• Laboratory Testing

    Some tests that may be conducted through Nutripath Laboratories

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    Advanced Dried Urine test (D.U.T.C.H)

    The advanced dried urine test for hormones is an ideal test for complex hormone patients. This comprehensive assessment (D.U.T.C.H) is unique for what it can reveal from such a simple collection.

    This test is ideal for a comprehensive overview of a patient’s hormonal status or trying to find the underlying cause of a real complex hormone related issue.

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    Hormone Tests

    Hormones are crucial to a woman’s reproductive health. The main hormones affecting the menstrual cycle and fertility are produced by glands in the brain and by the ovaries. Those hormones regulate menstruation, fertility and sex drive (libido) – any one of which can be adversely affected if the production of these hormones goes out of balance. As most women approach mid-life, hormonal changes gradually cause reproductive organs to shut down eventually leading to menopause.

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    Hormones are tremendously complex and during the pre-menopausal years, imbalanced hormones can pose challenges with mood stabilisation, conception and regulation of the menstrual cycle. The Female Hormone Profile provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health.

    Hormone-related symptoms can occur from the age of when a menstrual cycle commences.

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    Generally, hormonal issues is usually not a clear-cut case of one hormone level being abnormal, or even one hormone system. In fact, because of the role that hormones play as chemical messengers to wake up the genome in specific target tissues throughout the body, it makes sense that all hormone systems work in concert with each other to maintain a state of balance.

     

    Salivary hormone measurements provide an accurate analyses of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in determining the need for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone levels may be normal, indicating that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not needed.

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     Thyroid Testing

    Thyroid abnormalities are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions worldwide. Thyroid hormones are well known for their role in basal metabolic rate, development and growth. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 4-5% of the population whilst estimates for hyperthyroidism are 0.4-2%.

     

    Thyroid abnormalities has become a quiet epidemic worldwide. The thyroid has just one job, however, it is one of the most important jobs for the body to function properly. The thyroid makes hormones that regulate the energy level, growth, and reproduction of every cell of your body. That means your brain, heart, lungs, liver, skin, tissues and other body parts depend on your thyroid to stay “powered up” and active, and to remain healthy by generating new cells to replace old ones.

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    Vaginal Bacteria & Infection Microbiome Test

    Vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV), are among the most common reasons for which women seek medical investigation.
    Complex ecosystems of microbes reside in the female reproductive tract. The vagina consists of trillions of microorganisms — mostly bacteria, plus some fungi and viruses. A disruption in this ecosystem, usually a deficiency of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, may result in possible infection and unwanted symptoms.

    An estimated 75% of women will have at least one episode of VVC, TV or BV in their lifetime and over 30% of women test positive for BV at any given time, with prevalence rates varying over different populations studied.

    The vagina is home to a complex ecosystem of organisms that may include bacteria, viruses, parasites and yeasts. Some of these organisms are important in keeping us healthy as they act to discourage other potential pathogens from thriving. Disruptions in balance of any of these can lead to infections and/or uncomfortable symptoms. Every vaginal microbiome is different and factors such as age, hormonal disruptions and even antibiotic/probiotic use can contribute to changes

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    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increase the risk for many common and serious health issues. Low vitamin D levels can lead to osteoporosis and increase your risk of falls and fractures if you are over the age of 50. Osteoporosis occurs when your bones lose calcium and other minerals, making them fragile and more likely to break. Adequate levels of vitamin D help your body to absorb calcium, while not having enough can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

    People with very low levels of vitamin D (moderate to severe deficiency) are the most at risk of developing health problems. Studies suggest that exposure to sunlight which enhances the production of vitamin D in the skin may prevent many chronic diseases

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    Sleep Profile Test

    The Sleep Profile is a non-invasive saliva test that assesses two major causes for insomnia: imbalances in melatonin and cortisol. Melatonin is a peptide hormone produced by the pineal gland which helps to control normal sleep patterns. Deficiencies of this hormone can lead to insomnia; however melatonin supplementation can effectively treat this problem if diagnosed correctly. Imbalances in the diurnal pattern of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol can also lead to sleep disturbances.

    Insomnia is defined as a repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, duration and/or quality of sleep. This occurs despite adequate opportunity and time for sleep and results in daytime impairment. Mild (transient or short-term) insomnia is known to affect between 30-50% of the general population, whilst chronic insomnia has a prevalence of 9-15%. This disorder affects energy levels, memory, concentration and problem solving skills. In addition, it has been linked to learning disabilities in children. Sleeplessness not only affects the individual but also produces social stress, lowered employee productivity and higher number of accidents. Therefore it is vital that the cause and treatment of insomnia is adequately addressed.

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    Adrenocortex Stress Profile

    The Adrenocortex hormone profile is a non-invasive saliva test that serves as a reliable marker of stress response and a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances. Lifestyle, physical and psychological stresses put constant demands on the adrenal glands. If they become depleted adrenal fatigue or insufficiency may be experienced.

    Each person has two adrenal glands both located on top of each of the body’s two kidneys. These glands are important to the body’s endocrine (hormonal) system. Adrenal fatigue is a very common condition in today’s society through the physical and physiological demands we put on our adrenal glands. Each gland is composed of two distinct zones, the large outer cortex and the inner medulla.

    Salivary cortisol testing is an effective non-invasive salivary hormone test that evaluates bioactive levels of the body’s important stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. This hormone test (stress test) serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, dysglycemia, and a host of other clinical conditions that may affect our day to day lives. This hormone test examines 4 saliva samples over a 12-hour period for levels of cortisol and DHEA. The Adrenocortex test should be used as a general screening test as it plays such an important role for a healthy life.

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    Complicated UTI Screen

    The urinary tract is one of the most common sites for adult bacterial infections, particularly for post-menopausal and elderly women. The use of quantitative PCR technology accurately captures and quantifies the microbiota of the urinary tract providing an important clinical assessment tool for those experiencing complicated urinary tract infections (UTI).

    Extending beyond the bladder to the kidneys, complicated UTI’s are considered more serious than their uncomplicated counterpart, which is usually confined to the bladder and urethra.

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