Beyond the Basics: Why Functional Testing Can Be So Valuable

When standard blood tests come back “normal” but symptoms persist, it can feel frustrating — like something important is being missed. This is where functional testing comes in. Functional testing goes beyond just identifying disease, it looks at how your body’s systems are performing and why they may not be functioning optimally. By understanding these deeper patterns, we can be far more precise — and proactive — in how we support your health.

Comprehensive Hormone Testing: Seeing the Full Picture

Many women I work with arrive feeling defeated — they’ve been told their hormone tests are fine, yet they still struggle with fatigue, mood swings, PMS, irregular cycles, or perimenopausal symptoms. Standard blood tests measure hormone levels at one point in time. They don’t show what’s happening downstream — how your body is metabolising and detoxifying those hormones. This is where comprehensive hormone testing, like the DUTCH test or ENDO Map, become so valuable. It helps us see:

• Whether oestrogen is being broken down efficiently or converted correctly

• How well other hormones are being produced and metabolised

• How well the liver is processing hormones for elimination

• If methylation or other hormone detox pathways are blocked

• If endocrine disrupting chemicals are playing a role

• How stress hormones like cortisol are fluctuating throughout the day

I recently worked with a woman in her early forties who had normal oestrogen and progesterone on blood tests but was experiencing heavy periods, breast tenderness, and intense irritability before her period. Her DUTCH test showed her body was producing plenty of oestrogen but clearing it very slowly, leading to a build-up of more stimulating metabolites. Once we focused on liver support, methylation nutrients and dietary fibre, her cycle symptoms and energy levels improved dramatically. This is a great example of where relying on a blood test alone just didn't provide the information that was needed to help her find a solution to her symptoms.

Vaginal Microbiome Analysis: Understanding the Terrain

When vaginal infections or discomfort keep coming back, it’s often a sign that the local microbial environment needs attention, it's not enough to just keep treating the infection. Vaginal microbiome analysis helps us understand which beneficial species are present, which are missing, and whether inflammation or pH imbalances are allowing unfriendly bacteria or yeast to thrive. This approach shifts the focus from treating the infection to restoring a resilient, protective ecosystem.

For example, one of my clients in her mid-thirties had been struggling with recurrent bacterial vaginosis for years. She’d tried multiple courses of antibiotics and over-the-counter products, with only temporary relief. Her vaginal microbiome results revealed very low levels of Lactobacillus — one of the key species that maintains a healthy, protective environment. By supporting her microbiome through targeted probiotics, vaginal prebiotic support and addressing her gut–hormone connection, her symptoms resolved — and stayed away.

Gut Testing: Getting to the Root of It All

The gut underpins almost every system in the body — including hormones, mood, and immune health. Comprehensive stool analysis, microbiome mapping or SIBO testing help uncover what’s happening behind the scenes: how well you’re digesting food, whether inflammation is present, and how balanced your microbial ecosystem is. These insights guide targeted treatment rather than guesswork and help you to see results sooner.

I recently saw a woman in perimenopause who came to me with persistent bloating, skin breakouts, and disrupted sleep. Standard blood work didn't give us any clues, but her stool test revealed low bacterial diversity and elevated beta-glucuronidase — an enzyme that can cause oestrogen to recirculate instead of being excreted. By improving her fibre intake, using specific probiotic strains, and supporting digestive enzyme function, her gut health and hormones began to rebalance — and her energy and skin improved too.

An Investment in Clarity (and in Yourself)

I completely understand that functional testing can feel like a big investment at first. But what it often saves is time, suffering, and money in the long run. Rather than spending months guessing with supplements, restrictive diets, or generic protocols, we can get clear data from the start — identifying exactly where to focus. This precision allows for more effective, streamlined care and avoids the frustration (and expense) of trial-and-error approaches. Functional testing helps you make informed, confident decisions about your health — and that clarity is invaluable.

If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still don’t feel right, functional testing may be the key to uncovering what’s really going on. You can learn more or book a 1:1 consultation via my website.