A NATUROPATHIC APPROACH TO
FUNCTIONAL MEDICAL TESTING
Hormone Testing, Stool Testing, SIBO Breath Testing & Food Intolerance Assessment
Functional Medical Tests
Virtual appointments for functional medical testing in Ontario.
At Sequence Wellness, we use evidence-informed laboratory testing to help identify the root causes of fatigue, digestive symptoms, hormonal changes, skin conditions, and chronic inflammation. Testing is never the starting point, but when used appropriately, it provides the clarity needed to create a personalized, highly effective treatment plan.
All testing is carried out by our licensed naturopathic doctors and is available to patients anywhere in Ontario, using local-to-you Lifelabs and Dynacare locations, and/or convenient at-home kits.
Why Functional Testing Matters
Many patients come to us after being told:
“Your bloodwork looks normal.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you.”
“It’s just stress / IBS / hormones.”
Yet they continue to experience symptoms that significantly impact quality of life.
Functional testing helps uncover patterns that standard bloodwork may overlook, including:
- Microbiome imbalances
- Digestive enzyme issues
- Chronic inflammation
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hormone fluctuations
- Food intolerances
- Motility problems
- Hidden infections
- Gut permeability markers
Testing is always individualized—and only recommended when it will meaningfully guide treatment.
Types of Testing We Offer
Below is an overview of the most common functional tests used at Sequence Wellness.
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing may include:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- LH / FSH
- Prolactin
- SHBG
- Cortisol (serum or salivary rhythm testing)
- AMH
Testing helps us understand symptoms related to:
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- PMS / PMDD
- Cycle irregularities
- Hormonal acne
- Low libido
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Hair and skin changes
When is hormone testing helpful?
- When symptoms are unclear or fluctuating
- When considering bioidentical menopausal hormone therapy (BHRT)
- When thyroid or adrenal patterns may be involved
Thyroid & Metabolic Testing
Thyroid imbalances are common contributors to fatigue, mood changes, weight shifts, hair loss, and digestive symptoms.
Testing may include:
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Anti-TPO antibodies
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
- Thyroid-related nutrient levels (iron, B12, vitamin D)
We also evaluate metabolic markers, such as:
- Fasting glucose
- Insulin
- HbA1c
- Lipid profile
Digestive & Stool Testing
Comprehensive stool analysis helps identify:
- Bacterial imbalances
- Parasites
- Yeast / fungi
- Inflammation
- Gut immune function (secretory IgA)
- Digestive enzymes
- Bile acids
- Short-chain fatty acids
- Occult blood
At Sequence Wellness, we commonly use:
- GI-MAP®
- CDSA panels
Stool testing is particularly helpful for:
- IBS
- IBD (co-managed)
- Chronic bloating
- Loose stools or constipation
- Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Unexplained fatigue or inflammation
- Recurrent digestive infections
SIBO Breath Testing
Used to diagnose:
- Hydrogen-dominant SIBO
- Methane-dominant SIBO (IMO)
- Hydrogen-sulfide SIBO (when available)
Testing options include:
- Lactulose breath test
- Glucose breath test
- FoodMarble™ at-home monitoring
SIBO testing is recommended when patients experience:
- Bloating shortly after meals
- Excessive gas
- Constipation or diarrhea
- IBS symptoms
- Rosacea associated with gut symptoms
- Unexplained abdominal discomfort
Food Intolerance & Immune-Based Testing
We use several approaches depending on symptoms:
a. Lactose / fructose intolerance testing
Via serum glucose or breath analysis.
b. IgG food sensitivity testing
- Useful in select cases, including:
- Migraines
- Eczema / psoriasis
- Joint pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Autoimmune conditions
- Digestive symptoms with unclear triggers
c. Guided elimination diets
Often the gold standard, especially when done with practitioner support.
Nutrient Status Testing
Symptoms like fatigue, hair thinning, low mood, and poor immunity may be related to nutrient levels.
We often test:
- Iron / ferritin
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium (RBC)
- Zinc
- Omega-3 index
Patients are often surprised by how much better they feel once deficiencies are addressed.
Additional Testing (When Clinically Indicated)
Depending on your symptoms, we may also evaluate:
- CRP / inflammatory markers
- Liver enzymes
- Sex hormone binding globulin
- Prolactin
- Autoimmune markers
- H. pylori (stool or breath test)
Want to learn more about your body?
How Testing Works at Sequence Wellness | The Process
Every person is an individual, but we have a systematic approach that allows for thoroughness as well as safety, as we abide by research supported medical guidelines to inform our assessment and care plans.
- Meet with a naturopathic doctor.
- We coordinate your testing.
- We interpret the results clearly.
- You receive a personalized treatment plan.
You meet with a naturopathic doctor
Your practitioner determines whether testing is needed based on your symptoms, history, and goals.
We coordinate your testing
Most tests can be completed:
- At home
- Through local labs
- Via partner testing facilities (Dynacare or Lifelabs in Ontario)
We interpret the results clearly
Patients often tell us this is the first time someone has walked them through their labs in a way that makes sense.
You receive a personalized treatment plan
Testing guides the strategy, but treatment always considers the whole person.
Getting started:
Why Patients Choose Sequence Wellness for Testing
Experienced in interpreting complex tests
All naturopathic doctors on our team have advanced training in:
- Hormonal test interpretation
- Stool analysis
- SIBO breath testing
- Thyroid analysis
- Nutrient panel interpretation
Integrative, research-informed guidance
We combine conventional and naturopathic testing frameworks for a more complete picture.
Virtual access across Ontario
Most tests are completed at your local Lifelabs or Dynacare collection locations, or at home via easy to use self collection kits —ideal for patients outside major cities.
Clear communication
We explain what each test means, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture.
No unnecessary testing
We only recommend what is clinically useful.
Our Team
All naturopathic doctors at Sequence Wellness are trained in functional testing and laboratory interpretation. Each practitioner brings a unique clinical perspective, but all provide comprehensive testing options to patients across Ontario.
Dr. Elizabeth Miller
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Mariia Tanasyshyn
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Sarah Goulding
Naturopathic Doctor
FAQ
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes! Most of our appointments are virtual. However, we will soon be returning to the office, and will be able to accommodate some in-person appointments in Ottawa, Mississauga, and Toronto.
Do you offer in-person appointments?
Yes! Most of our appointments are virtual, but we offer in-person appointments in Ottawa, Mississauga, and Toronto (Distillery District).
How lab testing works if I live outside Ottawa
There is no obstacle to getting lab testing if you live outside of Ottawa (or one of our other in-person locations – Mississauga and Toronto). We rely on Lifelabs and Dynacare for lab specimen collection, and they have locations across Ontario. GTA patients can access over 150 Dynacare collection sites for instance.
What about physical exams?
As we do mainly hormonal health, digestion and burnout, most of the relevant objective information comes from lab testing. In addition, most of our patients have already seen their medical doctor who has performed a physical exam with no relevant findings. There are some circumstances when physical exams are warranted, and in these cases we ask the patient to come into one of our offices (Ottawa, Mississauga or Toronto – east), or we refer to another practitioner local to them (their family doctor, nurse practitioner or another ND).
What is the process for lab testing?
Get the Clarity You’ve Been Missing
Book a virtual appointment to determine which tests are right for you.
Virtual naturopathic care available anywhere in Ontario.
