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The Fertility Care Program is a natural, yet scientific program to support fertility. This means that we highly value and utilize lab testing in order to find and diagnose any underlying factors that may be blocking your fertility. A list of our testing offered is found below, but remember that we do also use conventional blood testing for: thyroid function and antibodies, markers of autoimmune disease, hormone levels, clotting factors and nutrient deficiencies.
I would like to illustrate the use of Naturopathic testing, and diagnosis in a less complicated scenario. So, let's look at a specific example of "LOW ENERGY". This is the complaint that most commonly brings someone to see a naturopath. Here we start by test for the top 3 medical diagnoses related to low energy: low iron, low vitamin B12 and an underactive thyroid gland. Remember, this is where most conventional MD's will stop. If these are all normal, we have several other layers to look at: 1) Food intolerances - a very common cause of low energy; 2) Adrenal gland function - stress hormones are impacted by chronic, high levels of stress and can have profound affect on energy; and 3) Gastrointestinal function - imbalances in gastrointestinal function or overgrowth of intestinal pathogens can have a tremendous affect on energy levels. Not to mention the other obvious factors of good nutrition, adequate protein intake and regular exercise. As you can see, this approach provides a very comprehensive look at possible causes of low energy.
We apply a very similar outlook with fertility. First step is to examine all of the obvious and conventional obstacles: are you ovulating, is the semen quality adequate, are your fallopian tubes clear, is your FSH level optimal, is the thyroid functioning well, etc. The next layer is to look at immune function, stress hormones, clotting factors, implantation, egg quality and other more detailed areas that can affect fertility.
Tests offered here use in-depth analysis of blood, saliva and stool using contemporary diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art labs to reveal and unlock underlying issues to many common ailments. Below is a list of diagnostic (lab) testing done done at Annapurna Naturopathic. We also use conventional blood tests for hormones, thyroid function, nutritional deficiencies and other markers. Diagnostics are usually recommended to 80% of new patients that come to the clinic. For new patients visiting the clinic for the first time we encourage you read and understand the various test as they may apply to you.
Test screens for such food intolerances including: Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, whey, goat's milk), Gluten and other grains, Soy, Eggs, Nuts, Seeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Seafood.
Associated Symptoms that may indicate a food sensitivity: Fatigue, Headaches, Bloating, Constipation or Diarrhea, Abdominal cramping, Itchy skin, Chronic or recurrent rash.
Associated Conditions: Seasonal Allergies, Eczema, Asthma, Auto-Immune Disease, Endometriosis, Arthritis, Depression, Acne, "Irritable bowel syndrome". With fertility, this is used as a marker of possible immune system involvement.
Test screens for markers of adrenal stress related to a range of symptoms from fatigue, burn-out, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and poor stress tolerance. This is a functional medicine test, meaning that it will find imbalances in adrenal or stress hormones which may cause chronic states of feeling unwell, often with no diagnosed disease. For example, in many cases anxiety is related to high daytime cortisol levels which can be effectively treated by supporting optimal adrenal health. Cortisol is referred to as a "stress hormone" as it is involved in response to stress and anxiety. It also increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses. Stress hormone imbalance can have a profound effect on fertility and is commonly closely examined.
This is an easy to perform and cost-effective test for hormone levels at two points during a woman's menstrual cycle. It shows the following: signs of estrogen dominance, whether ovulation is happening or not, whether progesterone levels are sufficient, whether estrogen levels are too high or too low, and also whether the three estrogens (estrone / E1, estradiol / E2 and estriol / E3) are in their optimal ratios. This test is commonly used in cases of PMS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome and breast cancer. Hormones measured from saliva samples are: estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. One sample is taken in the beginning half (follicular phase) of the menstrual cycle and the second sample is taken in the second half (luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle.
This is a more thorough analysis of hormone balance measuring hormones every 2-3 days throughout one full menstrual cycle. It can indicate in more details potential causes of hormone imbalance, hormones related to infertility, as well as a more accurate diagnosis of hormonal causes of PMS, fibrocystic breast disease and irregular ovulation. Hormones measured from saliva samples: estradiol (x11), progesterone (x11), testosterone (cycle average), DHEA (cycle average), FSH (x5) and LH (x5).
A digestive stool analysis is indicated for those with chronic digestive complaints who are looking to get to the root of them. This is a very thorough panel that will provide accurate information about the root cause of your digestive complaints: irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, constipation, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and stomach aches. A digestive stool analysis is a complete panel examining the following: presence of parasites, pathogenic bacteria and yeast; markers of digestive function such as pancreatic enzyme output; signs of inflammation in the small or large intestine; stool pH; presence of blood; and several key food intolerances (gluten, eggs, soy and dairy). In some fertility cases, digestive system irritability can affect uterine lining receptivity and immune factors.
The yeast test measures quantitatively for the presence of yeast in the digestive tract as well as an optional swab which can be used for either oral (thrush) or vaginal samples. This test is indicated in all cases of suspected chronic yeast overgrowth or candida. It will also determine the strain of yeast present which is often helpful in determining the best treatment options. Chronic yeast overgrowth can affect cervical mucous quality and immune system function.
This is a blood test for celiac disease. Celiac disease involves an immune response to gluten which is found in many grains such as wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley and oats. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, gassiness, weight loss and fatigue. It is also associated with various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This test measures "Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase" which is a highly sensitive (about 98%) and highly specific (> 95%) marker for untreated celiac disease. It also measures Anti-Gliadin IgG and IgA which are additional immune markers found in celiac disease and gluten intolerance. There have been many studies showing a relationship between celiac disease and infertility (which is reversible with gluten avoidance and immune support). We have testing available to confirm or rule-out this possibility.
This is a comprehensive test to assess egg quality and ovarian reserve. The test uses the following markers: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), AMH (anti-mullerian hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), estradiol and inhibin B, and puts this information together graphically to illustrate a more useful marker of ovarian response. This test will be available either December 2010 or January 2011 - please contact the clinic for more information.
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