Why guess, when you can test?
Modern naturopathic tools enable us to accurately ascertain what is
happening in your body.
Functional pathology is a fantastic way to conduct specialty testing
for a variety of biomarkers using blood, urine, saliva, stool and hair
analysis.
By conducting specific functional pathology testing, this can reveal underlying root causes of your hormonal, gut, skin, energy and mood symptoms.
Here are some of the most common tests ordered.
(please note, prices will vary depending on your country and the available laboratory)
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Advanced Dried Urine Hormone Profile (aka DUTCH test)
Hormonal fluctuations throughout the month are normal—but when there’s too much or too little oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, it can lead to hormonal imbalance. This often shows up as symptoms like pelvic pain, irregular periods, migraines, weight gain, mood swings, breast tenderness, low libido, brain fog, hair loss, or excess hair growth.
The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) uses a combination of urine and saliva samples to assess key reproductive and adrenal hormones, along with their metabolites. It provides detailed insight into levels of oestrogens, progesterone, androgens, cortisol, cortisone, DHEA, and melatonin—helping to uncover the root cause of hormonal symptoms and guide targeted treatment.
Approximately €350
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Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Analysis
Did you know your digestive health plays a major role in your hormones?
When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of issues—from bloating, pain, and reflux to fatigue, poor immunity, and hormonal conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, acne, eczema, irregular periods, weight gain, and even high cholesterol. Gut dysfunction can also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, brain fog, and inflammatory or metabolic conditions.
Comprehensive stool testing offers a deep dive into your gut health, with different test panels available depending on your budget and the level of detail required. Gold-standard testing assesses for bacterial and parasitic infections, evaluates levels of beneficial vs. opportunistic microbes (including fungi), and provides insights into digestion, absorption, inflammation, and key metabolic markers—helping us tailor a precise and effective treatment plan.
Prices vary €350-€650
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Heavy Metals & Mineral Analysis
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat”—but you’re also influenced by what you put on your body and what you’re exposed to in your environment.
Toxins can enter the body through skincare products, hair treatments, occupational exposure, or even from growing up in areas with high environmental pollutants. These toxins—particularly heavy metals—can interfere with the immune, endocrine (hormonal), and nervous systems, and compete with essential nutrients, disrupting normal body functions.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) provides a non-invasive way to measure both toxic metal accumulation and essential mineral levels. It offers insight into your body’s long-term exposure to heavy metals, while also highlighting any deficiencies or imbalances in vital nutrients like magnesium, zinc, calcium, and more.
This information can be invaluable in uncovering the root of chronic symptoms involving the skin, cardiovascular system, hormones, mood, energy, immunity, and more.
Approximately €200
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Vaginal Microbiome
Your vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem that plays a key role in reproductive, hormonal, and urinary tract health.
An imbalance in this microbiome can lead to symptoms such as recurring thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV), unusual discharge, itching, odour, discomfort during sex, or even fertility challenges. Disruptions may be caused by factors like stress, poor gut health, hormonal shifts, antibiotics, or the use of certain personal care products.
This advanced swab test analyses the levels of beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus species) alongside the presence of harmful or overgrown microbes—including fungi and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Understanding your unique vaginal microbiome helps guide more effective treatment strategies and support long-term vaginal and hormonal balance.
Approximately €350
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Oral Microbiome
We often think of oral health as just brushing and flossing—but the balance of bacteria in your mouth plays a big role in your overall health.
The oral microbiome can influence inflammation, digestion, immune health, and even hormone balance. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria is linked with gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
This advanced saliva test profiles the diversity and balance of your oral microbes, helping us identify hidden infections, inflammation triggers, or imbalances that may be contributing to broader health issues. It’s a powerful tool for both prevention and treatment, especially for those with persistent mouth, gum, or systemic inflammatory concerns.
Approximately €355
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Full Thyroid Analysis
Thyroid hormones are crucial for metabolism, energy, mood, weight regulation, fertility, and menstrual cycle health—yet thyroid imbalances are often missed with standard blood tests.
A Full Thyroid Panel goes far beyond just TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), assessing a more complete picture that includes free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO & TG). This allows us to detect patterns like subclinical hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or conversion issues that often go undiagnosed.
Whether you’re experiencing fatigue, hair thinning, constipation, irregular cycles, brain fog, weight gain, or cold intolerance—this test helps uncover the root cause and enables a targeted, naturopathic approach to thyroid support.
Approximately €250
Frequently Asked Questions
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Functional testing is about going beyond what standard blood tests show. As a naturopath, I use these tests to look at the underlying causes of symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and stubborn weight gain. While conventional labs often focus on disease, functional testing uncovers subtle imbalances in hormones, nutrients, the gut, and metabolism that can be corrected naturally.
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This depends entirely on your body and your symptoms. From my experience, the most useful tests for women include hormone panels, gut microbiome/stool tests, organic acids, and nutrient status testing. I always tailor testing to each client—this way we don’t do unnecessary tests, but instead get results that directly inform your personalised plan. I often would recommend specific tests after our initial consultation based on thorough case taking and symptom presentation.
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Yes, when done through reputable labs and interpreted correctly. Over the past decade, I’ve seen many women come with “normal” conventional results but persistent symptoms, and functional testing uncovers the missing pieces—like subtle hormone imbalances or gut dysbiosis—that allow us to treat the root cause, not just the symptom.
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It depends. There are offerings now popping up online - however the lab standards may not meet practitioner standards - and markers tested may not be as in-depth.
Most reputable labs require a practitioner referral.
From my clinical experience, having a naturopath guide you through testing is crucial. It ensures the test is done correctly, results are interpreted accurately, and we can create a plan that is safe, practical, and effective for your body.
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Functional tests are usually paid out-of-pocket. However, as I consult with clients around the world, depending on where you are and your insurance company - it may be rebated. This is something to speak directly with your insurer about.
The cost of functional pathology varies depending on the test, but in my experience, investing in the right test can save months of trial-and-error treatments.
For many clients, the insights we gain from functional testing are worth every euro because they directly guide personalised lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement strategies.
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Preparation for a functional test depends on the type of test being performed. Some tests may require fasting, temporarily pausing certain supplements, or avoiding specific foods. In my practice, I provide clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure your results are as accurate and reliable as possible. Proper preparation allows us to trust the results and design interventions that truly work for your body.
The type of sample needed varies depending on the test and may include blood, urine, saliva, hair, swabs, or stool. I guide you through the collection process so it’s straightforward and stress-free.
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Turnaround depends on the test. Hormone panels can take 1-2 weeks, while stool and metabolic tests can take 4-6 weeks. I review all results with you personally, explaining what each finding means for your health and creating a practical plan tailored to your body.
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Results are only valuable if they’re actionable. With over ten years of clinical experience and having supported more than 2,000 clients, I don’t just look at numbers—I examine patterns, connections, and root causes. For example, a slightly elevated morning cortisol might be linked to stress, blood sugar imbalances, or disrupted sleep.
Using this approach, we can create a practical, step-by-step plan tailored specifically to your body. My goal is to turn your test results into real, effective strategies that restore balance and improve your overall health, rather than leaving you with information that doesn’t translate into results.
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Absolutely—but only if it’s paired with a personalised plan. In my practice, I’ve helped hundreds of women uncover hidden imbalances that were driving fatigue, weight struggles, hormonal issues, and digestive problems. Functional testing gives us a roadmap for targeted, natural interventions—so we’re addressing the real cause, not just treating symptoms.