Last updated on 29 September 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Naturopath Blood Testing
Naturopath Blood Testing provides a deeper view of your health by identifying imbalances and nutritional deficiencies before symptoms become chronic. Unlike standard pathology, a Naturopath interprets bloodwork to uncover subtle dysfunctions that affect energy, hormones, immunity, and more.
Key Takeaways
Naturopaths assess blood tests for functional rather than disease-only ranges
Testing helps identify early issues with hormones, digestion, nutrients and inflammation
You receive personalised support based on patterns that are often missed by standard pathology
Naturopath Blood Testing complements your care from other health professionals
Key Facts About Naturopath Blood Testing
1. What is Naturopath Blood Testing
Naturopath Blood Testing involves ordering and reviewing standard blood test panels to assess health trends over time. Unlike conventional analysis, Naturopaths look for functional ranges and early warning signs—before a condition becomes serious. This helps guide personalised strategies around diet, supplements and lifestyle support.
2. What Do Naturopaths Test For
Your Naturopath may order a variety of tests depending on your symptoms and goals. These could include:
Complete blood count (CBC) for energy, oxygen delivery and immune status
Iron studies, including ferritin and transferrin saturation
Vitamin D, B12 and folate
Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3)
Cortisol and adrenal function markers
Inflammatory markers like CRP
Blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c
Cholesterol and lipid panels
Liver and kidney function
Homocysteine and methylation status
Food intolerance or sensitivity testing
Reproductive hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
The goal is to form a complete picture, not just rule out disease.
3. Why Functional Reference Ranges Matter
Conventional blood tests flag only when a result is far outside population averages. Naturopaths use narrower ‘optimal’ ranges to identify what may be contributing to fatigue, sleep issues, mood changes or gut symptoms. This allows intervention before illness is diagnosed, focusing on what the body needs to function better now.
4. What Happens During the Process
After your initial consultation, your Naturopath will decide which blood tests to recommend. Some tests are done through standard labs and covered by Medicare (when requested by your GP), while others may need to be paid privately. Once results return, your Naturopath will interpret them and create a tailored Wellness Plan based on your personal health priorities.
5. The Difference from GP Testing
General Practitioners test for disease. Naturopaths test for imbalance. Your GP may say all your results are ‘normal,’ even when you’re tired, gaining weight or anxious.
And because GPs read blood test results based on averages (that is, average results of white men some decades ago), most people these days don’t even fit within those averages. Your blood test result may be “normal”, but you may still be very unwell.
That’s where your Naturopath comes in.
A Naturopath might identify a suboptimal thyroid pattern, low ferritin or nutrient depletion, and use this to guide natural support strategies to improve your daily wellbeing.
6. The Types of People Who Benefit Most from a Blood Test Prescribed by a Naturopath
Naturopath Blood Testing is particularly useful for people who:
Feel unwell despite being told their tests are fine
Have chronic fatigue, PMS, irregular cycles or anxiety
Want a preventative and proactive health strategy
Need help navigating dietary and supplement decisions
Want clarity on their current state of health, even without obvious symptoms
7. Interpreting Your Results
Rather than focusing on red-flag lab values, your Naturopath interprets how each marker fits into the bigger picture. For example, ferritin of 20 might not be flagged by your GP but could explain poor hair growth or fatigue when viewed in the context of menstrual loss and thyroid function.
8. How Often Should You Test Your Bloods
Most patients are retested by their Naturopath every 6 to 12 months. More frequent testing may be needed when monitoring deficiencies, adjusting supplementation or managing chronic conditions.
Your Naturopath will guide this based on your case and your Wellness Plan.
9. How Brisbane Livewell Clinic Approaches Blood Testing
Our Naturopaths use blood tests as a clinical tool to build out a clear and individualised Wellness Plan. With a patient-first approach, we focus on sustainable improvements in energy, focus, digestion, and hormonal balance—grounded in your lab data.
Our Naturopaths at both our Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill Clinics regularly use blood testing to help determine the best approach to take for their patients. We do not carry out the blood test ourselves – your Naturopath will send you to an independent testing laboratory for your test.
10. What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your initial session includes a detailed case history and symptom review. Based on this, your Naturopath may refer you for testing or review past results.
When your labs come in, they’ll explain what each marker means, identify patterns across systems, and provide evidence-based strategies using food, herbs, lifestyle changes or practitioner-grade supplements.
Patient Experience
“I’d been told my blood tests were fine, but I knew I didn’t feel right. My Naturopath explained how my ferritin, thyroid and B12 were contributing to my fatigue. Within two months, I felt clear-headed again. It was the first time I felt properly listened to.” – Mel, 38
Book Your Naturopath Blood Testing Consultation Today
If you’ve had ‘normal’ blood tests but still feel off, or you want a deeper understanding of your health, book with one of our Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic. We’ll help you find clarity, direction and the next steps to start feeling better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a Naturopath look for in a blood test?
A Naturopath looks for functional imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and early warning signs that may not be flagged in conventional blood test analysis. This helps explain symptoms like fatigue, low mood or irregular cycles when standard results are considered ‘normal’.
2. Can a Naturopath order blood tests in Australia?
A Naturopath in Australia can request pathology tests through private laboratories, though these are typically not covered by Medicare. Most Naturopaths work with your GP to obtain any tests eligible for referral under Medicare guidelines.
3. How is Naturopath blood testing different from GP testing?
Naturopath blood testing uses optimal reference ranges rather than broad clinical ones. This means results that are technically normal may still be contributing to your symptoms and can be addressed using natural interventions.
4. What health concerns can be explored through blood testing?
Naturopaths use blood tests to explore energy issues, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, stress patterns and digestive problems. These results inform a personalised Wellness Plan.
5. Can I bring past blood test results to my Naturopath?
You can bring any past pathology results to your consultation – just book a Naturopath Test Results Consultation. A Naturopath will review these results using a functional approach and consider how they relate to your symptoms and health goals.
6. Will I need to fast for my blood test?
Some blood tests require fasting to ensure accurate readings, such as glucose, insulin or lipid panels. Your Naturopath will let you know exactly how to prepare before the test.
7. Are Naturopathic blood tests covered by Medicare?
Most Naturopath-requested blood tests are not covered by Medicare. However, your Naturopath may guide you to request some tests through your GP to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
8. How long do results take to come back?
Blood test results are generally returned within 3 to 10 business days, depending on the lab and the complexity of the tests. Your Naturopath will suggest a time for you to schedule a Test Results Consultation to go through the findings, and you can book this in with Reception after your consultation or online.
9. Can Naturopaths diagnose health conditions?
Naturopaths in Australia do not diagnose medical conditions. Instead, they interpret patterns and functional markers to help guide natural support, and may refer you to a medical professional where required.
10. How often should I get blood tests through a Naturopath?
Many patients repeat testing every 6 to 12 months to track progress and adjust their Wellness Plan. The frequency will depend on your symptoms, goals and clinical findings.
11. What if my blood test results are already ‘normal’?
Even if your blood tests are technically normal, a Naturopath can interpret them differently by identifying suboptimal levels or patterns across systems that may be affecting your health.
12. Will my Naturopath explain my blood test results?
Your Naturopath will go through each relevant marker in detail, explain what it means for your health, and how it fits into your broader picture. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on.
13. Can I do food intolerance testing alongside blood testing?
Food intolerance and sensitivity testing can be done alongside blood testing where indicated. Your Naturopath will assess whether this is appropriate based on your symptoms and health history.
