Health Testing

The adrenal glands are two small glands located above the kidneys that produce steroid hormones. Adrenal gland dysfunction has been shown to induce blood sugar dysfunction, negatively impact thyroid hormones, decrease the liver's ability to detoxify, decrease bone density, induce depression, encourage obesity, increase the risk factors for cardiovascular and neurological disease, negatively impact gastrointestinal health, suppress immunity, create sleep disturbance and negatively impact hormone regulation.

Accurately evaluating hormone and endocrine function is a common and fundamental part of many patients work up. Effective assessment can provide important information for avoiding the negative side effects associated with hormone replacement therapies and for determining the appropriate use of natural medicines. An expanded female hormone panel will often be performed along with an adrenal stress index test and neurotransmitter analysis to provide a thorough evaluation of neuro-endocrine function.

This is a blood test that identifies delayed allergies (sometimes called sensitivities). Unlike "regular" allergies, delayed allergies can take up to 3 days to produce symptoms. Therefore they can often be difficult to identify without testing. If you have had skin testing for allergies, you were not tested for delayed allergies. Delayed allergies can be identified by a blood test called an ELISA test. This type of allergy testing is essential for identifying "hidden" allergies that may go undetected by traditional allergy testing methods.

This is a stool test used to identify individuals with bacteria, parasite, fungus and Candida problems, and inflammation. It also identifies immune deficiencies within the GI tract.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine, notable for its practice of prescribing water-based solutions that do not contain chemically active ingredients. A homeopathic remedy is one in which the active ingredient has been drastically diluted. The remedy contains such an infinitesimal amount of active ingredient that it is said to contain only the energy of the active ingredient(s). Although such infinitesimal quantities are considered by some to be no more than placebos, the clinical experience of homeopathy shows that the infinitesimal dose is effective: it works upon unconscious people and infants, and it even works on animals. We often utilize homeopathic remedies in addition to vitamins and herbs.

Tick-borne illnesses can affect every part of your life, and without effective diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can often worsen and progress into severe and even life-threatening health issues. Igenex has been a global leader in Lyme Disease for the research and development of tests that accurately detect Lyme Disease, Relapsing Fever, and other Tick-borne diseases for over 25 years.

We utilize a variety of tests and test panels to aid in the evaluation and management of very complex diseases where the immune system is directly or indirectly involved.

Hormones play a powerful role in the body's regulatory system not just for females but, also for males. In order to feel your best and maintain optimal health, hormones must be in proper balance. For males, testosterone is the main hormone that strengthens bone and muscle tissue, reduces fat deposition and enhances sex drive. It is also a natural energy booster that protects against the onset of depression and heart disease. Deficiencies in other male hormones can affect sleep and metabolism. In every phase of life information about the body’s hormone production can provide vital insight that will help in the maintenance of a healthy and vigorous life.

The brain initiates signals to the body in the form of chemical messages called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters further stimulate the body's glands, which secrete hormones. These hormones travel throughout the body and attach to the organs of the body. Medical research has established a definite link between neurotransmitters and a number of conditions. It has been concluded that deficient or excessive neurotransmitter levels may be at the root of many of these conditions.

This is a "wellness model" blood analysis. Most doctors only mention the specific items that are outside of what is known as "clinical ranges." Clinical ranges are based largely on data from sick people. By the time some tests exceed the clinical range, the damage is already done to your body. To prevent this situation, we assess your test results using an ideal or "homeostatic" range. The homeostatic range is based on the ranges found in healthy people. This approach identifies nutritional needs; sub-optimal organ and gland function, and allows for correction before disease develops.

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. It takes an in-depth evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Many functions of the body such as behavior, hyperactivity, fatigue, and immunity can be affected by abnormally high levels of these organisms. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Infections, diets high in sugar, antibiotic use, immune deficiencies, and genetic factors can all result in high levels of organic acids in the body.

Heavy metals and other environmental toxins find their way into our air, soil, and food. Identifying and addressing issues of toxicity within your body is crucial. This can be accomplished with a hair or urine sample.

Although recurrent or chronic vaginitis may be caused by yeast (candida albaicans), many cases arise from other organisms or from alterations within the vaginal environment (factors often overlooked by the traditional medical community). The Vaginosis Test is one of the most comprehensive evaluations available for identifying these factors. Our office is one of the few doctor's offices in the Chicagoland area that offers alternative treatments for recurrent or chronic vaginitis.