What does Functional Testing actually test?

Progesterone (via b-pregnanediol and a-pregnanediol): Progesterone supports regular cycles, sleep, and mood. It's measured through its breakdown products in urine, and the results show whether ovulation is producing enough.

Progesterone pathway (5a-metabolism): Shows how much progesterone is converted into the form that acts on calming receptors in the brain, which can influence anxiety and sleep.

Estradiol (E2): The most potent oestrogen. It influences cycles, mood, skin, bone health, and menopausal symptoms.

Estrone (E1): A weaker oestrogen that becomes the dominant type after menopause and can convert into estradiol.

Estriol (E3): The weakest oestrogen, with mild effects.

Total oestrogen: Your overall oestrogen load.

2-OH-E1: The most protective breakdown pathway for oestrogen.

4-OH-E1 and 4-OH-E2: A more reactive pathway that can be harmful if it isn't cleared properly.

16-OH-E1: A breakdown product that keeps stronger oestrogenic activity, so high levels can add to oestrogen excess symptoms.

2-OH-E2 and 2-methoxy-E1: Further breakdown products that show how efficiently oestrogen is being processed and neutralised.

Pathway balance (2-OH/16-OH and 2-OH/4-OH ratios): Shows which breakdown pathway your body favours, protective or less desirable.

Methylation activity: Shows how well your body neutralises reactive oestrogens, which is a key part of clearing them safely.

Total DHEA production: Your overall output of DHEA, a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands that feeds into both testosterone and oestrogen.

DHEA-S: The stored form of DHEA. Low levels can reflect stress on the adrenals or inflammation.

Testosterone: Support energy, mood, libido, muscle, and motivation.

Androsterone and etiocholanolone: DHEA breakdown products that show which direction your body is sending its androgens.

DHT: The most potent androgen, linked to symptoms like acne, oily skin, and hair thinning when elevated.

5a-androstanediol and 5b-androstanediol: Show how active DHT is in your tissues, which is often more revealing than blood or urine testosterone alone.

Metabolism of androgens: Shows whether your body leans toward the more androgenic pathway.

Daily cortisol pattern: Cortisol should be highest in the morning and fall through the day. Four samples show whether your rhythm is on track.

Daily cortisone pattern: Cortisone is the inactive, stored form of cortisol. It gives a fuller picture of your true cortisol levels.

24 hour cortisol and cortisone: Your total cortisol and cortisone across the day.

Metabolized cortisol: Your total cortisol output, showing how much your adrenals actually produce.

Cortisol clearance rate: How quickly your body breaks down and clears cortisol. Fast clearance can cause low cortisol symptoms even when production looks fine.

Cortisol vs cortisone preference: Shows whether your body is leaning toward active or inactive cortisol, which can reflect chronic stress or inflammation.

Anabolic and catabolic balance: Compares androgens to cortisol to show whether your body is leaning toward repair and building or breakdown.

Vitamin B12 marker: High levels suggest a B12 deficiency, which affects energy, mood, and oestrogen clearance.

Vitamin B6 markers: High levels suggest a B6 deficiency, which affects neurotransmitters and hormone processing.

Biotin marker: Shows biotin status, which supports energy production, hair, and skin.

Glutathione marker: Your body's key antioxidant and detox compound.

Gut marker: High levels can point to gut dysbiosis, which affects oestrogen clearance, inflammation, and nutrient absorption.

Dopamine marker: Linked to motivation and mood.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline marker: Reflects your stress hormone activity.

Neuroinflammation marker: High levels can be linked to inflammation affecting mood and sleep.

Melatonin: Shows how much melatonin you produced overnight, which reflects sleep quality.

Oxidative stress: A marker of oxidative stress and DNA damage, which shows how much strain your body is under.