Guides

Your labs and your body, in plain English.

Educational guides on iron, minerals, blood markers, hormones, postpartum recovery and the questions women should be asking their doctors. Reviewed by qualified clinicians. Never diagnosis.

38 guides published 5 topic hubs Editorially reviewed by qualified health professionals
Your labs, in plain English

Most-read lab marker guides.

The blood markers that matter most for women — what each one measures, what the ranges generally mean, and what to discuss with your doctor.

Latest

New from the editorial team.

Reviewed for accuracy by qualified clinicians before publication. Updated when new evidence becomes available.

Lab guide

Ferritin, in plain English.

Iron & Energy · Updated April 2026

If you've ever stared at the word "ferritin" on a lab report wondering what it actually means, this guide is for you — what it measures, what the ranges generally mean, and what to discuss with your doctor.

7 min read Read
Lab guide

Full iron studies, in plain English.

Iron & Energy · Updated April 2026

Beyond ferritin. What transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity and serum iron actually tell you when read together — and why a single result rarely tells the full story.

8 min read Read
Foundations

Why women run low on iron.

Iron & Energy · Updated March 2026

The physiology underneath. Menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, endurance training and absorption issues — why the body of evidence is so much stronger for women specifically.

9 min read Read
Postpartum

Postpartum depletion isn't in your head.

Postpartum & Recovery · Updated March 2026

The first 12 months postpartum are the highest-risk window for iron, B12, thyroid and mineral depletion. What clinicians actually look at — and why a "normal six-week check" isn't always enough.

11 min read Read
Foundations

How to actually read a lab report.

Foundations · Updated February 2026

What "in range" actually means (and doesn't). How reference ranges are constructed. Why the same number is reassuring in one person and worth investigating in another.

6 min read Read
Hormones & Cycle

The cycle, in four phases.

Hormones & Cycle · Updated February 2026

What hormonal shifts actually do across the menstrual cycle — without the diet-culture wellness reframe. Plus what each phase generally means for energy, sleep and nutritional needs.

10 min read Read
The Depletion Report

One smart edit, once a week.

A short, editorial weekly newsletter on the guides, studies and questions women are asking us. Curated by the HEME editorial team. No supplement noise.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Educational only — not medical advice.

HEME The Depletion Report EDITION №47