Functional Lab Testing for Women

Introduction

Back in 2018, I faced a frustrating reality: bloating, constipation, acne, irregular periods, and anxiety. Feeling lost and unsure how to heal, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through lifestyle changes and functional lab testing. This experience, combined with working alongside practitioners, sparked a passion for empowering others on their wellness paths.

As a functional health coach, I utilize in-depth intake forms and client conversations to personalize recommendations for diet, sleep, exercise, stress management, and supplementation.  However, I often find that functional lab testing acts as a powerful tool for precision. After all, "test, don't guess," is a motto I wholeheartedly believe in.

This dedication to personalized wellness extends to LIVE BIG, where functional lab testing for women is a cornerstone service. In this blog post, I'll delve into the details of the most commonly offered and utilized tests, empowering you to take charge of your health journey.

Bloodwork & Urinary analysis 

Unlike standard panels at your doctor's office, LIVE BIG takes a comprehensive approach. I analyze over 70 markers, like a conductor overseeing a complex symphony. This allows us to assess how all your body's systems are working together. Instead of diagnosing, I help identify patterns and potential root causes linked to your symptoms. These might include nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, immune dysfunction, inflammation, digestive issues, chronic stress, or overload of, viruses, parasites, mold, or heavy metals. I analyze each marker within a "functional range" designed for optimal health, not population averages. Traditional medicine often compares you to a wider range that reflects a less healthy population. By focusing on optimal function, we can identify potential issues earlier in the progression, allowing for proactive interventions.

GI Map

Our bodies harbor trillions of gut bacteria, outnumbering our own cells. Maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial, as these bacteria play a vital role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. Via a stool sample, the GI Map is a valuable tool for understanding your gut health. This humbling yet informative test provides a comprehensive snapshot of your gut microbiome, the vast community of bacteria that plays a crucial role in overall health. While not always a perfect picture, the GI Map reveals a wealth of information, including bacterial diversity, the presence of potential troublemakers, inflammation levels, immune function, and even gluten sensitivity.  With gut health concerns on the rise, the GI Map empowers us to gain valuable insight into potential root causes of discomfort and pave the way for targeted interventions.

Micronutrient / Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)  Test 

Micronutrients are the essential building blocks for many bodily functions. Having the right balance, like a carefully crafted recipe, is key.  Micronutrient panels provide a comprehensive picture of your vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and amino acid levels, revealing potential deficiencies.  Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) takes a different approach, focusing on mineral levels, their ratios, and the presence of heavy metals. These two tests can be helpful when addressing micronutrient deficiencies and potential root causes.

DUTCH Test

The DUTCH test provides a dynamic view of your hormone function throughout the day, analyzed through a urine or urine and saliva sample. Unlike other tests, the DUTCH test reveals your cortisol rhythm by capturing daily samples. Ideally our levels of cortisol peak upon waking and gradually decline throughout the day. Additionally, the DUTCH test measures sex hormone levels and their metabolites, offering invaluable insights. For women, the test is typically done mid-cycle (5-7 days after ovulation) to capture peak hormone levels and their ratios. While not always a root cause, hormone imbalances can significantly impact symptoms and overall health. The DUTCH test empowers us to understand these imbalances, identify potential root causes, tailor lifestyle recommendations, and track progress over time.

Food Sensitivity

Food sensitivity testing is a valuable tool, but it's important to acknowledge both its benefits and limitations. I carefully consider this test when a client experiences significant inflammation, and immune stress, and is mentally and emotionally prepared for a potential food elimination phase. Food elimination can be challenging, and I empathize with clients -- personally, I cried when walking into a grocery store during the elimination phase because I was so overwhelmed. While it's a powerful tool to identify potential triggers and reduce inflammation, it's rarely the sole root cause (except in cases like celiac disease). Our approach focuses on a targeted elimination period, typically around 90 days, followed by a reintroduction process, all while healing and sealing the gut. This timeframe allows for improvement while minimizing potential nutrient deficiencies.  Most clients experience positive symptom changes, and many can reintroduce most eliminated foods by the end. The key lies in personalization.  I only recommend food sensitivity testing when I believe it can significantly benefit the client and guide them through the process with support and understanding.

Conclusion

Functional lab testing offers a powerful window into your body's inner workings. By delving deeper than standard panels, we can identify potential imbalances, root causes, nutrient deficiencies, and hidden stressors that may be contributing to your health concerns. This knowledge is the foundation for positive change. Whether it's optimizing your gut health, addressing micronutrient needs, or understanding your hormone rhythm, these tests empower you to take charge of your well-being.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey.  As a functional health coach, I'm here to guide you through the process, interpret test results, and develop a personalized plan to help you reach your health goals.

Ready to unlock your body's full potential?  Contact me today for a free consultation and let's embark on your personalized path to optimal health!

With support,
Isabella

I always suggest sharing your results with your medical provider