functional testing
Is functional testing right for you and your health goals?
Reach out below to book a free 15 minute discovery call.
What is functional testing?
Functional testing is an evidence-based approach that looks at how your body’s systems are actually working rather than just identifying disease. Using highly specialised methods functional testing explores key areas like hormones, gut health, methylation, nutrient status, inflammation, detoxification and metabolic function to name a few. These insights help uncover underlying imbalances and root causes of symptoms allowing for a targeted, personalised and proactive care tailored to your unique biochemistry.
-
Comprehensive hormone testing for women and men offers a detailed picture of how hormonal balance is influencing energy, mood, metabolism, body composition, sexual health, and long-term wellbeing. For women, testing commonly includes oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, SHBG, LH and FSH to assess menstrual health, fertility, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, and symptoms such as weight changes, acne, mood shifts, and sleep disruption. For men, key hormones such as testosterone, free testosterone, oestrogen, LH and FSH are evaluated to understand libido, muscle mass, motivation, mood, metabolic health, and age-related hormonal decline. In both women and men, adrenal hormones like cortisol and DHEA are assessed to understand stress response, fatigue, inflammation, and blood sugar regulation, while thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibodies) provide insight into metabolic rate, weight regulation, temperature control, and cognitive function. When relevant, insulin and other metabolic markers are included to assess hormonal drivers of weight gain, inflammation, and chronic disease risk. By assessing these hormones together and in context, comprehensive hormone testing reveals patterns such as hormonal depletion, excess, or dysregulation that may be missed on standard testing, allowing for personalised, root-cause targeted care rather than symptom management alone
-
An extensive thyroid panel goes beyond a basic TSH test to provide a complete picture of how the thyroid is functioning and how thyroid hormones are being produced, converted, and used by the body. This type of testing typically includes TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies) to assess thyroid output, hormone conversion, autoimmune activity, and inflammatory stress on the thyroid. By looking at these markers together, an extensive thyroid panel can identify patterns such as subclinical hypothyroidism, impaired T4–T3 conversion, autoimmune thyroid conditions or thyroid-driven fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, mood changes and temperature sensitivity. This comprehensive approach allows for more precise, personalised treatment by addressing the underlying drivers of thyroid dysfunction rather than relying on a single marker or symptom-based management.
-
Methylation testing examines how efficiently your body carries out one of its most essential biochemical processes, methylation, which affects detoxification, hormone metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, energy production, and gene expression. This type of testing often assesses genetic variants involved in methylation pathways along with key biochemical markers such as homocysteine, B-vitamin status, and detoxification capacity. Impaired or overburdened methylation can contribute to symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, low mood, hormonal imbalances, poor stress tolerance, inflammation, and difficulty clearing toxins. By understanding your individual methylation patterns methylation testing allows for highly personalised nutritional, supplement, and lifestyle strategies that support optimal cellular function and long-term health, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
-
Genetic testing using DNA analysis provides insight into how your unique genetic blueprint influences nutrient requirements, detoxification pathways, hormone metabolism, inflammation, stress response, and disease risk. Rather than predicting destiny this type of testing identifies genetic variations that may increase demand on certain biochemical pathways helping explain why some people respond differently to diet, supplements, medications, and lifestyle factors. By understanding these inherited tendencies DNA analysis allows for highly personalised, preventative care guiding targeted nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle strategies that work with your genetics to optimise health, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
-
Gut and microbiome testing provides a comprehensive assessment of digestive function and the balance of microorganisms living within the gastrointestinal tract. This type of testing evaluates beneficial and opportunistic bacteria, yeast, parasites, markers of inflammation, digestive enzyme activity, gut immune function and intestinal permeability. Imbalances within the microbiome can contribute to symptoms such as bloating, reflux, irregular bowel habits, fatigue, skin issues, mood changes, hormonal disruption and immune dysfunction. By identifying specific patterns of dysbiosis, infection, or impaired digestion, gut and microbiome testing allows for targeted personalised treatment strategies that restore gut integrity, improve nutrient absorption, and support whole-body health recognising the gut as a central driver of overall wellbeing.
the Process
Not everyone needs functional testing to achieve their health goals many people can make meaningful improvements through foundational nutrition, lifestyle changes, and clinical guidance alone. However, when symptoms persist, feel complex, or don’t respond as expected, functional testing can be a powerful tool to dig deeper. It helps uncover hidden patterns, underlying imbalances, and root causes that may not be obvious, allowing care to be more precise, targeted, and effective
If we decide that functional testing is right for you, I will discuss the costings to you and the the type of collection required. Test kits are sent straight to you door after full payment and clear instructions on collection are enclosed. I am always here to answer any questions you may have
Often tests can take up to 3-4 weeks but sometimes sooner depending on the tests. Your results will come straight to me where I will spend time analysing them before contacting you to arrange an appointment. The appointment is often an Extensive Return for one hour if I have previously seen you for an initial.