That’s where the Anemia Panel comes in. This more comprehensive screening includes:
Iron and Ferritin: Ferritin is your body’s iron storage protein, and it often runs low long before anemia shows up on a CBC. Iron deficiency can mimic thyroid issues or contribute to menstrual irregularities, hair loss, and anxiety.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nervous system health and energy, B12 deficiency is especially common in vegetarians and vegans—but it’s also seen in people who eat meat, especially if they have gut absorption issues. Long-term antibiotic use, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease can all impair B12 absorption.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, folate also supports DNA repair, red blood cell formation, and mood regulation. Yet folate levels are rarely tested unless specifically requested.
Why Standard Labs Miss the Mark
Even if your hemoglobin and hematocrit look okay on a CBC, you might still be functionally iron deficient—especially if your ferritin is low. This is one reason so many people (especially menstruating women) are dismissed or told they’re “fine” when they’re anything but.
Symptoms like fatigue, cold hands and feet, pale skin, hair thinning, poor exercise recovery, or brain fog might all point to subclinical anemia or nutrient deficiency—even if you’re not officially anemic.
Chinese Medicine & Blood Deficiency
In Chinese medicine, this picture often aligns with what we call blood deficiency—a pattern that reflects not only physical depletion but also emotional and spiritual fatigue. When blood is insufficient, the mind and spirit (called shen) can become unsettled. You may feel ungrounded, anxious, easily tearful, or have trouble sleeping.
Through individualized herbal formulas, acupuncture, food therapy, and lifestyle guidance, we work to nourish and rebuild the blood, restoring your vitality at every level. This approach is not just about replenishing nutrients—it’s about supporting your whole being in a way that feels deeply restorative.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If you’re ready to get to the root of your fatigue, I’d love to support you with a personalized plan that blends functional lab testing and the wisdom of Chinese medicine. Together, we can address nutrient deficiencies, regulate your cycle, and support your emotional well-being.
Visit my Contact Page to schedule a consultation or reach out with any questions. I’m here to help you feel strong, centered, and whole again.
With warmth,
Cally Huttar, PhD, LAC, FABORM
Depth Psychologist, Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist
