Ever wonder why you still don’t feel well even after your lab results come back “normal”? That’s where functional medicine testing comes in. Instead of only looking for disease, functional diagnostics explore how your body is actually functioning—right now. This approach dives deeper, uncovering imbalances and dysfunctions before they turn into more serious conditions.
Functional medicine testing doesn’t just look for one root cause—it looks at how multiple systems in your body are connected. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, digestive problems, brain fog, hormonal issues, or unexplained symptoms, these tests help map out what’s really going on inside.
Functional Diagnostics:
A new framework for diagnostic evaluation may be called functional diagnostics. Rather than assessing pathology, functional diagnosis assesses genetic predisposition, functional reserve, metabolic capacity, variations in physiologic functioning, diurnal and cyclic variation, and early tissue injury.
Functional medicine testing can be used to identify:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Digestive, absorptive, and metabolic dysfunction
- Toxic exposures and the ability to detoxify
- Inflammatory responses and triggers
- Imbalances in neurotransmitter metabolites and amino acid precursors
- Hormonal imbalances-adrenal and thyroid functioning
- Disturbances of the gut microbiome
- Genetic susceptibilities, such as methylation (MTHFR) and detoxification issues
Functional laboratory tests available include, but are not limited to, the following. Some are used routinely to evaluate our patients, while other tests may be required depending on individual needs.
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis
- Micronutrient Testing
- Adrenal Stress Profile
- Organic Acid Testing
- Advanced Celiac Profile
- Advanced Cardiometabolic Testing
- Heavy Metal/Essential Element Testing
- Food Sensitivity Testing
- Neurotransmitter Profile
- Genetic Testing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is functional medicine testing, and how is it different from regular lab tests?
Functional medicine testing focuses on how well your body systems are functioning, rather than just checking for disease. It helps detect imbalances early on, even before symptoms worsen.
What are the most common functional medicine tests?
Popular tests include stool analysis, hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, organic acid testing, and genetic panels. Your provider chooses what’s best for your situation.
Can functional medicine tests help with fatigue and brain fog?
Yes. Tests can reveal underlying issues like nutrient deficiencies, adrenal fatigue, or neurotransmitter imbalances—all common contributors to fatigue and brain fog.
How do I know which tests I need?
This depends on your symptoms, health history, and goals. A functional medicine practitioner typically reviews your case and recommends tests tailored to your needs.
Are these tests covered by insurance?
Some may be partially covered, but many specialized tests are out-of-pocket. It’s best to check with your provider or insurance company for specific details.
How long does it take to get results from functional medicine testing?
Most test results come back within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the lab and type of test. Your provider will review the results and explain the next steps.
Can functional medicine tests help if I’ve already had “normal” blood work?
Absolutely. Many people turn to functional testing when standard labs don’t explain their symptoms. These tests go deeper and look at subtle imbalances that might be missed otherwise.
Ready to Get to the Root of Your Health Concerns?
Don’t settle for symptom management—discover a personalized path to lasting wellness. Contact us today and start your journey with Functional Medicine Los Angeles!