Take Control of Your Health with Functional Lab Testing
- Dr. Teresa True
- Nov 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
If your labs keep coming back “normal” but you still do not feel right, you need better data. Functional lab testing looks at how your body works, not just whether a disease is present. This guide pulls our most useful articles into one place. You can learn what to test, why it matters, and how to order labs directly.
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What is Functional Lab Testing?
Functional testing evaluates digestion, microbiome balance, hormones, stress response, nutrient status, and inflammation patterns. It explains symptoms like bloating, constipation, loose stools, fatigue, sleep problems, skin flares, and weight changes when routine panels are not helpful.
Why Choose Functional Lab Testing?
Functional lab testing offers a deeper understanding of your health. It goes beyond standard tests to uncover underlying issues. This approach can lead to more effective solutions tailored to your unique needs. Instead of just managing symptoms, we focus on fixing problems at their source.
Digestive Health Testing
If you experience bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, and standard tests are fine, look at function. Comprehensive stool analysis reports on pancreatic elastase, calprotectin, short-chain fatty acids, yeast or bacterial overgrowth, and gut barrier markers. Food Sensitivity Testing can help identify foods that create inflammation and contribute to skin rashes, digestive problems, and more.
Stress and Cortisol Testing
Stress can flatten your energy curve, wreck sleep, and push cravings. A diurnal cortisol test shows how your stress response changes throughout the day. We match the pattern with sleep hygiene, nutrients, and targeted adaptogens.
Hormone Testing
Cycle issues, PMS, irregular periods, perimenopause, or low libido need a broader look. Paired hormone and metabolite testing explains how you are making, converting, and clearing hormones. This guides dosing, timing, and non-drug support.
Inflammation and Recovery
Pain without a clear injury, slow recovery after illness, or flares tied to stress may reflect an inflammatory pattern that routine labs do not catch. Combine targeted markers with simple tools like hydrotherapy to enhance circulation and lymphatic flow.
Metabolism and Energy
Weight changes are not only about calories in and out. We always look at thyroid function, iron status, B vitamins, fasting insulin, and liver function. MIC can support fat metabolism and methylation alongside diet and movement.
How to Order Labs
You can order many tests directly from our clinic’s Functional Labs page. Each listing shows what the test measures, who it helps, price, and options for interpretation. Oregon and Washington patients can book full medical visits. Out-of-state clients can request a results review for wellness education.
What to Test First - Our Top Picks
Digestive symptoms → comprehensive stool test
Unrefreshing sleep, wired and tired, afternoon crash → diurnal cortisol
Cycle symptoms or perimenopause changes → combined hormone panel with metabolites
Brain fog, hair loss, cold intolerance → thyroid panel with iron studies and B12
Autoimmune symptoms → wellness panel to assess nutrition + stool if gut symptoms are present
What to Expect from Results
You will see patterns that explain your symptoms and a plan that targets the cause. That plan usually includes food, targeted supplements, stress management, and foundational lifestyle changes. We keep it realistic and measurable.
Disclaimer:
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