Functional
Lab Testing
Want more insight into your health?
FUNCTIONAL LAB TESTING CAN GIVE AN IN-DEPTH VIEW OF WHAT'S DRIVING YOUR HEALTH
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Unlike traditional lab tests that primarily diagnose diseases, functional lab testing dives deeper into the underlying imbalances that may contribute to health issues. By assessing markers related to hormones, gut health, nutritional status and beyond, functional lab testing provides a holistic view of your well-being.
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Combining functional lab testing with your symptoms, health history and family history provides the optimal components to design your targeted, personalised Health Strategy.
How it works
WE CAN DETERMINE WHICH BIOMARKERS ARE RELEVANT FOR YOUR HEALTH CONCERNS
AND THEN I CAN ORDER THE TESTS YOU NEED
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The lab sends you the test kit to complete at home, and you send it back to the lab by courier.
For blood tests: your GP or nearly laboratory draws blood and sends to the lab for analysis.
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We both receive the lab results through a confidential online portal.
You will also receive my written analysis of the results, with clear interpretation of the key points.
We discuss these findings in your next consultation.
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This valuable information helps to drive your personalised Health Strategy.
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Lab tests relevant to Menopause & Mental Health
I work with reputable, world-class laboratories in Switzerland, Denmark, the UK and the US.
Below are some of their most popular tests available to address the specific areas relevant to menopause and neurodivergence. For further testing options, just ask!
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DUTCH Complete (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
This dried urine test is considered the gold standard of hormone testing, superior to saliva, serum, or 24-hour urine samples. The DUTCH test measures sex hormones and their metabolites, neurotransmitter metabolites and free cortisol throughout the day. Beyond just hormone levels, measuring metabolites shows how the body breaks down and excretes them. This provides invaluable information to investigate hormonal issues relating to mood, weight, hot flushes, brain fog and insomnia. This test can be highly relevant to women in their reproductive years, in peri-menopause and from menopause onwards.
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A urine test that measures organic acids, oxalates and amino acids to evaluate the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support and amino acids. This comprehensive panel can be useful in identifying needs for methylation support, toxic exposures, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid imbalances and oxidative stress. As a useful snapshot numerous biochemical pathways, this test is a great place to start.
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This stool test measures gut bacteria, yeast, parasites and other pathogens in the large intestines. It presents the balance of the gut microbiome and identifies and measures dysbiosis, malabsorption, inflammation, metabolite imbalances and infection. This comprehensive panel help to determine the triggers of gut dysfunction, including bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhoea – and conditions linked to gut function, including mood disorders, skin conditions and metabolic syndromes. Beyond the gut, this test is particularly useful in supporting the gut-brain axis, fundamentally relevant to mental health, sleep and energy.
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Adrenocortex Stress Profile
This saliva tests provides an assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis using carefully timed salivary samples of the hormones cortisol and DHEA. The report offers an easy-to-interpret graphic which plots the results of the natural diurnal rhythm. Four salivary samples measured throughout the day give insight into the natural circadian diurnal cortisol rhythm, to help address specific daily stressors. This test is relevant for menopause as well as anyone experiencing chronic stress, burnout and sleep issues.
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SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth)
The SIBO breath test assesses hydrogen and methane gases following ingestion of a lactulose solution.
This test may be a useful tool for persons with unexplained abdominal symptoms, including bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and gas. It may also be recommended following a stool test indicating the presence of methane or hydrogen gases – to establish baseline figures and/or to assess the efficacy of treatment.
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Comprehensive thyroid profile
Thyroid health holds significant relevance for women due to the crucial role the thyroid gland plays in their overall well-being. Women are more prone to thyroid disorders, especially during life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. A complete thyroid panel encompassing TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies is done by blood draw. It offers a comprehensive assessment of thyroid function, enabling early detection of imbalances that may impact metabolism, energy levels, weight management and mood. Testing thyroid health is often recommended around the menopausal transition, as the risk of hypothyroidism increases and the symptom profile overlaps with menopausal symptoms.