Functional Testings

Do you often feel like you have tried everything but still not seeing much of a change in your symptoms? Your nutrition is good, you meditate, you sleep 8 hours a night and take your supplements, and yet you still suffer from symptoms day in and day out.

You’ve had your bloods tested but you’ve been told they’re normal, but things are still not adding up?

So, there is a difference between normal and optimal. In most cases I see, pathology hasn’t been interpreted properly and important markers are missing. It it vital to work with a practitioner who can interpret and understand pathology, but also who orders the correct testing

What Test Do We Utilise?

Blood Test

Blood tests are one of the most common and informative tools we use to assess overall health and guide your personalised plan. Based on your initial consultation and symptoms, I will recommend specific blood panels tailored to your needs.

What they test for:

  • Female and male sex hormones

  • Thyroid function

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Nutritional status

  • Inflammation markers

  • Liver and kidney function

  • Cholesterol and lipid profiles

  • Stress hormones

Access and cost:

  • Where you're based will determine how you access testing:

    • In the UK, Ireland, and Australia, some blood tests may be available through public healthcare systems like the NHS, HSE, or Medicare — often free or low-cost.

      However, we may need to order private blood testing, especially if specific or comprehensive panels are required.

    • These typically cost:

      ◦ £150–£200 (UK)

      ◦ €100–€150 (Ireland)

      ◦ $200–$300 AUD (Australia)

Why it matters:

  • Blood tests give us insight into how your body is functioning on a deeper level — from hormonal balance to nutrient status to inflammation. They’re often an essential part of uncovering underlying imbalances that affect skin, hormones, energy, mood, and digestion.

GI-MAP (Stool Test)

The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool test that assesses the health of your gut microbiome. It uses advanced DNA technology (qPCR) to detect and measure the DNA of various microorganisms in your digestive tract — both beneficial and harmful.

What it test for:

  • Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi (like Candida)

  • Opportunistic bacteria that can contribute to inflammation or illness

  • Beneficial bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and hormone balance

  • Markers of gut function, such as:

    ◦ Secretory IgA (immune marker)

    ◦ Zonulin (intestinal permeability/leaky gut marker)

    ◦ Beta-glucuronidase (linked to estrogen reabsorption and detox)

    ◦ Calprotectin (inflammation marker)

    ◦ Elastase (pancreatic enzyme function

Why it matters:

  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome can drive skin issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, bloating, constipation/diarrhea, poor immunity, and mood changes. The GI-MAP helps identify root causes and guides personalised protocols for healing your gut.

Vaginal Microbiome Swab

The vaginal microbiome swab is a lab test that analyses the types and levels of microbes (primarily bacteria and yeasts) in the vaginal canal.

What it test for:

  • Levels of protective Lactobacillus species (like L. crispatus, L. jensenii)

  • Presence of disruptive bacteria such as Gardnerella, Atopobium, ureaplasma or Mobiluncus

  • Overgrowths of Candida species

  • Signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast imbalan

Why it matters:

  • A balanced vaginal microbiome is essential for reproductive health, fertility, menstrual health, and preventing infections (like BV, UTIs, thrush). Imbalances can also be linked to hormonal issues, recurrent infections, and even gut health.