Lab Testing and Hormone Testing in Toronto
Lab and hormone testing is a core tool that we use in our clinical approach to naturopathic medicine.
We assess you based on not just “out of range” levels, but functional lab test ranges for optimal health.
For example, many patients have suboptimal levels of iron, but will show within the normal range on lab tests for ferritin and hemoglobin.
Unfortunately, many traditional labs flag values based only on severe disease, meaning preventable issues can be missed.
When testing hormones, we understand the differences between hormone levels at different times of the cycle, and at different times of life.
We can guide you through which hormone tests are worthwhile, answer actionable health questions and which will be of little value to run.
Lab Testing Categories
We offer a combination of labs including traditional lab panels through blood. Blood tests are typically run through Lifelabs and Dynacare. We also offer functional labs including the DUTCH urine hormones test, the GI Map Stool Testing, Salivary Cortisol Testing, and the OAT test.
Blood Tests
Blood testing is the most common types of tests we order for patients. Not only does blood testing offer a vast array of different hormones, metabolic markers, inflammation and nutritional markers at once, it is an evidence-based method for diagnosis and understanding underlying causes..
Many hormones can be accurately tested through blood, ranging from complete thyroid panels (TSH, free T3, free T4, Anti TPO, Anti TG, Reverse T3), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, pituitary hormones, cortisol, and more.
Evidence based testing matters: the diagnosis of a hormonal condition like PCOS is made through blood tests and clinical presentation. Urinary or salivary testing cannot confirm the diagnosis of PCOS.
Through blood testing, we can understand levels of iron, vitamin D, liver enzymes, blood sugars, white blood cells, lipids, apolipoprotein B, liver markers, autoimmune markers, inflammation and many more factors which influence hormonal health.
Blood tests can also be individualized by the naturopathic doctor to patient needs. For example, if a patient is on a medication that depletes vitamin B12, the ND would create a blood panel to look for B12 deficiency along with hormone tests relevant to their condition. The way we approach lab testing in a naturopathic practice is truly comprehensive and individual to each patient’s needs.
As naturopathic doctors, we provide private requisitions for blood hormone tests through Ontario labs such as Lifelabs and Dynacare
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
We also offer specialized functional medicine lab testing including the most popular tests listed below. We also offer many more functional medicine tests, please ask us if you would like more information on a specific test.
GI Map and Comprehensive Stool and Parasite Testing
A stool test for gastrointestinal function that includes analyses of digestion, absorption, microbiome, bacterial balance, gut infections such as yeast, candida, viruses, h pylori antigen and parasites. It provides PCR analysis of the levels of bacteria in your intestinal microbiome.
This profile is recommended for patients with GI-related symptoms, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, SIBO, constipation, and diarrhea and can allow your naturopath to develop a comprehensive gut repair program specific to markers of concern.
To watch a detailed video about the GI Map click here.
Urinary Hormone Testing - DUTCH Test
Urinary hormone metabolites (DUTCH test) is popular with patients and is a test that our naturopathic doctors use to analyze specific types of hormone imbalance. The DUTCH test is an excellent way to see levels of the major hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and 4 different time points of cortisol with a convenient urine test that can be completed at home. This test is particularly popular for the perimenopausal transition where specific imbalances are typically seen. This test also includes several organic acids which provide information on nutritional status, antioxidant levels and neurotransmitters.
Saliva Hormone Testing
Salivary hormone testing is accurate for levels of cortisol and its pattern of secretion through the day. It is not as accurate for testing levels of many other hormones including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Hormonal health conditions should NOT be diagnosed through saliva testing.
When our naturopaths use saliva testing for cortisol, they typically order diurnal (4 point) cortisol, allowing us to see the “cortisol curve” or how a patient’s cortisol levels change at 4 different time points in the day. As cortisol should follow a specific pattern based on time of day, this test provides an understanding of the brain-adrenal axis and its relationship to overall health in the patient.
Organic Acids Testing
Our Naturopathic doctors often run urinary organic acids testing for patients with neurological conditions, mood disorders, or chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia.
