What Is Functional Testing
and Why It’s Important
Functional testing looks at a comprehensive array of health markers to provide more insight into the key drivers of your symptoms. This allows us to create a targeted and effective treatment plan.
At Perth Health Collective, we offer an array of functional testing such as:
General blood tests also make up an important part of your health picture. We can provide general testing and guidance on how to advocate for the testing you require through your GP.
Comprehensive Functional
And Health Screening Tests
GI Map Stool Test
Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bugs), digestive dysfunction, parasites and inflammation often contribute to digestive complaints and unexplained symptoms. The GI Map is a comprehensive stool test that gives a complete picture of your digestive health.
This test drills down on the composition of your gut microbiome, digestive function and potential pathogens, allowing us to choose the most effective treatment for you.
SIBO Breath Test
SIBO breath testing is used to identify an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
SIBO breath testing can provide answers to chronic digestive complaints such as bloating and irregular bowel movements.
Dutch Hormone Testing
DUTCH hormone testing provides a comprehensive assessment of sex hormones and stress hormones, including overall levels, metabolism, and key imbalances.
This helps us piece together the puzzle to get to the bottom of hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue and burnout and target the key drivers of your health symptoms.
Thyroid Testing
Comprehensive thyroid testing includes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones T3 and T4, thyroid antibodies, reverse T3, and TSI (TSH Stimulating Immunoglobulin).
Completing thorough testing overview allows us to identify suboptimal thyroid function and/or potential autoimmune factors before the onset of chronic disease.
Coeliac Testing
Testing for coeliac disease is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and management, preventing long-term complications like malnutrition, anaemia, dental decay, osteoporosis and increased risk of other autoimmune disorders.
We offer testing for coeliac disease as well as genetic testing to identify risk factor for coeliac development.
Vaginal Microbiome Testing
Vaginal microbiome testing using PCR technology can provide a comprehensive overview of your vaginal microbiome.
The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem which when out of balance can cause distressing symptoms such as discharge, itching, recurring infections, infertility and pain.
Concerns We Treat With Functional Testing
Gut Health Issues
GI Map Stool testing can aid in uncovering the root cause and guiding treatment in gut conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), microbiome imbalance, digestive dysfunction (think bloating, gassiness, reflux, etc), coeliac disease, and more.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
SIBO breath testing is used to guide treatment strategy in SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Testing allows us to uncover which type of SIBO is present (hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulphide dominant) and target this effectively.
Hormone Imbalances
Dutch testing can help you get to the bottom of hormonal imbalances. This testing provides a comprehensive overview of key sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and stress hormones.
This provides insight into many conditions or symptoms such as endometriosis, PCOS, painful, irregular and/or heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) burnout, and fatigue.
Thyroid Issues
Comprehensive thyroid testing can help get to the bottom of an array of symptoms.
The thyroid plays an important role in metabolic function and can affect almost any area of your health. Signs of thyroid issues are diverse and can include insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, temperature dysregulation, anxiety, heart palpitations, constipation or diarrhoea, weight loss/gain and mood symptoms.
Mental Health Symptoms
Mental health is a complex topic with biological, social and psychological factors playing key roles.
Organic Acid Testing and GI Map Stool Testing can provide insight into biological factors contributing to mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression and more.
Genetic Predispositions
Gene testing can provide information on your health predispositions. Genetic testing is interpreted in the context of your health symptoms, biomarkers and lifestyle/dietary factors.
Genetic testing can provide important insight into conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, coeliac genetic testing, and mental health concerns.
Eczema & Skin Conditions
Eczema is a complex and often multi-factorial condition that can be frustrating and difficult to treat.
Utilising functional tests to identify underlying drivers (eg. gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or allergies) can help to provide long-term relief of symptoms
Why Choose PHC?
Whole-Team Expertise
Realistic, person-centred care
We take the time to understand your unique situation so we can best provide realistic and achievable plans that work for you.
Evidence-based treatment
By adhering to evidence-based practices, we ensure that our interventions are rooted in rigorous scientific evidence, optimising patient outcomes and safety.
Non-Diet Approach
We use a ‘health at every size’ and a non-diet approach to health, focusing on promoting well-being through intuitive eating, joyful movement, and body acceptance/neutrality.
We prioritise compassionate care that respects individual autonomy and diverse body sizes, fostering a supportive environment where our patients can pursue health goals without weight stigma.
