Functional Testing for Women’s Health
Functional testing is the foundation of everything at Naturalist. Rather than guessing or relying on symptom-based treatment alone, advanced testing provides clear, measurable data on how your body is actually functioning - allowing for precise, personalised care that targets the real drivers behind your symptoms.
Women's health is complex. Hormones, gut health, inflammation, nutrient status, and the nervous system all influence one another. Functional testing helps us see the full picture - so nothing is missed and nothing is treated in isolation.
How testing works at Naturalist
Three pathways depending on where you are
Functional testing is ordered through NutriPath, a trusted third-party functional pathology provider. Blood work and pathology is ordered through i-Screen and you can visit any i-screen pathology centre for collection. All functional test kits are posted directly to your address anywhere in New Zealand.
Testing is available through three pathways - as part of a Thrive Program or Reset package, or as a standalone service through a casual consultation. The pathway affects the process and pricing, so read the relevant steps inside each test below.
Pathway 1
Thrive Program or Blueprint
Testing is included in your program investment and ordered as part of your onboarding process. Once your Clarity Call is complete and your place is confirmed, I organise everything from there. You receive a link to order your kit directly and your strategy session is booked once results are back.
Pathway 3
Standalone via Consultation
If you'd like to order functional testing outside of a program or Reset package, book an initial consultation. We'll confirm which test is right for your situation and get it ordered from there. A separate interpretation appointment is required once results are back.
EndoMAP
NutriPath's most comprehensive dried urine hormone assessment
The EndoMAP is NutriPATH’s most comprehensive at-home dried urine test, offering a full assessment of hormonal, metabolic and environmental factors that influence hormone health. It provides detailed insights into four major hormone pathways: oestrogen, androgens, progesterone and glucocorticoids - giving a complete picture of hormone production, metabolism and clearance. The panel also includes organic acids, endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, helping identify deeper drivers of hormonal imbalance.
Women with endometriosis, PCOS, painful or heavy periods, PMS/PMDD, fertility concerns, bloating, inflammation, mood changes, or complex hormonal symptoms. Ideal when standard blood tests are normal but symptoms persist.
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Type: Advanced dried urine hormone, metabolite, and environmental toxin assessment
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Collection Method: At-home urine collection
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Turnaround Time: Usually 2-3 weeks
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$590 (included in Thrive Program, Blueprint packages, and Endo, PCOS, and Hormone Reset packages or available as a standalone test - book an initial consultation to get started)
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Complete Microbiome Mapping
Comprehensive stool analysis - ordered through NutriPath
The Complete Microbiome Mapping Test (CMM) is a comprehensive stool analysis that assesses the balance, diversity and function of your gut microbiome. It identifies microbes that may drive inflammation, digestive symptoms or hormonal disruption, including pathogenic bacteria, opportunistic organisms, fungi, viruses and parasites. The panel also includes key immune and digestive markers, providing a full picture of gut health and its role in your overall wellbeing.
Women with bloating, IBS-type symptoms, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, food reactions, acne, brain fog, or suspected gut infections. Also highly relevant for women with endometriosis or hormonal imbalance, as gut health directly influences oestrogen metabolism and inflammation.
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Type: Comprehensive stool test analysing bacteria, pathogens, fungi, viruses, parasites and digestive markers
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Collection Method: At-home stool sample
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Turnaround Time: Approximately 2-3 weeks
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$662 (included in the Gut Reset package or available as a standalone test - book an initial consultation to get started)
Pathology and Pathology Analysis
Ordered through i-Screen, collected at your nearest lab
Pathology testing forms an essential foundation in women’s health, helping uncover the biochemical and physiological factors behind symptoms such as fatigue, irregular cycles, acne, PCOS patterns, thyroid issues, gut symptoms and mood changes. Comprehensive blood work - including full thyroid profiles, sex hormone panels, nutrient status, metabolic markers and inflammatory indicators — provides a clear, clinical overview of how the body is functioning. These tests assess thyroid health, iron and B-vitamin levels, glucose and insulin regulation, liver function, reproductive hormones and more.
I have completed pathology analysis training with The Institute for Integrative and Functional Pathology.
Women experiencing fatigue, irregular cycles, skin conditions, PCOS symptoms, thyroid issues, low mood, weight changes, or anyone wanting a comprehensive baseline. Also recommended alongside the EndoMAP for a complete picture.
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Type: Standard pathology blood work
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Collection Method: Blood draw at a local laboratory
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Turnaround Time: Usually 2–7 days depending on the panel
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Varies by panel (included in Thrive Programs and Blueprint packages - GP basic blood work recommended alongside all pathways including standalone initial consultations)
Vaginal Microbiome Profile
Specialised vaginal swab test - ordered through NutriPath
The Vaginal Microbiome Profile is a specialised test that assesses the balance of bacteria, fungi and other microbes within the vaginal ecosystem. It identifies beneficial Lactobacillus species, detects overgrowths of pathogenic organisms linked to BV, yeast infections or trichomoniasis, and highlights patterns of imbalance that may contribute to symptoms such as discharge, itching, odour, discomfort or recurrent infections. By understanding the exact microbial makeup of the vaginal environment, this test helps pinpoint the root cause of symptoms and guides a targeted, effective treatment plan that supports long-term vaginal and reproductive health.
Women with recurrent BV, yeast infections, vaginal odour, discharge, itching, discomfort, pain during intercourse, recurrent UTIs, or fertility challenges. Particularly useful when symptoms keep returning despite treatment.
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Type: Vaginal microbiome swab test analysing beneficial and pathogenic microbes
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Collection Method: Simple self-swab at home
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Turnaround Time: Around 5-7 days
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Results will be sent to the practitioner who will analysis the results. You will be provided with a functional test report and health strategy based off your results.
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Want to know more? Read the information sheet here
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$340 (available as a standalone test - book an initial consultation to get started)
Client case study: Endometriosis and whole-body healing
Endometriosis | Pain | Hormonal Acne | Fatigue
Female, 29 years old
Presenting concerns: Endometriosis (surgically confirmed), chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, hormonal acne, fatigue, and digestive bloating.
Initial consult summary
Heavy, painful periods with clotting
“Endo belly” and bloating, especially around ovulation and menstruation
Cyclical hormonal acne on her chin and jaw
Low energy and brain fog, especially mid-luteal phase
A feeling of being “stuck in survival mode”
Her diet was relatively balanced, but she consumed a moderate amount of dairy, gluten, and alcohol. She also had a high-stress job with poor work-life boundaries and minimal nervous system regulation.
What we focused on
We focused on herbal support to regulate hormones and ease inflammation, alongside nutrition and supplements to balance blood sugar, support liver detox, and calm the nervous system. Simple daily practices were also introduced to reduce stress and reconnect with the menstrual cycle.
After 1 month
Pain and bloating had started to ease, skin was clearing, and energy felt more stable.
After 2 months
Cycles were becoming more regular, period pain had reduced further, and acne flare-ups were less frequent.
After 3 months
Periods were manageable without medication, energy and mood were more consistent, and there was a stronger sense of connection and trust in the body.
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Not sure where to start? That's what the Clarity Call is for.
A 40-minute conversation about your symptoms, your history, and which pathway makes the most sense for where you are right now. No obligation. If it's not the right fit, I'll tell you honestly.