Want to understand the underlying cause?
Glenville Nutrition specialise in functional medicine tests that can be used to identify underlying causes of symptoms and health conditions. We carry out blood tests in our clinic for nutritional deficiencies and advanced immune markers which are useful in chronic inflammation, chronic fatigue, thyroid conditions, autoimmune and fertility issues. We are experts in digestive testing using comprehensive sate of the art stool analysis and breath testing. We also specialise in hormonal tests which can give a deeper understanding of hormonal imbalances, detoxification pathways and stress hormone production.
Appropriate tests can help to more quickly identify underlying causes of symptoms and to determine safe and effective recommendations for you. All the tests below are carried out by accredited scientific laboratories in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Your nutritionist can interpret the findings of these tests for you and will provide tailored recommendations based on your results.
Gastrointestinal health and IBS
This test is the most accurate and comprehensive analysis of the microbes in your gut using the latest DNA sequencing technology. It also includes important markers of gut health including measurements of inflammation, host defences, health of the gut lining and digestion. Instead of guessing about your food intolerances, digestive symptoms and sampling lots of supplements, your nutritionist can focus and tailor your protocol based on these results and work with you to improve your digestive health and all that it impacts. Test price €460 including return shipping [subject to change]
SIBO is now believed to be the most common cause of IBS symptoms and has been related to a wide range of other conditions, from anxiety to rosacea. If you have symptoms of food intolerances or reactions, bloating, reflux, flatulence, cramps and irregular bowel movements, it may be worth testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as an underlying cause. In many cases, IBS does not have to be a 'live-with' situation and eradication of SIBO and supporting gut health can improve your wellbeing. Test price €160 [subject to change]
Nutrient levels
A comprehensive analysis of your nutrient levels: assesses your levels of crucial vitamins including vitamin D, minerals, antioxidants and essential fats. Nutrient deficiencies can be a cause of, or contributing factor to many symptoms of chronic illness. Even if your diet is good, everyone has different demands based on lifestyle, stress and ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food. You Nutritionist can tailor your dietary and supplement protocol based on your own nutrient levels using this test. Test price €315 excluding phlebotomy and courier charges [subject to change]
If you are following a vegan or largely plant-based diet, you are at greater risk of certain deficiencies that can cause longer-term health issues including problems with bone density. Find out if your diet is working for you by measuring your levels of critical nutrients and assessing your bone health also. Your Nutritionist can tailor a supplement protocol to address any gaps identified and provide dietary advice on how to find some of these nutrients in a plant-based diet. Test price €520 [subject to change]
Ireland has one of the lowest rates of vitamin D in Europe. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with immune imbalances, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and fertility problems. Knowing your vitamin D is essential to tailor supplementation appropriately and safely. Excess vitamin D can cause health problems also. Test price €55 [subject to change]
Iodine is a critical mineral for the production of thyroid hormones and if you are deficient in iodine this could be affecting your thyroid health. Iodine deficiency is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction and is implicated in autoimmune Hashimoto's and Grave's disease. Excess iodine supplementation has been shown to aggravate thyroid conditions and may increase antibodies in autoimmune thyroid conditions. It is important to test your levels and supplement safely. Iodine is also important for breast health. Test price €85 excluding phlebotomy and courier [subject to change]
These essential fats need to be in balance to address inflammatory disorders such as autoimmune conditions, heart disease and other immune imbalances including those related to fertility and pregnancy. Test price €85 [subject to change]
Hormone Health Men & Women
The DUTCH test is a urine test that takes a very comprehensive look at your hormonal balance. This simple at-home test gives an in-depth analysis of sex hormone production, including DHEA, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. There are many different forms of these hormones, including breakdown products which are produced by detoxification in the liver. From these results we can assess the root causes of hormonal symptoms plus low energy and mood issues. The test also includes a stress hormone profile and markers of associated neurotransmitters and nutrients. Test price €340 [subject to change]
This is a very useful marker of bone turnover to find out if you are losing bone too quickly and need to support your bone health and strength. A DEXA scan is the gold standard in determining bone density but between measurements or if you would like to see whether you are doing enough to support your bones right now, this simple urine measurement is a great way to assess progress. This measurement will change when you improve your rate of bone loss so that you know you are on the right protocol for you. Some people will need greater support than others depending on their particular demands, additional health conditions or genetic susceptibility. Test price €75 excluding phlebotomy and courier charges [subject to change]
This test can detect imbalances in the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA and identify if your body is coping with the stresses and strains you are dealing with. Stress hormone output follows a daily pattern, your circadian rhythm, which is essential for energy, mood, motivation and then rest and recovery at night. This test also measures your total hormone output which can be altered from long term stress. This is a measure of your current resilience to stress. Stress also impacts many other systems and health conditions. Your Nutritionist can help you support your natural resilience and recovery from stress. Test price €205 [subject to change]
