lab Testing
Lab testing is recommended based on what is appropriate and indicated for each individualized case. Details on recommendations would only be made following completed assessments. Not all lab testing options are recommended for all patients. All recommended lab tests are discussed and presented as options - none of which are required, in order to pursue naturopathic care.
Blood
Naturopathic doctors have the ability to order blood work. Although there is no definitive way to guarantee prevention of any condition, there is opportunity in trying to be proactive. Not all blood markers require testing in all situations - your naturopathic doctor may make recommendations based on assessment.
naturopathic doctors have the ability to order lab tests for routine chemistry panels & urinalysis, reproductive hormone panels (e.g. FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, etc.), thyroid panel, cardiometabolic markers (e.g. insulin, cholesterol, lipoprotein markers, etc.), autoimmune markers, and more - all depending on patient case presentation.​
Hormone: Urine & Blood
A comprehensive urine hormone test may profile reproductive hormones, stress hormones & organic acid markers that provide information on inflammation & nervous system regulation. This type of test may be helpful under certain circumstances and may provide additional insight on hormone health. However, there are hormones & markers that should only be tested in the blood and these markers may be tested alongside, if indicated.
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Not all tests are required all of the time. A comprehensive hormone test is an optional test that may help us understand health concerns and is only recommended by your naturopathic doctor, if indicated.
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Symptoms that may be supported with information collected from comprehensive hormone assessments may include:
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Premenstrual symptoms: cramps, headaches, etc.
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Irregular menstrual periods
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Painful menstrual periods
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Heavy menstrual periods
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Lack of menstrual period
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Elongated menstrual cycle
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Hot Flashes
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Brain Fog
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Low Libido
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Fatigue
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Not waking rested in morning
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Second wind of energy in evening
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Hair thinning
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Difficulties losing weight
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and more.
Meeting with Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND may help you learn about which testing, if any, might be the most beneficial and indicated for you.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are not equivalent to food allergies.
An allergy is an immediate hypersensitivity immune reaction (IgE immune marker) often occurring within 4 hours of consumption or exposure to the allergen and potentially causing life-threatening effects – also known as an anaphylactic reaction. This type of reaction may be characterized by difficulties breathing, swelling of airways, hives and more. For example, you may be aware of how serious peanut allergies can be. These types of allergies are diagnosed by an Allergist – a medical doctor that specializes in allergy testing – including food, chemical & environmental allergens.
A food sensitivity is a reaction to a food (IgG immune marker) that often occurs 4-72 hours after consumption (also known as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction). This type of reaction is not considered to be life-threatening. Food sensitivity testing is presented as an option when recommended and is not advised for all patients. Not all symptoms are caused by food sensitivities. After more serious conditions have been ruled out, detecting food sensitivities may be presented as an optional assessment for the following potential reasons: indigestion, joint pain, acne, skin rashes (e.g. eczema), headaches, and more. Alternative options to food sensitivity testing are also available and would be discussed if and when indicated.
StooL
​Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut via the Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT) and recent Research is starting to show that many forms of disease may be rooted in the gut.
research is ever-evolving. the concept of the microbiome has garnered attention in its potential role in chronic disease. ​A stool analysis may help to identify dysbiosis, which is characterized by an imbalance in gut bacteria. This test may benefit individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. ulcers, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation of unknown cause, bloating, gas and more). It may also show benefit in already-diagnosed Immune-related conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis) & other autoimmune diseases.
Naturopathic testing recommendations are individualized to each case. ​This test is recommended only after other more serious health conditions have been ruled out by your healthcare team and only if indicated by your naturopathic doctor.
​Meeting with Dr. nadia Mawji, ND may help you learn about what types of testing may be the most beneficial and indicated for you. If recommended, this test like all other tests, remains optional.