What kind of alternative tests to ask for

I'm seeing a new pdoc in two weeks and I want to ask to be tested for some things since my previous pdoc had told me that we had run out of options. I know that I absolutely have depression, but I'm wondering if there are some secondary problems that could be making things a lot worse. Especially since right now traditional treatments aren't working.

Some of the ones I have be thinking about are:

Vitamin deficiencies - I've always been low and Vitamin D (even though I take a high dose daily) and last year they found out I had low B12. I don't know if there are any other other vitamin deficiencies that can worsen depression.

Hormones - I don't know if maybe my hormones are out of whack. I've been having hot flashes (I'm 26), sleep issues (but I also have PTSD), memory problems, extreme overeating and weight gain, headaches/migraines, and sex problems. A lot of this could just be my depression and PTSD but it could also be hormones amplifying the symptoms.

Thyroid Similar to hormones.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Perhaps seeing an integrative medicine specialist would be helpful to you. They tend to test for everything, and will have some good ideas on how you can be healthier.

I would love to do that but the only downside is none of the ones near me accept insurance and I can't afford them. And even if I could afford to pay for the initial visit and then submit the bill to insurance I highly doubt they would cover it since I have really poor insurance.

Have you had a recent full physical with lab work? It would cover quite a bit if you have both the exam and lab work. I know money is short but, in this case, it seems important to address/rule out actual/contributing factors.

I had my yearly physical in May but she only tested the standard things like a blood panel and cholesterol. At that time I didn't even think about asking for further testing beyond the usual.

You might want to ask your provider what is included in "standard", it may include a number of the things you are concerned about---she is also the person to talk to about checking for other problems based on symptoms. (yr pdoc can have those results with your ok to review also)

littleleah---------start right now and learn about prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance...you are young ...you need to know about metabolism....you may be able to prevent many physical and mental problems...think about the long haul ahead