Fertility
Other relevant tests: Nutritional profiles, hormone tests, thyroid tests, vaginal microbiome
A semen analysis is the first line of testing for male fertility. This measures the quantity and quality of the sperm and their ability to travel to fertilise the egg. Sperm deliver paternal DNA to the egg during fertilization. It is important that this DNA is of optimum quality to ensure the healthy development of the embryo and foetus. Elevated DNA fragmentation is linked with infertility and miscarriage. One quarter of men with a normal semen analysis may still have elevated DNA fragmentation so it is important to carry out this test in conjunction with a regular semen analysis. This test is an external referral
Your immune system plays a critical role in tolerating conception, the implantation of an embryo and a healthy pregnancy. Immune-related fertility issues are commonly implicated in 'unexplained infertility', failed IVF cycles and recurrent miscarriage. This test is a very comprehensive analysis of a wide number of immune cell types plus their function and activity. It encompasses markers from the 'Chicago bloods' of NK cell activity and many more cell types and inflammatory markers. Modulating the immune response may support a healthy pregnancy and successful IVF cycle. Test price €720 not including phlebotomy and courier charges [subject to change]
Thyroid conditions, underactive thyroid and Hashimoto’s disease
We can measure all thyroid hormones and auto antibodies including TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. It is important to take a wide view of your thyroid function rather than just TSH and fT4. In particular thyroid antibodies can indicate inflammation and damage at the thyroid, even before your TSH or fT4 is out of range. Preventative steps may be able to restore thyroid health and reduce the need for medication in the future. It is also important to identify whether your thyroid condition is caused by an autoimmune attack or nutrient deficiencies, or both, so that the best protocol can be tailored for you.
If you are concerned that your thyroid may be an issue (see More Test Information for possible symptoms), you could test your thyroid function ahead of your consultation using this Let's Get Checked Link. We also test for these bloods in clinic should you rather attend for phlebotomy' Test price €155 - €230 including rT3, excluding phlebotomy and courier charges [subject to change] If your results are abnormal, we can tailor your protocol based on this. If you results are normal, we can still help to get to the root cause of your symptoms.
Certain nutrients are essential for thyroid hormone production. The most critical is iodine and many people are deficient which can cause significant issues for thyroid function and health. We also require minerals such as iron and magnesium for thyroid hormone production. Zinc and selenium are essential for conversion of thyroid hormone to the active freeT3 version and both of these minerals also protect the thyroid from damage and inflammation. We measure all of these minerals (in a full mineral screen) along with vitamin D which is critical to immune balance and autoimmune thyroid disease. Test price €195 excluding phlebotomy and courier [subject to change]
Microbiome tests – vaginal microbiome and oral microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is essential for protection against bacterial and fungal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections/ thrush and other imbalances. The good bacteria in the vaginal tract help to maintain the right environment and improve immune defences at the vaginal lining. Immune imbalances are implicated in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, recurrent miscarriage and failed IVF cycles. This state of the art test accurately measures the beneficial bacteria, the environment in the vagina including markers of inflammation and pH, and a number of disease causing pathogens. Test price €270 [subject to change]
As with any microbiome, the oral microbiome has a healthy status quo or 'homeostasis' with 'good' bacteria that are beneficial for health. Bacterial imbalances in form of infection, injury, dietary changes and risk-associated factors (e.g. smoking) may disrupt the beneficial bacteria and result in damage to the oral cavity but also consequences beyond this and risks for chronic disease. Chronic inflammation stemming from the oral cavity can alter immune responses and is connected with both local and systemic disease. Inflammatory oral conditions include gingivitis and periodontitis, and an increased risk for oral cancer. We know more now about the connection between oral inflammation and bacterial imbalances with cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Restoring the bacterial balance in the oral cavity is an important process for reversing this damage. Test price €200 [subject to change]
Fatigue, energy, other
Measures a number of factors associated with maintaining normal blood sugar levels including HbA1c (a measure of your sugar control), insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides and the inflammatory marker C-reactive Protein. Test prices vary depending on analyte measured, range from €45 - €200 exlcuding phlebotomy and courier charges [subject to change]
There are a number of options for tests in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Many functional medicine tests can be helpful, so it is often best to prioritise where to start depending on the root cause of your fatigue and the most concerning symptoms. The most appropriate tests can be discussed with your Nutritionist during your initial consultation.
Some people find the combination of the Adrenal Stress Profile and Metabolic Analysis tests provides a comprehensive analysis of various factors that may be implicated in chronic fatigue and other related conditions.
We often recommend standard blood tests such as a full blood count, iron studies, hormone levels, cholesterol monitoring amongst others. We can advise you of the most appropriate and helpful tests during your initial consultation depending on your personal health history and symptoms. If you have recent test results from a GP/ consultant, please do send a copy on to your Nutritionist before your consultation.
