DNA tests are not that easy to interpret unless you have genetics training, therefore our team reviews each report and compares this against the personal information you have provided at checkout regarding your current health, diet and supplement / medicine intake. All patients will receive a lab report.

All lab reports include:

• personalised, colour coded genotype results
• gene function and SNP impact descriptions
• clinically relevant SNPs
• nutrient and other epigenetic impacts
• links to research evidence

In addition to your lab report we provide the following options which are INCLUDED in your original price:

A) Follow up 30 minute video call to discuss your results and answer any questions you have. Once the labs have completed your DNA results you will be sent a link to book a time and day online. Advice will be given on supplements and lifestyle support. After your call you are sent a short email with supplements your practitioner advises with links to purchase.

OR

B) Follow up written report explaining your variants and highlighting dietary and lifestyle advice and links to supplement suggestions included. We do not provide an example of this report as it is personalised to each patient but it usually runs to 3 pages of detailed actionable advice.

OR

C) Both zoom call and written summary with personalised next steps (Zoom call is first and written report follows).

Every patient will get a colour coded lab report—your choice is how to receive your personalised interpretation of this report. You have a choice of a video call or a written summary or both.

The video call is ideal if you want your results faster or if you are new to DNA testing. It also allows you to ask your practitioner questions about your variants. Please check at the start of your call if your practitioner is happy for you to record your Zoom session. Usually if you confirm this will not be used on social media / uploaded to public forums etc, then this is allowed for your private use (please note zoom links last 2 weeks so please make sure you download and save locally). You will get a short email after your call with supplement links your practitioner recommends.

The written summary is better for those who want a full written explanation of their variants and links to supplement suggestions. Some patients feel more comfortable with a written interpretation but essentially both options will give you the same information just in different formats.

The test is a simple, non-invasive oral sample (cheek swab). The only requirement is to abstain from eating/drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. The sample is placed in a tube with a stabilising capsule and returned with a signed consent form. Please use our details under ‘practitioner’ on the lab form.

There are no special storage or transport requirements and you can return any day. Each test kit is supplied with a return envelope which is prepaid for returns from within the UK and can be simply dropped into a post box. It is rare but some samples do fail laboratory standards if you do not extract enough DNA onto the mouth swab. You can take this test at any time of day, there is no need to stop taking medications or supplements with this test.

The most common reason for sample fails is patients forgetting to include the stabilising capsule included in your kit or not returning the consent form. Please DO NOT open the contents of the stabilising capsule, include it whole. Please ensure you do not eat, drink or smoke for 1 hour prior to taking test. In the event your test fails laboratory standards you will receive 1 free replacement kit. UK orders are re-posted at no additional charge however international orders will need to pay additional delivery charges for failed tests—see below.

Every human has a slightly different genetic makeup. We inherit our gene variants from both parents so although you may have similar genes to your child you will not have identical gene mutations. Our genes are the same from the moment we are born so you only ever need to do this test once in your lifetime and you will have the data on your gene variants for life.

The returns package provided has a freepost address on it so if you live in the UK you can simply pop your sample into any postbox for free returns. We do recognise that some patients prefer to send samples recorded / special delivery for peace of mind. If you choose this option, you will need to use a different address to return your sample: Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ

Orders OUTSIDE UK - Yes we can now ship this test overseas to selected countries. Please select your country at checkout. If you want to order multiple DNA tests for friends or family we can package these together so you only pay one shipping cost. We use UPS for European orders and DHL for other countries, deliveries usually arrive with patients in 3–6 days.

The test kits (swab and stabilising capsule) are declared as “no commercial value” and usually (90% of the time) do not require customs import fees. However, some destination country customs agents may decide to apply charges, and this is beyond our control and beyond the control of the courier. Usually this fee is around 17 Euro but can vary. In the unlikely event this happens, your courier will notify you if an import fee is due before delivering to you.

We provide approved packaging for the return of the sample, but you are responsible for arranging and paying for return postage. The return package is low weight and does not require any special control. Please return your sample via tracked / courier service to the labs directly: Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ, United Kingdom.

For international orders we include 2 swabs per patient so please ensure each patient does 2 swabs. This makes a ‘test failure’ at the laboratory much more unlikely, however in the very rare case that both swabs fail please ensure you note our returns / refund policy.

All reports are provided in English. Unfortunately we are unable to ship to Spain, Canada or Russia at this time for export reasons. If you live in a country we do not ship to currently then please contact us and we will try to accommodate your request.

As blood tests in the UK can be obtained for free under the NHS we don’t include this as a package price. General blood tests are not necessary but if you are concerned about your current health or have not had a general blood test in some time you may prefer to speak to your GP or we can offer a private full blood test HERE - this is for UK residents only and involves having a nurse come to your home to take your sample. Patients must be over 18 years old for this test. Results are provided separately to your DNA reports.

