What Functional Testing Can Reveal When Your GP Says “Everything Is Fine”

One of the most common things I hear from new clients is:

“I went to my GP, had blood tests, and they said everything is fine… but I still don’t feel right.”

It can feel incredibly frustrating to be told your results are “normal” when you know your body isn’t. This is where functional testing can make such a difference.

Unlike standard NHS blood tests, which focus on identifying disease, functional testing looks at optimal ranges.

These are narrower than conventional “normal” ranges and are designed to highlight imbalances before they become full-blown problems. This means we can often identify areas to support, even if your GP says everything looks fine.

Why functional testing is different

• NHS testing: Designed to rule out disease. If you don’t meet the threshold for illness, you’re told you’re “Normal.”

• Functional testing: Looks at whether your levels are optimal for health and well-being. It asks, “Is this working at its best?” rather than just “Is this diseased?”

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This approach is especially helpful for women’s health, where symptoms like fatigue, PMS, anxiety, bloating, or weight changes are often dismissed as “just part of being a woman.”

Functional tests I often use in my clinic

1. DUTCH Test (hormones)

This is a comprehensive hormone test that maps out oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol patterns. It helps us understand PMS, PMDD, perimenopause symptoms, low energy, or mood swings — and gives clear guidance for hormone-balancing nutrition strategies.

2. Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Your gut is central to digestion, mood, immunity, and even hormone health. Stool testing looks at microbial balance, inflammation, digestion, and parasites. This is a powerful tool for clients with IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or recurrent infections.

3. Vaginal Microbiome Testing

Recurrent BV, thrush, or fertility challenges are often linked to imbalances in the vaginal microbiome. This test shows us what’s really happening — and allows for targeted probiotics and nutritional support.

4. Advanced Thyroid Panel

GPs usually only check TSH. But thyroid health involves free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and antibodies. This fuller panel gives a more accurate picture — especially if you’re struggling with fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, or mood changes.

5. Full Iron Panel

Many women are told their iron is “fine,” but basic NHS testing often only checks haemoglobin. A full iron panel looks at ferritin, transferrin, and iron saturation — giving a clearer picture of iron storage and availability. This is essential for understanding fatigue, brain fog, or heavy periods.

Why this matters

Functional testing doesn’t replace your GP, but it gives us more detailed information. With these results, we can create a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that supports your unique biochemistry.

Often, this means clients finally feel validated: “Yes, there is something going on — and now I understand what it is.

If you’ve been told “everything is fine” but still don’t feel like yourself, functional testing might be the missing piece.

Lets chat about testing