What is Functional Medicine Testing?

It's a type of medical testing that aims to uncover the underlying causes of chronic health problems and looks at how different systems in the body are functioning and interacting with each other. 

The results of functional testing help develop personalised treatment plans that address the root causes, rather than just treating symptoms.

What collection methods are used?

Blood, saliva, stool & urine samples.  These are tested to identify nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, hormone imbalances, stress hormone dysfunction, gut health imbalances, and more.

Saliva, stool and urine all use a collection kit that you can do in the comfort of your own home and send back to the lab.  Most blood draws will be arranged for a local clinic, although certain ones can be taken at home with a finger prick test.

Why I use Functional Testing to get the best results for my clients...

  • We get more information to work with:

    Basic blood labs don’t provide enough information, when you’ve been dealing with long term hormone imbalances & symptoms like heavy & painful periods. A full Thyroid hormone panel is often not included and you might not be testing at the right time in your cycle. 

  • Functional lab ranges are focused on optimal levels:

    Traditional lab ranges are wide and not focused on ‘optimal’ levels. When levels are not optimal, symptoms can appear. Time and time again, clients tell me they were told their lab results were normal, but they feel anything but normal!

  • Test results show us how your body is functioning:

    It’s likely you’ll need to take a deeper look at how your body is functioning, to see how your hormones are detoxifying, if you have any genetic dysfunction, and how the balance of your gut microbiome is playing into the problem (an important part of hormone detox).

  • Helps identify your root causes:

    I use the best & most comprehensive, functional hormone & gut testing to uncover the root causes and imbalances driving your symptoms. 

Useful Testing for Fibroids, heavy or painful periods & hormone Imbalances:

Tests can involve a variety of assessments to determine the root cause of symptoms. Some common tests that may be recommended include:

  • Hormone Testing:

    Analyses dried urine samples to check hormone balance ratios, including oestrogens, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol (Adrenal stress hormones) and melatonin.  It shows how well you are detoxifying hormones and your levels of important nutrients involved in hormonal processes, which can provide a more detailed picture of your hormonal balance. These can help identify imbalances that may be contributing to heavy or painful periods.

  • Gut Health Testing:

    An imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation, immune dysfunction and hormonal imbalances, which can affect menstrual & pelvic health. GI tests can also indicate whether food sensitivities are contributing to inflammation, hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, bloating & mood issues.  Stool tests can help identify any imbalances and guide treatment recommendations.  

  • Thyroid Function Testing:

    Thyroid imbalances can cause menstrual irregularities, including heavy periods.  Blood tests with a full Thyroid panel & Thyroid antibodies can assess thyroid function and identify any imbalances.

  • Nutrient Testing:

    Nutrient deficiencies, such as low levels of iron or vitamin B12, can contribute to heavy periods. Blood tests  identify any deficiencies and guide treatment recommendations.