We offer a huge range of testing so when a member of our genetics team is assigned to review your results they may feel you would benefit from other specific testing such as genetic age testing, hormones ( cortisol, testosterone / estrogen levels etc), microbiome gut analysis, food intolerance, amino acids & homocysteine or mould / toxin testing. If any additional testing is required, this will be advised in your zoom call / written plan. *Note if you are adding multiple tests to your basket you only need to complete the patient form once.
*If you are ordering 2 or more tests? Use code FAB5 for a 5% discount.

As long as cheek swabs are stored in the tube provided in the buccal swab kit, samples remain viable for up to 6 months.

Lifecode Gx are the labs we use in the UK to process your cheek cells as the sample type. They are an ISO certified UK laboratory and only do DNA testing, making them specialists in this area. This genotyping methodology has an accuracy rate of at least 99.9%.

The benefits being that cheek swab DNA collection is convenient and painless to collect, and samples are easily transportable and stable. The quality of DNA collected is as good as, and the results as accurate as, from blood or saliva. Your DNA is fixed at birth so this test is suitable at any age and you only ever need to do this test once in your lifetime. Cheek cell DNA samples are 99.9% accurate—blood has a very similar accuracy rate, so whether you choose to have a blood DNA test or use our cheek cell DNA test the results will be the same.

No. As we're testing the genetic code, which is fixed, the test is not impacted by illness, infections, medication, the food you eat, or supplements you take. To avoid contamination of the sample, please abstain from eating / drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. Continue taking all your prescription medications and supplements as normal but please note them on your patient form at checkout.

Once you have ordered via our website you will receive an email notification when your kit has been shipped to you via Royal Mail 1st Class service for UK (courier for international orders). Please allow 3 working days for your kit to arrive. You can then freepost your sample back to the labs via Royal Mail 1st class prepaid envelope (note international orders are not free post).

We will then email you to let you know your sample has been safely received at the labs and your genotyping has started. If you would like the video call option you can receive your results and appointment in approx 3 weeks. If you would prefer the written summary advice report this will be in approx 4 weeks.

You will not hear from us during the time your sample is being processed unless there is an issue with your sample.

Each test is processed in the ISO certified UK laboratory and all physical samples are completely destroyed after 3 months. All client genotyping electronic data is completely destroyed after 6 months. The client report, the data and the DNA sample is never (and will never be) shared with, or sold to third parties.

The report examines 29 genes across five clinical categories that together control how your body produces, signals, metabolises, and clears steroid hormones:

• Steroid Hormones — AKR1C4, CYP17A1, GABRA2, HSD11B1, SRD5A2, SULT2A1: these genes influence the synthesis and interconversion of cortisol, testosterone, DHEA, and progesterone; SRD5A2 (5-alpha reductase) converts testosterone to its more potent form DHT, which is relevant to hair loss, acne, and prostate health
• Oestrogen — COMT, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, CYP19A1, ESR1, ESR2, MTHFR, NQO1: these control oestrogen production (CYP19A1 / aromatase), phase I metabolism through different hydroxylation pathways, receptor sensitivity, and the methylation-dependent clearance of oestrogen metabolites
• Detoxification — ABCB1, GSTM1, GSTP1, SULT1A1, SULT1E1, UGT1A1: these phase II and transport genes determine how efficiently used hormones are conjugated and eliminated from the body
• HPA Axis — ADRB1, ADRB2, FKBP5, MTNR1B, OPRM1, TCF7L2: these influence the stress response, cortisol regulation, melatonin receptor function, opioid receptor sensitivity, and insulin signalling
• HPG Axis — ESR1, ESR2, FAAH: these affect reproductive hormone signalling through oestrogen receptors and the endocannabinoid system, which modulates fertility and hormonal feedback loops

This test is suitable for men and women at any age. It is particularly relevant if you:

• Experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance — irregular periods, PMS, heavy bleeding, mood swings, acne, excess facial hair, or menopausal symptoms in women; low libido, erectile dysfunction, weight gain around the abdomen, or breast tissue changes in men
• Have been diagnosed with or suspect PCOS and want to understand the genetic factors influencing androgen and oestrogen metabolism
• Are concerned about hormone-sensitive cancer risk — particularly breast or prostate cancer — and want to see how your body metabolises and detoxifies oestrogen
• Struggle with cortisol-related symptoms such as chronic stress, insomnia, fatigue, or difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise
• Have experienced infertility, low sperm count, or recurrent pregnancy loss where hormonal genetics may be a contributing factor
• Want to understand how your genetic profile influences your response to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception
• Are working with a functional medicine practitioner and need genetic data to guide personalised hormone support protocols

