The Smart Woman’s Health Portfolio: 10 Tests That Protect Your Future

Last year, I was invited to speak at a gathering of women hosted by Ally Pyle of the Pyle Group. The goal was simple but powerful: to teach women the importance of investing. I’ve always believed that when women have money and their health, the world shifts. So, let’s talk about both. What good is a solid financial plan if your health doesn’t let you enjoy it?

I want to share my discussion points from this meeting last year with you because they still matter deeply, and the world needs to know.

If you don't know this already, let me tell you that, financially, women invest differently than men. We think long-term, we plan carefully, we value security, but we also tend to put ourselves last. We care, we give, we burn out. And by the time we notice, we’re trying to dig ourselves out of a massive health deficit.

I don’t want that for me, and I don’t want that for you.

So I spoke to these women at this event enough about something I called their Health Portfolio (like an investment portfolio). The ten tests every woman in perimenopause or menopause should know about to protect their health and their future (and a few you can skip).

I’m Dr. Brenda Tapp Leonard, owner of the Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine, which I founded 13 years ago. Our team of 15 women helps other women move from “fine” to fantastic. Just because “your blood work looks fine” isn’t good enough when you know you’re in a health deficit.

Like any investment, your health requires proactive management. Track your trends, make adjustments, and plan ahead, before a crisis hits.

Let’s dive in:

1. Ferritin + CBC – Your iron bank account. Low ferritin causes fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, and poor recovery, often before it’s flagged. Aim for over 100. However, if you are inflamed, ferritin becomes a marker of inflammation and not actually what your iron levels are, so it’s important to also order IRON in this case.

2. Vitamin B12 – Key for metabolism, mood, sleep, and cognition. Most women feel best above 400–600.

3. Vitamin D – Essential for bones, mood, immunity, blood sugar regulation and cancer prevention. Test, don’t guess.

4. HBA1C + Fasting Insulin – Early indicators of diabetes risk; track well before diagnosis.

5. Lipid Panel – Heart disease is still the #1 killer of women. Watch your trends.

6. CRP – A simple inflammation marker; under 2 is ideal.

7. Mammogram – Every two years from 40, or annually if higher risk. Know your breast density. This is provided as a BIRADS category on your results. Category D is considered very dense and requires more in-depth monitoring.

8. DEXA Scan – Menopause accelerates bone loss. Check your risk early.

9. FIT Test – Colon cancer screening every two years from 50–74.

10. Cervical Screening (HPV Test) – Every five years. Quick, crucial prevention.

Skip the trendy stuff: cortisol tests for “burnout” or hormone tests in perimenopause, they won’t give you actionable insight. Your symptoms tell the majority of the story here.

Your Health Portfolio Action Plan: 1.  Book with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or naturopathic doctor. You can book with me or one of my team members here:  https://peterboroughcentreofnaturopathicmedicine.janeapp.com/ 

2. Start small, stay consistent. Forward momentum matters more than perfection.

Please remember, money can buy you time, but health is what lets you enjoy it. Smart women invest in both. 

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