Functional Testing
Naturopathy focusses on a root cause approach, meaning to find the underlying factors that are either causing or contributing to dysfunction in the body. One important tool we use to deepen our understanding of what’s going on is functional testing and pathology. During your consult, I may request we look at certain pathology that your GP can organise, and other times I may offer to complete functional testing. These tests are not covered by Medicare, however are often very comprehensive and provide key details that can often dig deeper to address the root cause.
I would recommend waiting until an initial consult to determine which testing will be most suitable for you.
Please note, the pricing of the tests below are set by the independent laboratories. These tests must be purchased alongside an initial or long follow up consult.
Available Testing:
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This is a comprehensive test of the vaginal microbiome. Common presentations suitable for this test include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and other suspected STI’s as well as yeast infections such as candida and thrush. This test requires only a single vaginal swab that you can do in your own time and in your chosen setting.
Vaginal beneficial bacteria
Opportunistic/commensal bacteria
Yeasts
STI’s
pH
Investment: $150 + Postage
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Almost every patient can benefit from a gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.
Conditions where microbiome mapping can support clinical diagnosis and protocol development include:
Autoimmune diseases
IBS/IBD
Digestive complaints, diarrhoea or constipation
Brain fog
Inflammatory conditions
Skin problems like acne and psoriasis
Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
Diabetes and weight loss issues
Investment: Varies between $369 - $529
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You may benefit from a full thyroid panel if you have symptoms of a thyroid issue. Testing the thyroid can be requested through other health practitioners but often is not completed with a complete panel. It’s important to look at a full picture from the beginning as there are multiple underlying causes that can be analysed through the various markers.
This test will look at TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3 and Thyroid antibodies.
$155 + postage
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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth cannot be tested in a standard stool test or even a comprehensive stool test. It can determine presence of dysbiosis in the small intestine by measuring the excretion of its metabolites. This test could be suitable if you are experiencing:
Bloating esp after eating
Gas
Intestinal pain
Intolerance to certain foods
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
Abdominal distension
Chronic skin conditions
Brain fog
Investment: $469
There is a basic alternative for this test which is $185. Please discuss further with me
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This urine test looks at sex hormones and overall diurnal pattern of cortisol as well as certain organic acids that provide further insight into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, melatonin and neuro-inflammation.
You should consider this test if you are looking at:
Hormonal imbalances
Sleep issues
Stress
Oxidative stress
Neuroinflammation
Investment: $399
Process information/ How it works
Step 1 – If you would like to complete any of the above tests prior to our appointment, please enquire and I will send through an intake form to fill out within 24 hours.
Step 2 – Once your intake form is filled out, I will send an invoice for payment of required test and consultation fee.
Step 3 – Once paid, I will request through our pathology partner who will now send through your test kit to complete and once ready (turnaround up to 4 weeks) will send the report back to me.
Step 4 – I will contact you to book in our consult date/time once you have received your test kit. Once results are returned, I will provide an analysis report of the findings as well as go over it in our consult with a respective treatment plan.
If you are unsure on which test is right for you, please email me or book a discovery call first so we can discuss the best next step for you.