach out about critical results and plans include access to 24/7 provider messaging.
