Your Labs, Decoded
Evidence-based guides to understanding your lab work through a functional medicine lens. Written by Dr. Matt Altman, MD.
How to Read Your Cholesterol Labs (What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You)
Learn what your cholesterol panel really means — LDL particle size, TG:HDL ratio, ApoB, and the advanced markers your standard lipid panel is missing. Functional medicine perspective from a practicing physician.
Iron Deficiency Without Anemia: The Hidden Cause of Fatigue
You can be severely iron deficient without being anemic — and most doctors miss it. Learn about ferritin optimal ranges, the iron deficiency spectrum, and why a CBC alone isn't enough.
LMHR: Why Your Cholesterol Went Up on Keto (And Why It Might Be Fine)
Lean Mass Hyper-Responder (LMHR) explained: why some people on keto get very high LDL with high HDL and low triglycerides — and what the research actually says about cardiovascular risk.
The TG:HDL Ratio: The Most Important Number You're Not Tracking
The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is the most powerful predictor of heart disease on your standard lipid panel — and most doctors don't calculate it. Learn what it means and how to improve it.
Thyroid Labs Explained: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3
Why "your thyroid is fine" might be wrong. A deep dive into TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies — with functional medicine optimal ranges vs standard lab ranges.
See Beyond "Normal"
Upload your lab results and get instant analysis using functional medicine optimal ranges — not just the wide conventional ranges your doctor uses.
Analyze Your Labs →Looking for guides on specialty lab tests? Browse our Clinical Knowledge Library →