Organic acids are metabolic intermediates produced in pathways of central energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, and intestinal microbial activity.
Accumulation of specific organic acids in urine often signals a metabolic inhibition or block. This abnormality may be due to a nutrient deficiency, an inherited enzyme deficit, toxic build-up, or drug effect.
Food Sensitivity Testing
We are asked frequently by our patients about naturopathic food sensitivity testing. Food sensitivity is a complex concept since reactions to food can arise through multiple mechanisms.
Sometimes, food sensitivity is not an immune reaction, but is related to intestinal infection such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or functional problems such as poor motility and weak enzyme, biliary or stomach acid production. Our naturopaths can help you understand whether or not food sensitivity testing makes sense for your condition so you do not spend funds on the “wrong” test.
When food sensitivity testing is indicated for a given patient, it is done through the blood. We offer a variety of IgG food sensitivity panels including omnivorous, vegetarian and add-on panels.
Food sensitivity testing should always be analyzed with an experienced provider to determine the difference between “tolerance” and “intolerance” for the food in question. This is because one subtype of IgG antibodies, IgG4, actually helps protect against IgE food allergies. However, many IgG antibodies form complexes with antigens (like those from food) that trigger inflammation and can cause a variety of symptoms.
IMPORTANT: Billing for Laboratory Testing (Standard Blood Tests and Functional Medicine Labs)
We do not profit from the sale of laboratory tests. Laboratory testing run through a naturopath doctor is not covered by OHIP and is always paid for privately by the patient. Some private insurance companies cover labs but this varies by plan and provider. We do not have access to this information so please do reach out to your plan provider for details.
Payment and Requisitions
You may request requisitions through the front desk by following the instructions in your plan. Requisitions and kits must be paid at the time of issue.
Policies for Naturopathic Laboratory Testing Access
Due to regulations, we can only provide lab testing for patients of the clinic, when recommended by their Naturopathic Doctor. Lab testing requires a followup visit for interpretation and to discuss results.
Lab Testing Results
We will email you when your results are in and results will be added to your patient portal. The wait time varies depending on the type of test.
Purpose of Naturopath Hormone Testing
Naturopathic hormone testing is essential when it comes to understand levels of hormones in the body and their relationship to the patient’s overall health.
With a well-chosen panel, many undiagnosed conditions can be properly diagnosed and treated. Another benefit of hormone testing is that progress can be tracked through changes in patient data over time. This allows naturopathic doctors to adjust treatment protocols for patients according to their responses.
FAQs
Can a naturopath help balance hormones?
Our naturopathic doctors focus specifically on hormonal balance and in treating hormonal conditions in their practice. We have a deep knowledge of hormone levels at different timings in the cycle, through different life stages and especially of how the different hormones affect each other.
Once we have an understanding of where a patient’s hormones sit and what the imbalances are, we can provide treatments to help regulate levels. Since most hormones are interrelated in their function, all of the hormones should be considered when implementing any treatment.
How can I get my hormone levels checked?
Your naturopathic doctor will thoroughly review your health during the first visit and determine which tests are most relevant and will provide trackable information on your progress. Once you receive the list of tests from your ND, you may book an appointment at the lab to have blood drawn. In reproductive-age patients, these tests may be requested on specific days of the cycle, and in certain cases the time of day to test may also be specified.
How much does hormone testing cost?
Hormone testing costs vary greatly depending on the type of the test. As an example, a basic marker for inflammation through blood could cost $7, whereas comprehensive stool testing can cost $500 or more. Your ND will always let you know about test costs and help you work within your budget. In certain cases, your MD may agree to run some blood tests under OHIP, if they also feel they are warranted for your care.
Can I test my own hormone levels?
In Ontario, lab testing is highly regulated and only certain licensed healthcare providers can order labs. Unfortunately you cannot test your own hormones in Ontario without the support of a licensed provider like a nurse practitioner, naturopathic or medical doctor.
