Functional Testing and Fertility

Testing plays a pivotal role when trying to uncover the root cause of infertility. Functional testing can identify nutrient deficiencies, toxins, biochemical abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances not normally detected by routine laboratory assessments.

Hormone Metabolite Test: We use a 24-hour Comprehensive Hormone Profile from one of the top functional labs for female infertility. The most accurate and comprehensive way to achieve and maintain balance between Testosterone, DHEA, Estrogrens, Progesterone and HPA-Axis. The 24-hour Comprehensive Hormone Profile includes metabolic pathway markers for each leg of the Steroidogenic Pathway that allows us the ability to avoid common hormone misinterpretations, achieve better outcomes and detect common health issues early, such as Type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, metabolic syndrome and hormone-related cancer risk.

Cycle Mapping: This testing is ideal for cycling women who are interested in knowing key hormone levels throughout the month - either as a way of getting to the root of difficult menstrual symptoms, assessing cases of PMS/PMDD or learning more about their fertility.

Adrenal Profile: Patients can conduct a saliva cortisol test or a urine cortisol test to assess adrenal hormones. This involves collecting four non-invasive samples over the course of one day. Adrenal glands that are in balance produce adequate amounts of hormones to power us through the day. These hormones impact just about every process in the body, from energy production and immune activity to cellular maintenance and repair. They are key regulators of glucose, insulin and inflammation, and play a major role in bone and muscle building, mood and mental focus, stamina, sex drive and sleep cycles.

Nutrient Evaluation: A nutrient evaluation test is a valuable tool for detecting many nutrient deficiencies, which is especially important for those with unexplained infertility. This test also evaluates oxidative stress, which is linked to poor egg quality.

Insulin Resistance: PCOS is the result of blood sugar imbalances. However, insulin resistance is also a cause of recurrent miscarriages, another form of infertility. Therefore, assessing insulin resistance would benefit an infertile woman with PCOS, recurrent miscarriages, or other known or suspected metabolic issues. Our comprehensive blood panel includes insulin, glucose, and A1C markers.

Toxin Panels: Environmental toxins play an essential role in female infertility. Many chemicals are “endocrine disruptors," which affect your endocrine system (hormonal system).

Thyroid Dysfunction: It is known that thyroid dysfunction can contribute to decreased fertility. A thorough thyroid evaluation, such as our Comprehensive Thyroid Panel‍, can help assess current thyroid function if a thyroid disorder is known or suspected.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of beneficial and pathologic microbes, can affect hormones and is also associated with infertility. A comprehensive stool analysis would be helpful if there are known or suspected gut issues. This test analyzes gut microbiota DNA to examine the present microbe strains thoroughly. If disbiosys is discovered, it could be a significant underlying cause of hormone imbalances.

How It Works

Blood Flow

Acupuncture increases blood flow and circulation to the ovaries and uterus. Improved blood circulation provides a better environment for the development and implantation of an embryo.