Advanced testing – for when you feel something is wrong, but the tests say you are fine.

Something I notice in my natural health clinic or in online appointments is how many people say to me, “I just don’t feel quite right. I’ve been to the GP, and they have even run some blood tests, but everything came back normal and says I’m fine. I tell my friends, and they tell me it is nothing to worry about, I’ve probably just been working too hard or not eating well enough. But I just don’t feel like myself.”

I see this A LOT in the clinic. Many of my clients don’t feel that their health concerns are taken seriously by those around them.

The symptoms vary, but the result is the same: you don’t feel well and just can’t quite pinpoint the cause.

These symptoms can manifest as:

  • Migraine and headaches

  • Extra tired for no reason

  • Light headedness

  • Changes to the digestive system

  • Irregular periods or painful periods

  • Unexplained weight gain and weight loss

  • Skin changes

  • Changes in appetite or thirst

  • Moodiness, things irritate you that didn’t use to

  • Forgetfulness and brain fog, difficulty concentrating

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning (when previously you would bounce out of bed)

  • Depression

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Changes to libido

  • Anxiety about things that didn’t use to worry you

As a naturopath, I can provide you with access to a range of advanced laboratory testing methods (also known as functional pathology). These tests take a deeper look than the standard blood tests available under Medicare, and are performed along with the practitioner taking a very comprehensive case history of the client, which looks at medical history, symptoms, environmental and genetic factors, lifestyle, work, social and family support, diet and mind health. This helps us get a very detailed picture of what is going on.

Testing Types

  • DNA Testing

    Knowing your DNA markers through testing can reveal your genetic predisposition to certain health conditions. Armed with this information, you can confidently take charge of your long-term health.

    Common Symptoms

    Susceptibility to health issues such as cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, inflammation, sodium sensitivity, methylation, caffeine metabolism, coeliac disease, lactose tolerance, oxidative stress, detoxification pathways, weight management.

  • Hormone Testing

    Our bodies heavily rely on hormones, which act as chemical messengers, to perform various crucial functions such as regulating our metabolism, aiding growth, and even influencing our behaviour. These chemical agents can impact our immune system as well. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to complex health problems.

    Common Symptoms

    Weight gain, fatigue, menstruation issues, infertility, mood swings, altered body temperature, low libido, stress, anxiety, depression, dry skin, brittle hair, difficulty sleeping, puffy face.

  • Thyroid Testing

    If you want to really understand how your thyroid is working, it's important to do some advanced testing. The regular thyroid test that Medicare covers isn't enough to give you a full picture. You'll want to check your T3 to Reverse T3 ratio, your thyroid antibodies, and your essential mineral levels. This will help you get a more complete understanding of what's going on.

    Common Symptoms

    Fatigue, poor weight control, constipation, diarrhoea, water retention, hoarseness of voice, high ldl cholesterol, brain fog, low libido

  • Gut Health

    Studies show that an impaired gastrointestinal system is linked to various health conditions, including anxiety, depression, poor nutrient absorption, weight gain, autoimmunity, and skin issues.

    Common Symptoms

    Diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, skin issues, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, autoimmune conditions

  • Microbiome Testing

    Research has found that the human body contains ten times more bacterial cells than human cells. This delicate balance of bacteria plays a crucial role in our immune system, mental health, weight control, and longevity.

    Common Symptoms

    Vitamin & mineral deficiencies, unexplained health issues, depression, anxiety, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, skin issues, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, autoimmune conditions.

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  • Food Intolerance Testing

    If you suspect that you have an allergy or intolerance, I can organise testing so we can gain some clarity in this area.

    Common Symptoms

    Eczema, psoriasis, bloating, brain fog, low libido, anxiety, depression, food intolerances, unexplained health issues.

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  • Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

    Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an analytical test that measures the mineral composition of hair. It is a safe and non-invasive test that reflects the level of nutrient and toxic elements in body tissue. It is regarded by integrative doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.

    Useful for:

    Mineral deficiencies and excesses, heavy metal toxicity, metabolic rate, immune health, mental health, liver and kidney stress, diabetes and insulin resistance, fatigue, cardiovascular health, adrenal and thyroid function, sports endurance and recovery

Book an appointment

THE PROCESS

If you are interested in organising testing, here is the process:

 Book an Initial Appointment

In our first appointment, I'll thoroughly review your health history and symptoms to develop the best plan for you. Depending on what I find, I might suggest some advanced tests to get to the root of any health issues you're facing. This means your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to you and your biology, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

 Lab Test Referral

I will arrange a referral for your lab tests to ensure an accurate evaluation of specific areas of concern, leading to a more targeted diagnosis and treatment plan. The lab will send you the paperwork and collect payment from you. (Lab testing is at your own cost, with the exception of those in the Metabolic Balance program, where the test costs are included.)

 Sample Collection

The laboratory will provide an at-home testing kit for collecting samples, or you may need to visit a nearby pathology laboratory to have your sample collected, depending on the type of test. Sample types may include hair, urine, stool, saliva, or blood, depending on the specific testing requirements.

 If your testing is done at home, then you return the samples in the pre-paid envelope or packaging provided by the laboratory.

 Results discussion

Once the lab analyses your samples, I will receive your results and be in touch to organise a follow-up appointment.

 Based on these results, I will then put together a health plan tailored to your specific needs. By leveraging your scientific data, the advanced testing allows me to formulate a detailed plan encompassing nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle advice that directly addresses the underlying causes of your health concern.

 This comprehensive approach ensures personalised care tailored to your unique needs.