Top 3 Functional Lab Tests for Fertility
When you’re trying to conceive, it can feel like you’re constantly chasing information.. Should you take more supplements? Cut out gluten? Sync your cycle? Try seed cycling or a new prenatal??
The truth is: without clear data on what your body actually needs, most of this advice can feel confusing—or even counterproductive.
That’s why I always start with functional lab testing.
In my holistic health practice, I recommend three foundational labs for women in the preconception phase. These tests give us objective insights into your hormone health, gut function, and nutrient status—all of which play a direct role in fertility.
Here’s a breakdown of each lab, what it measures, and how it helps us support a healthy, natural conception.
1. DUTCH Complete Hormone Test
Balanced hormones are essential for ovulation, cycle regularity, egg maturation, implantation, and sustaining early pregnancy. The DUTCH test doesn’t just tell us how much hormone you’re making—it shows how your body is metabolizing and eliminating those hormones.
What it measures:
Sex hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, & Testosterone
Adrenal hormones: DHEA & Cortisol
Key hormone pathways and detoxification markers
Organic acids to assess brain health, gut health, and nutritional status affecting hormone function
Common patterns this test can reveal:
Low progesterone (which may lead to short luteal phases or difficulty sustaining pregnancy)
Estrogen dominance or poor estrogen detoxification
High androgens (commonly seen in PCOS)
Cortisol imbalances that interfere with ovulation
It’s especially useful if you’ve had irregular cycles, PMS, low libido, or have been on hormonal birth control in the past.
2. GI-MAP Stool Test
Your gut plays a central role in hormone regulation, nutrient absorption, inflammation control, and immune health—all of which are critical for fertility. If the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can quietly disrupt the hormonal and nutritional foundations needed to support conception and pregnancy.
What it measures:
Bacterial imbalances (dysbiosis)
Fungal overgrowth (like candida)
Parasites, viruses, H. pylori, & gut infections
Inflammatory markers
Leaky gut indicators
Enzyme and digestive function
Common patterns this test can reveal:
Hidden infections increasing systemic inflammation
Imbalanced gut bacteria interfering with estrogen metabolism
Leaky gut that triggers immune dysfunction
Low enzyme production affecting nutrient absorption
It’s especially useful if you’ve had bloating, constipation, IBS symptoms, chronic skin issues, brain fog, autoimmune conditions, or a history of antibiotic use.
3. Micronutrient Panel
Nutrients are the raw materials for hormone production, egg quality, implantation, fetal development, and cellular energy. Even with a healthy diet, many women have silent deficiencies that impact fertility without obvious symptoms.
What it measures:
Vitamins: B12, B6, folate, D, C, E
Minerals: Magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron
Amino acids and protein markers
Antioxidants like glutathione and CoQ10
Common patterns this test can reveal:
Low B vitamins impacting hormone production and egg quality
Poor antioxidant status affecting mitochondrial health and egg development
Iron or zinc deficiency impairing ovulation and implantation
Inadequate amino acids needed for tissue repair and hormone signaling
It’s especially useful if you’ve been on hormonal birth control, experienced chronic stress, followed restrictive diets, or dealt with fatigue, hair loss, or poor recovery.
How These Labs Work Together
These three tests are complementary. When we look at them together, we get a 360-degree view of your reproductive health.
For example:
Low progesterone on the DUTCH + high beta-glucuronidase on the GI-MAP might point to poor estrogen detox through the gut
Low B6, magnesium, and zinc on your micronutrient panel might explain poor hormone production or egg quality
High cortisol on the DUTCH + low digestive enzymes on the GI-MAP might show us that chronic stress is impacting both your adrenals and your ability to absorb nutrients
This kind of clarity allows us to build a personalized plan that supports your body, not just a generic TTC checklist.
Ready to take the guesswork out of your fertility?
If you’ve been trying to conceive or you’re planning to start soon, these labs can give you the clarity and direction you've been missing.
I offer a preconception package that includes functional lab testing and a customized health plan tailored to your results.
If you’d like to learn more, apply below. I’m currently opening a few spots for women ready to take this next step.
Apply here for functional lab testing + personalized support →
