Testing

Thyroid hormones are primarily involved in directing the metabolic activity of cells, and a properly regulated thyroid is therefore essential to a wide array of biochemical processes in the body. Functional hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also result in symptoms even when hormone levels appear to be normal.

Thyroid abnormalities are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions worldwide. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 4-5% of the population whilst estimates for hyperthyroidism are 0.4-2%.

The Essential thyroid test through NutriPATH is a convenient and reliable assessment for measuring thyroid abnormalities. Through a simple, nearly painless finger prick collection process, this method of assessment allows you to collect the sample in your own home. 

Common symptoms:

• Weight gain/weight loss
• Feeling cold when it’s not
• Low stamina
• Irregular bowel movement
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Menstrual irregularities
• Low sex drive
• Infertility
• Poor memory
• Dry/brittle hair and nails
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle and joint pain
• High blood pressure

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. These hormones regulate menstruation, fertility and libido, which can be adversely affected if the production of these hormones goes out of balance. As women approach mid-life, hormonal changes occur.

Hormones are tremendously complex and The Female Hormone Profile Test by NutriPath, provides valuable information on your hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on your physical and emotional health.

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

Salivary hormone measurements provide an accurate analysis of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in determining the need for and type of treatment. 

Symptoms associated with female hormone imbalances:

• Hot flushes
• Weight gain
• Night sweats
• Depression
• Irregular menstruation
• Mood changes
• Brain fog
• Vaginal dryness
• Bone loss
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Low libido
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• PMS
• Symptoms of menopause
• PCOS

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition characterised by resistance to the effects of insulin at a cellular level.  Muscle and adipose tissue require increasing greater amounts of insulin to transfer sugars from the bloodstream.  Higher levels of pancreatic insulin synthesis are required to maintain normal blood levels and, therefore both fasting and post-prandial glucose levels rise.  Increasing HOMA scores reflect this.  Untreated insulin resistance may lead to diabetes and require medical intervention and ongoing treatment.

Insulin Resistance is calculated from both the fasting insulin and fasting glucose results to create the HOMA score (homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance).

Insulin resistance is a key component of the Metabolic Syndrome along with abdominal obesity, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol and high blood pressure.

A strong family history of diabetes is a major risk factor for high levels of insulin resistance, along with high GI carbohydrates intake including excessive alcohol consumption; lack of regular exercise; stress and nutritional deficiencies such as chromium, vanadium and magnesium.

Common Conditions:

• Obesity
• Pre-diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Hypercholesterolaemia
• Hypertriglyceridaemia

The aging male experiences a decrease in testosterone at a rate of 10% per decade from the age of 30. This reduction of testosterone and other androgens experienced as a consequence of the ageing process has been named andropause or androgen deficiency of the ageing male (ADAM).

The basic male hormone profile is a unique and accurate analysis for the measurement of male hormones. As the body ages it is evident that particular hormones decline or fluctuate causing a variety of health conditions. This unique profile will provide valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status. The Male hormone profile will provide insights into a wide range of disorders, from reduced libido and muscle mass to cardiovascular disease and other hormone related imbalanced symptoms.

Salivary hormone testing is particularly ideal for the prevention and treatment of hormone related symptoms and conditions, prescribing and monitoring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and natural hormone replacement therapy. Salivary Hormone testing is unique in that it helps identify the hormonal imbalances which may be causing chronic health problems. From just one simple non-invasive collection, results obtained from the test make it possible for practitioners to individualize treatment in order to establish optimal hormone balance.

Common Conditions:

• Poor memory
• Poor attention/focus
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and Depression
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of libido
• Impaired immune system
• Prostate cancer
• Diabetes and hypoglycaemia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Inflammatory conditions
• Male pattern balding

Bone is continuously remodeled through a process of bone formation and resorption. This process can be monitored by measuring urine markers.  Unbalanced bone turnover is found in age-related and postmenopausal osteopaenia and osteoporosis.

Approximately 90% of the organic matrix of bone is type I collagen. N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) molecules are mobilised from bone by osteoclasts and subsequently excreted in the urine. Elevated levels of NTx indicate increased bone resorption.

Bone turnover markers are physiologically elevated during childhood, growth and during fracture healing. Many diseases, in particular hyperthyroidism, all forms of hyperparathyroidism, most forms of osteomalacia and rickets, hypercalcaemia of malignancy, Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma and bony metastases, as well as various congenital diseases of bone formation and remodelling can result in accelerated and unbalanced bone turnover.

Common Conditions:

• Osteoporosis
• Chronic bone/muscle/joint pain
• Menopause

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. Imbalances in cortisol can also lead to sleep disturbances.

Insomnia is defined as a repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, duration and/or quality of sleep. It can affect energy levels, memory, concentration and problem solving skills, and has has been linked to learning disabilities in children.  Therefore it is vital that the cause and treatment of insomnia is adequately addressed.

Common conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Shift work
• Hair loss
• Depression
• Fatigue

It is one of several blood tests that may be used to help assess for coeliac disease.  Tissue transglutaminase IgA and/or IgG test is used as part of an evaluation for certain autoimmune conditions, most notably coeliac disease.

Measuring the IgA form of tTG antibody in the blood is more useful in assessing for coeliac disease because it’s made in the small intestine where gluten causes inflammation and irritation in sensitive people.

Anti-gliadin antibodies are frequently found with anti-transglutaminase antibodies.  Anti-gliadin antibodies are produced in response to gliadin, found in wheat.  Anti-gliadin IgA is found in approximately 80% of patients with coeliac disease. 

Common Conditions:

• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Indigestion
• Food sensitivities
• Diarrhoea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Eczema, Psoriasis
• Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia

The Kryptopyrroles Test or Mauve Factor test is a urinary test which analyses the level of HPL, a neurotoxic substance found in high levels in schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, alcoholism, violent offenders and other mental health disorders. High levels of the Mauve Factor are associated with vitamin B6 and zinc deficiencies, and treatment with these nutrients results in symptom resolution, as well as lowered levels of the urinary mauve factor.

Common Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Impotence in males
• Acne
• Irregular periods
• Allergies
• Migraines
• Anxiety Morning nausea
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
• Depression

Neurotransmitter profiles are urine tests that can assess: 

• Serotonin
• GABA
• Dopamine
• Noradrenaline
• Adrenaline
• Glutamate
• PEA
• Glycine
• Histamine
• And other neurotransmitters
  

These neurotransmitters communicate with one another in relation to their effects on mood disorders, hormones, sleep, glucose/insulin balance, pain perception, appetite, and cognitive function. 

Common Conditions:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory
• Lack of motivation and energy
• Mood swings
• Hyperactivity
• Thyroid disorders
• Hormonal Imbalances
• GIT issues

This is a  simple, non–invasive, gastrointestinal test that detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, often referred to as  SIBO – small intestine bacterial overgrowth. This is a common gastrointestinal disorder that results in chronic gastrointestinal symptom, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, irregularity, and abdominal pain.

Bacterial overgrowth may manifest without symptoms or may result in gastrointestinal distress. There is oftena  history of chronic constipation, hypochlorhydria (including use of acid-blocking drugs), or maldigestion.

Common Conditions:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Unexplained abdominal symptoms
• Gas and bloating
• Intolerance to sweet or starchy foods, fibre, or friendly flora supplements.