In this episode, Kate Willis, alongside Dr. Polly Watson, discusses how to interpret key cardiometabolic labs during midlife. Willis highlights the importance of understanding HDL, LDL, triglycerides, CRP, insulin resistance, and advanced lipid markers so women can better assess their true cardiovascular risk.

“Triglycerides tell on people—if they’re high, something isn’t working well,” says Kate Willis NP-C

The episode covers why “normal” cholesterol doesn’t always mean low risk, how inflammation and thyroid health influence lab results, and why advanced tests like ApoB, ApoA1, and LP(a) give a fuller picture of heart health. Dr. Watson and Kate shed light on the connection between metabolic changes in perimenopause and rising cardiovascular risk, empowering women to understand their numbers with clarity.

Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP began her career in gynecologic oncology, where her passion for women’s health and meaningful patient connection first took root. Her own health struggles after the birth of her second child led her to functional medicine, where she discovered the power of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Now a certified functional medicine practitioner, she brings her expertise in hormone health, sexual wellness, and whole-person care to patients as a virtual nurse practitioner with Hormone Wellness MD.

• “Diets high in sugar, saturated fat, or simple carbohydrates, alcohol use, thyroid disease, and inactivity can all raise triglycerides.” – Kate Willis NP-C
• “High-sensitivity CRP is a general marker for inflammation. Anything causing inflammation, short- or long-term, can raise it.”   – Kate Willis NP-C
• “Fasting insulin around five or less is ideal. Lab normals go much higher, but that doesn’t mean they’re optimal.” – Kate Willis NP-C
• “If someone’s LP(a) is high, that’s their ticket to see a cardiologist—it’s an independent causal factor for cardiovascular disease.” – Dr. Polly Watson
• “Symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with perimenopause and menopause… If you’re only treating one spoke of the wheel, what else are we missing?”   – Dr. Polly Watson

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast#Disclaimer

Kate Willis, NP-C, IFMCP is a virtual nurse practitioner for Hormone Wellness MD. She’s been working in women’s health for 15 years in the field of gynecologic oncology and sexual wellness.

In 2021, Kate received her certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), and is thankful for such solid and evidence-based training. She uses it daily in her care for patients as she works to address the root cause of disease and dysfunction in the body. As of 2024, she is also a Menopause Society Certified nurse practitioner who is ready to help with your perimenopause and menopause questions. Click here to become a patient!