Minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and zinc play a role in almost everything your body does, from energy and stress to hormones, sleep and digestion. A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) gives us a look at your mineral patterns over time, and it’s one of the tools we use to understand what’s going on beneath your symptoms.

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What is a hair tissue mineral analysis?

HTMA is a simple, non-invasive test that measures the levels of minerals in a small sample of your hair. Because hair grows slowly, it reflects your mineral patterns over the past few months, rather than a single moment in time the way a blood test does.

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An HTMA can show us:

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• Levels of key minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc and copper

• Mineral ratios, which can give insight into stress patterns, energy and metabolism

• Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and aluminum

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Who might benefit from an HTMA?

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We may suggest an HTMA if you’re dealing with:

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• Ongoing fatigue or low energy

• Feeling “wired but tired” or burned out

• Trouble sleeping

• Hormone symptoms, including PMS and perimenopause

• Blood sugar swings and cravings

• Hair, skin or nail concerns

• Symptoms that haven’t improved despite “normal” bloodwork

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How it works

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1. Book a visit. We start with a naturopathic appointment to go through your health history and decide whether an HTMA makes sense for you.

2. Collect your sample. A small amount of hair is taken from the back of your head, close to the scalp. It’s quick and painless, and it isn’t noticeable afterward.

3. Lab analysis. Your sample is sent to Trace Elements. Results usually take about 3–4 weeks.

4. Review your results. We go through your results with you and explain what they mean in plain language.

5. Your plan. We build a personalized plan that may include nutrition, targeted supplements and lifestyle changes, and we can retest later to track your progress.

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How HTMA fits with other testing

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An HTMA doesn’t replace bloodwork or a diagnosis from your family doctor. It’s one piece of the puzzle. We look at your HTMA alongside your symptoms, health history and any blood tests or other functional testing, such as stool, DUTCH urine, salivary cortisol and food sensitivity testing, to get the full picture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Does an HTMA hurt?
No. It only involves cutting a small amount of hair from the back of your head.

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Can I do an HTMA if my hair is coloured or treated?
No. You have to be 8 weeks without colour to do the test. 

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How much does an HTMA cost?

Please contact us for current pricing.

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Is it covered by insurance?
Lab tests like HTMA can sometimes be covered, your naturopathic visits are usually covered by your extended health plan. Check your plan for details.

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Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with Dr. Kathleen Mercer, ND or Dr. Tanya O’Brien, ND.

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Book Your Visit

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Dr. Kathleen Mercer, ND and Dr. Tanya O’Brien, ND see patients in person at Winterholme Wellness in St. John’s, and online across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Book an Appointment