Hormones & Adrenal Testing

The Functional Hormones Test is an ALTERNATIVE LAB TEST that can help understand signs of imbalanced hormones such as: menopausal symptoms, breast and PMS symptoms, menstrual cycle irregularities, low libido, pelvic pain and scalp hair loss. The Functional Hormones Test helps evaluate the relationship between stress and our hormones by assessing our adrenal and reproductive hormones such as: cortisol, melatonin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and more.

The Functional Hormones Test measures hormone-metabolites (or broken-down components of hormones) and gives a unique understanding of how hormones follow a specific rhythm: how they are converted, used and detoxified (or not!) in the body. The Functional Hormones Test also evaluates for adequate levels of specific B-vitamins as well as metabolized neurotransmitters which can provide valuable information on how your emotional wellness and mood. 

The insight gained from a Functional Hormone Test helps guide both men and women at different stages of their lives to optimize their hormonal balance through lifestyle and Naturopathic Care.

Hormones play a major role in body in coordinating activities within our body such as our metabolism, reproduction, menstrual cycle, growth and development, as well as our response to stress and injury.  Our reproductive hormones are significantly affected by stress and can impact our energy levels, digestion, and create physical signs and symptoms in the body discussed below. 

Who can benefit from Functional Hormone Testing?
Anyone with signs of hormonal distress such as:

• PMS: signs such as pain, bloating, mood changes, breast tenderness, water retention
• Mood swings
• Irregular, short or long menstrual cycles
• Heavy or very light menstrual periods​
• ​Migraine and headaches associated with menstrual cycle
• Low sex drive
• Fertility concerns
• Scalp hair loss
• chronic pelvic pain
• Insulin Resistance and/or weight gain
• ​Muscle loss
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Skin concerns like Acne or Excess body hair
• ​Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Long-term stress (see below)

Are you managing your stress well?
Our hormones are heavily influenced by stress, common signs of imbalanced stress hormone (cortisol) include:

• Fatigue, or changes in energy levels throughout the day (or tired but wired)
• Poor Sleep: difficulty falling or staying asleep; difficulty waking or frequent early morning waking
• Low Blood Pressure
• Feeling dizzy upon standing
• Sweet cravings
• Salt cravings
• Low energy
• Low mood or experience anxiety
• Chronic Muscle tension or weakness or joint pain
• Puffy face (retain water)
• Rely upon Caffeine to get you through the day
• Cold Hands & Feet
• Hair-fall
• Brain Fog (lack of mental clarity/ sharpness you once had)
• Fall sick more often from cold/flu/recurring infections (ex. cold sores etc)

Curious if Naturopathic Medicine can help gain control over Stress and Hormonal Distress?

Book your first naturopathic visit with Dr Monique today! 

Contact us

References​

• Newman, M., Pratt, S.M., Curran, D.A. et al. Evaluating urinary estrogen and progesterone metabolites using dried filter paper samples and gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). BMC Chemistry 13, 20 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-019-0539-1
• Newman, M. Clinical Validation of DUTCH test, Publication by Precision Analytical Inc. https://dutchtest.com/resource/dutch-clinical-validation/