No — a DNA test reveals genetic predisposition, not a clinical diagnosis. PCOS, menopause, and hormonal imbalances are diagnosed through clinical assessment, symptom history, and functional hormone testing (blood, saliva, or urine). What this test does is identify the genetic variants that influence how your body produces, processes, and eliminates hormones — explaining why you may be more susceptible to certain hormonal patterns. For example, variants in CYP19A1 (aromatase) affect how much oestrogen your body converts from androgens, while SRD5A2 variants influence DHT production from testosterone. This genetic information helps your practitioner understand the underlying architecture behind your hormonal symptoms and design a more targeted intervention, but it works best when combined with a functional hormone test that shows what your hormone levels are doing right now.

Oestrogen does not simply exert its effects and disappear — it must be metabolised through phase I hydroxylation and then conjugated and cleared through phase II detoxification before being eliminated. The pathway oestrogen takes during phase I metabolism matters clinically: CYP1A1 produces the 2-hydroxy pathway (generally considered more protective), while CYP1B1 produces the 4-hydroxy pathway (associated with more genotoxic metabolites that may increase cancer risk if not adequately cleared). Variants in COMT and MTHFR then affect whether these metabolites are safely methylated and deactivated, and phase II genes such as GSTM1, GSTP1, SULT1E1, and UGT1A1 determine how efficiently the final conjugation and excretion steps occur. Understanding the full chain — from oestrogen production through to elimination — allows practitioners to identify exactly where the bottleneck lies and recommend targeted nutritional support, such as DIM, calcium-d-glucarate, or methylation cofactors, to optimise oestrogen clearance.

The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis controls your body's stress response, primarily through the production and regulation of cortisol. Chronic cortisol elevation — driven by prolonged stress, genetic variants in FKBP5, or altered adrenergic receptor sensitivity (ADRB1, ADRB2) — can suppress reproductive hormone output, disrupt insulin signalling (TCF7L2), impair melatonin receptor function (MTNR1B affecting sleep), and shift the balance between anabolic and catabolic hormones. This is why many patients with hormonal symptoms also report fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, and difficulty managing stress. The HPA axis section of this report reveals whether your genetic profile predisposes you to an exaggerated or prolonged cortisol response, which is essential context for understanding why sex hormone imbalances may be occurring and what needs to be addressed alongside them.

The two tests answer fundamentally different questions and are often used together. This Lifecode GX Hormones DNA test reveals your fixed genetic blueprint — how your genes are programmed to produce, metabolise, and clear steroid hormones. The DUTCH Complete (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a functional hormone test that measures your actual hormone and metabolite levels at a specific point in time, reflecting what is happening right now given your current diet, stress, sleep, and supplement intake. The DNA test explains why you may be genetically predisposed to certain hormonal patterns; the DUTCH test shows whether those patterns are actively expressing. Practitioners frequently recommend both: the genetic report to understand the underlying architecture, and the DUTCH to confirm which pathways are currently problematic and to track progress after intervention.

The test is equally relevant to both sexes. While much of the public conversation around hormonal health focuses on women, men are affected by the same steroid hormone pathways — testosterone, oestrogen (men produce and metabolise oestrogen too), cortisol, DHEA, and progesterone all play important roles in male health. The gene list includes variants directly relevant to male presentations: SRD5A2 affects DHT production (linked to hair loss, prostate health, and androgenic symptoms), CYP19A1 (aromatase) determines how much testosterone is converted to oestrogen (relevant to gynaecomastia and abdominal weight gain), and the HPA axis genes influence the cortisol-testosterone balance that affects energy, libido, mood, and body composition. Men experiencing low libido, erectile dysfunction, weight gain around the abdomen, fatigue, depression, or concerns about prostate cancer risk will find this report clinically informative.

Depending on your results and clinical goals, your practitioner may recommend functional tests to see how your genetic predispositions are expressing in real-time biochemistry:

• To measure current hormone levels comprehensively — the DUTCH Complete maps oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and their metabolites in a single dried urine collection
• To assess cortisol and adrenal stress patterns specifically — the DUTCH Adrenal Stress Test evaluates your cortisol awakening response and daily cortisol curve
• To check individual hormone markers quickly — the clinic offers a Testosterone saliva test, an Oestrogen-Progesterone saliva test, a DHEA blood test, and a PSA test for prostate health
• If methylation and detoxification variants are flagged — the Methylation DNA Test and Detoxification DNA Report provide deeper analysis of the pathways that clear used hormones from the body

Combining genetic insights with functional hormone measurements allows your practitioner to build a fully personalised hormone support plan.