Dr. Stephanie Martin, IVF acupuncturist and fertility consultant, reviewing functional labs and supplements for fertility coaching client.

Functional Labs

Struggling with irregular cycles, mood swings, digestive issues, or fatigue that just doesn’t add up?

Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating perimenopause, or just want to feel better in your body, functional labs help to identify where your body is asking for more direct support.

Why Functional Labs?

This approach looks at your body as a whole, connecting the dots between hormones, gut health, nutrition, and more…so you can:

  • Regulate cycles & ease period symptoms

  • Balance hormones through perimenopause & menopause

  • Improve digestion & gut health

  • Boost energy & metabolic health

  • Support long-term well-being

Advanced Lab Testing We Offer

  • Various containers of supplements to support health and fertility.

    Functional Blood Chemistry

    A deep dive into key markers analyzed through a functional lens to identify inflammation, suboptimal thyroid function, metabolic issues, mineral status , and blood sugar balance. This gives us a complete view of how your body systems are working together.

  • Advanced Hormone Testing (DUTCH Plus) test kit.

    Advanced Hormone Testing (DUTCH Plus®)

    An at-home urine and saliva test that measures sex hormones, adrenal health, and how your body metabolizes and clears hormones. It provides insights into estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol patterns, and liver detox pathways, helping identify hormonal imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, cycle irregularities, mood shifts, and stress.

  • Gut Health (GI-Map) test kit.

    Gut Health (GI-MAP)

    A comprehensive stool test that identifies microbiome imbalances, gut barrier issues, digestive function, and inflammation, all of which can disrupt hormone regulation, nutrient absorption, and overall reproductive health.

  • Food Sensitivity (MRT) results after functional lab testing.

    Food Sensitivity (MRT)

    This test pinpoints foods and chemicals that may be triggering inflammation and adding unnecessary stress to your body. By identifying and removing these triggers, we can help improve digestion, regulate hormones, and reduce symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and skin issues.

  • Nutrient & Metabolic Testing (Metabolomix+) results after functional lab testing.

    Nutrient & Metabolic Testing (Metabolomix+)

    This at-home urine and blood spot test evaluates vitamin and mineral status, oxidative stress markers, and toxin exposure. These insights, allow us to customize a plan to make sure your body has essential building blocks for optimal energy, hormone balance, and overall health.

Not sure what you need? Let's chat!
Dr. Stephanie Martin, IVF acupuncturist and fertility consultant, preparing for fertility coaching client.
Outline drawing of a single, leafed branch with multiple elongated leaves.

Are Functional Labs Right for You?

This approach is perfect if you:

  • Feel like something’s “off” but keep hearing your labs are normal.

  • Are preparing for pregnancy or going through IVF.

  • Struggle with irregular cycles, fatigue, or unexplained symptoms.

  • Are deep in the throes of perimenopause and looking for real relief.

  • Have PCOS, endometriosis, or are recovering post-birth control.

  • Want a root-cause approach instead of just masking symptoms.

This may not be the right if you:

✖ Aren’t ready to make adjustments to diet, lifestyle, or supplements.
✖ Are looking for a quick fix instead of a long-term, sustainable plan.
✖ Expect overnight results without committing to the process.

Functional Labs

  • Functional labs provide a deeper look at how your body’s systems are functioning together, often identifying imbalances before they show up as disease. While standard labs focus on diagnosing illness, functional testing looks for optimal ranges, root causes, and early patterns that may be contributing to symptoms like hormone imbalance, fatigue, or digestive issues.

  • No referral is needed. I will recommend the most appropriate tests based on your symptoms, goals, and history. All testing is ordered through my practice and reviewed together as part of your personalized care plan.

  • Functional labs help identify imbalances related to hormones, thyroid function, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, metabolic health, adrenal function, and food sensitivities. These insights guide targeted treatment strategies to address concerns like irregular cycles, fertility struggles, perimenopause symptoms, digestive problems, fatigue, and more.

  • Most tests are completed at home with easy-to-follow collection kits, including saliva, urine, blood spot, or stool samples, depending on the test. Some blood work may be drawn locally if needed. I will guide you through the entire process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.

  • Functional labs are typically not covered by insurance, as they fall outside the scope of conventional care. However, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds to cover the cost. We’ll review pricing and options together before proceeding so you can make informed decisions.

  • Once your results are in, we’ll schedule a comprehensive review session to walk through the findings in plain language. You’ll receive a personalized plan outlining clear steps for nutrition, lifestyle, supplementation, and any additional therapies to address the root causes we uncover.

  • Yes! Many clients come to me after being told their labs are normal, but they still don’t feel well. Functional labs look at more sensitive ranges and patterns that help explain frustrating symptoms and create actionable solutions.

Ready for a plan made just for you?

Book a free discovery call to learn about my acupuncture and Fertility Consulting services.