Functional testing
I sometimes recommend running a functional test as part of the investigation process. These tests help us to gain a deeper understanding of the potential health systems that may be driving your symptoms. Testing provides tangible data alongside your case history that enables me to implement personalised interventions.
ā
Functional testing is NOT looking to diagnose disease. It can, however, be a powerful tool in understanding where specific genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors need rebalancing.
ā
Here are some of the tests I commonly use to assess unexplained infertility and hormone health.
Blood tests
Private blood testing profiles. Large blood panels require a blood draw at a partner clinic and include a blood draw fee, smaller panels can be done with a finger-prick blood test at home. āBlood profiles recommended will depend on your case, however, here are some I use frequently: ā
Comprehensive full health check blood work Ā£234.00 including: Haemoglobin; Haematocrit; Red Cell Count; MCV; MCH; MCHC; White Cell Count; Neutrophils; Lymphocytes; Monocytes; Eosinophils; Basophils; Platelet Count; Urea Creatinine; eGFR; Bilirubin; ALP ALT; GGT; Total Protein; Albumin; Globulin; SHBG; HbA1c; Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol; Non HDL Cholesterol; HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol : HDL; Triglycerides; CRP HS; Uric Acid Iron; TIBC; Transferrin; Saturation; Ferritin; Folate - Serum; Vitamin B12 - Active Vitamin D; TSH; Free T3 Free Thyroxine; FSH; LH; Oestradiol; Testosterone Free Testosterone - Calc. Testosterone : Cortisol Prolactin; DHEA Sulphate; Cortisol; Thyroglobulin Antibodies; Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Full Blood Count, full nutrient profile and full thyroid panel Ā£186.00.
Female hormone panel Ā£79.00 Including: SHBG; TSH; Free Thyroxine; FSH; LH; Oestradiol Testosterone; Free Androgen Index; Prolactin
Luteal Phase Progesterone finger prick test Ā£39.00.
DUTCH Test
The DUTCH test uses dried urine and salvia samples to assess Sex (Progesterone; Oestrogen; Testosterone) and Adrenal (Cortisol and DHEA) hormone production and metabolism. This test is done within the comfort of your own home throughout the course of a day and requires you to collect samples at specific times in order to to gain an understanding of diurnal patterns of cortisol and cortisone.
ā
This test is particularly helpful in providing an insight into potential hormonal imbalance that may be contributing to fatigue, low libido, PMS, menstrual cycle irregularities, oestrogen metabolism, sleep disorders, menopausal symptoms, weight management, and hormone-related acne.
ā
Both men and women can benefit from this test.
ā
Cost £319.00
microbiome tests
Microbiome testing can be used for assessing the balance of microbes within various areas of the body, particularly for addressing health concerns related to gut, reproductive, and oral health. The tests I use most frequently are as follows:
ā
Gut microbiome test - assessing overall microbial balance, digestive capacity, gut health markers, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and yeast: £345.00
ā
Vaginal/Uterine microbiome test - useful for addressing recurrent vaginal microbial imbalances like BV and Candida and an essential part of fertility screening: £249.00
ā
Seminal microbiome - comprehensive assessment of semen health to address microbial imbalance that may be impacting sperm quality and female partner vaginal microbiome health: £249.00
Nutrigenomics testing
Nutrigenomics testing allows us to look in detail at DNA and understand where small variants in our genetic make-up can impact our health including hormonal balance, nutrient metabolism, nervous system health and histamine balance and we can optimise our genetic potential through Nutrition and Lifestyle.
ā
These tests are generally used in addition to functional tests to support findings and need to be reviewed in the context of your overall symptoms.
ā
The test profiles I run most frequently include:
Methylation Report; Hormone Report; Histamine Intolerance; Nervous System Report. You can learn more about these tests at Lifecodegx.
ā
Cost: Initial report plus test kit £249.00, add on profiles £150.00