Ellen Potthoff, DC
Specializing in Stress Management and Hormone Health through Chiropractic and Functional Medicine
What is Specialty Testing?
Laboratory testing may be necessary in order to identify suspected or hidden causes of health problems.
There are specific tests and special laboratories with many tests that can help you achieve wellness. The tests require different types of samples: saliva, urine, stool, blood, or hair samples, and sometimes, combinations of these.
There are tests of the functional levels of vitamins and minerals in your body. There are tests of environmental toxins associated with such symptoms as chemical sensitivity, fatigue, numbness, tingling, poor memory or concentration, and poor resolution to typical health problems. They are specially indicated for those with occupational exposure. There are tests of environmental pollutants such as xylene, benzene, toluene, styrene, trimethylbenzene, paraben, and phthalate (found in plastics and over 70% of the most commonly used cosmetics).
There are also tests of organ or system function like liver clearance of toxic agents, cardiovascular risk assessment, intestinal permeability and thyroid function. There are tests specific to particular conditions like C-reactive protein levels to assess the level of inflammation and tissue damage in the body (inflammation is a precursor to many conditions like heart disease and cancer), hormone and neurotransmitter levels associated with a host of diseases, food and environmental allergies, bone resorption to monitor osteoporosis treatment, and digestive function tests to assist with both GI conditions and CFS, fibromyalgia, etc.
Neurotransmitter Testing
Imbalances of our neurotransmitters and hormones are often the underlying causes of: depression, anxiety, attention issues, fatigue, weight and appetite control, libido, insomnia, headaches, PMS, and pain. Neurotransmitter and hormonal levels can be tested prior to treatment to identify specific therapeutic agents. One of the most common hormonal tests done is of adrenal function given the level of stress currently. Stress causes major disruptions in adrenal function that lead to sex hormone and sugar imbalances.