Understanding the Root Causes of Fatigue, Immune Problems, Weight Gain, Hormone Imbalance, and Gut Issues

When you’ve been told “your labs look normal” but you still don’t feel normal — it’s time to dig deeper. Functional lab testing helps uncover what standard labs often miss. Instead of simply identifying disease, these tests evaluate how your body is functioning and where imbalances are beginning to develop.

Here are three functional tests used at Abundant Integrative Medicine that provide a comprehensive picture of gut health, hormones, and nutrient status.

1. GI-MAP: Comprehensive Gut Health Testing

Your gut plays a critical role in everything from digestion to immunity and even mood. The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) uses advanced DNA analysis to measure the microorganisms living in your digestive tract.

What it reveals:

• Imbalances in good and bad bacteria (dysbiosis)

• Overgrowth of yeast or parasites

• Levels of digestive enzymes and secretory IgA (gut immunity)

• Markers for inflammation and leaky gut

  
  

Why it matters:A healthy microbiome supports nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and detoxification. If you struggle with bloating, IBS, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained fatigue, this test helps pinpoint the root causes so we can create a targeted healing plan.

2. SpectraCell Micronutrient Test: Cellular Nutrition Insight

Even if you eat a balanced diet, your cells may not be absorbing or utilizing nutrients effectively. The SpectraCell Micronutrient Test looks inside the cell to evaluate how well your body uses key vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

What it reveals:

• Deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin D

• Oxidative stress and immune function

• How well your cells are performing metabolically

  
  

Why it matters: Optimal nutrient levels are essential for energy, mood, thyroid function, and healthy metabolism. This test helps guide personalized supplement and dietary strategies to correct deficiencies and improve long-term wellness.

3. DUTCH Test: Advanced Hormone and Adrenal Assessment

Hormones affect everything from sleep and energy to metabolism and mood. The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) offers a complete look at sex hormones, cortisol rhythm, and their metabolites — providing far more detail than standard bloodwork.

What it reveals:

• Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA balance

• Cortisol rhythm and adrenal function

• Melatonin production and stress hormone metabolism

• Detoxification patterns of estrogen (phase I and II liver pathways)

  
  

Why it matters:If you’re experiencing fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, or menstrual irregularities, this test helps uncover why. With these insights, we can create a personalized plan to rebalance hormones naturally.

The Bottom Line

Functional testing bridges the gap between “everything looks normal” and actually feeling well. By using data from your body’s own biology, we can create a precise, individualized plan that supports true healing — not just symptom management.

Interested in getting tested?At Abundant Integrative Medicine, we guide patients through each step — from selecting the right test to interpreting the results and building a personalized protocol.