Top 5 Functional Tests used at Wellness Within
- Lauren Welch
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Here at Wellness Within I’m a huge advocate for functional testing, because by knowing exactly what's causing your symptoms, I can then ensure your treatment protocol is ACTUALLY addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms, so that you get lasting results and save time, money and stress in the long run 🥳
Here are the 5 types of functional tests which I utilise most commonly in the clinic:
1. Complete Gut Microbiome Testing
2. Hormone Testing
3. Stress Profile Testing
4. Heavy Metal Testing
5. SIBO Breath Testing
All of the tests are easy to complete at home and are either collected from a stool, saliva, urine, breath or hair sample. Let’s dive into each of them in a little more detail!
Gut Microbiome Testing
The Complete Microbiome Mapping Test shows us if any bacterial, yeast, viral or fungi overgrowths are present, if you’re absorbing your nutrients optimally, checks for
coeliac marker & inflammation levels and good microbiome ratios/levels.
You may benefit from a gut microbiome test if you experience one or more of the following:
o Gut Issues (eg bloating, flatulence, abdominal
o pain/cramping, diarrhoea, constipation,
o indigestion, heart burn, food sensitivities)
o Autoimmune condition
o Thyroid Disorder
o Skin disorders (eg acne, psoriasis, eczema)
o Hormonal Imbalance
o Energy issues/fatigue
o Mental health or mood disorders
o Muscular aches and pains
Hormone Testing – 3 different types!
Depending on which symptoms you are presenting with will allow me to best decide which hormone testing is best indicated for you.
Compared to blood testing, I prefer to utilise urine or saliva hormone testing, as it measures the free unbound hormone levels, as opposed to measuring total hormone levels (which includes bound hormones that aren’t available for your body to utilise!).
There are 3 different types of hormone tests that I use in the clinic:
1. 28 Day Cycle Testing - Measures key sex hormones and shows the pattern of hormones through the full menstrual cycle; very helpful for fertility support.
2. 1 Day Hormone Testing - Measures Oestrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone, DHEA, and ratios.
DUTCH Hormone Testing - Comprehensive hormone testing which includes oestrogen, progesterone, androgens (testosterone, DHEA and DHT), cortisol markers and metabolites, melatonin, nutritional organic acids and neurotransmitter metabolites.
You may benefit from hormonal testing if you experience one or more of following:
o Irregular menstrual cycles
o PMS or PMDD
o Fatigue
o Chronic Stress
o Low libido
o Acne
o Hair thinning
o Bloating
o Breast tenderness
o Heavy and/or painful periods
o Fertility issues
o Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
o Uterine Fibroids
o PCOS
o Family history of Breast Cancer
Stress Profile Testing
This test measures cortisol at four different times during the day, as well as DHEA (DHEA is your ‘master hormone’ - it plays a critical role in your energy, hormone balance and mood).
This test is particularly useful for assessing the circadian rhythm of cortisol and for detecting HPA axis dysregulation.
You may benefit from a Stress Profile Test if you experience one or more of the following:
o Persistent fatigue
o Sleep issues
o Stress intolerance
o Difficulty focusing
o Anxiety or Depression
o Weight changes
o Immune system issues
o Digestive problems
o Hormonal imbalances
o Physical signs of stress overload (headaches, migraines, feeling ‘wired but tired’, muscle tension or pain)
o History of chronic stress
Heavy Metal Testing
Signs and symptoms that we may see with heavy metal toxicity include behavioural
issues, mood changes, low energy, fatigue, impulsiveness, changes in emotional
regulation and skin conditions.
This test shows long-term exposure to heavy metals and tissue levels of heavy metals and
minerals. Tests for 17 minerals (including iron, copper, zinc and selenium) as well as
18 toxic metals (including aluminium, mercury and lead).
SIBO Breath Test
This test shows us if there is a bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine.
In SIBO, excess bacteria ferment carbohydrates (fibres, starches, sugars) too early in digestion. This fermentation produces hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide gases, which lead to bloating, distension, and discomfort.
Unlike in the large intestine (where gas can be expelled), the small intestine is narrower, so gas gets trapped, causing pressure and distension. This leads to a “pregnant belly” look after meals.
Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine (SIBO) can inhibit nutrient absorption and lead to fatigue, low iron, brain fog, depression, anxiety, dry skin, poor immunity, nerve and muscle weakness and heart palpitations.
Successful eradication of SIBO has been shown to reduce bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain in patients more effectively than many other treatments for IBS.
Ready to achieve your health goals and invest in your long term happiness?
~ Lauren Welch
Naturopath (BHSc NAT)
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