Author: sara

What is HTMA?

HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. This at-home, non-invasive functional lab test is an excellent, affordable and highly accessible way to gain insight into a variety of metabolic and endocrine processes of humans and other mammals such as dogs and horses. A small sample of hair is cut near the base of the skull and sent to a lab. This ½-inch length of hair yields a lab result that provides an HTMA-certified clinician an accurate representation of nutritional elements and toxic heavy metal burden. 

The lab result also includes significant ratios that point to metabolic type, overall vitality, thyroid health, hormone balance, adrenal health and blood sugar balance. It also includes markers indicating copper dysregulation, iodine deficiency and liver burden, each of which leads to significant symptom patterns. Finally, many known correlations between specific mental health conditions and emotional issues can be indicated by HTMA results, as well.

Because the test only uses the ½ inch of hair closest to the scalp, it reveals patterns in the body over the 3–4-month period leading up to sample collection. Hair is considered a soft body tissue and will accumulate minerals and metals in circulation within the body. Most blood, stool and urine markers are only able to show what was happening in the patient at the time of collection.   

It’s important to note that HTMA results cannot be read exactly as they appear due to loss patterns and the interplay between various metals and minerals, as well as oxidation rates. Mineral status of the body must be interpreted as a complex ecosystem with multiple negative and positive feedback loops and each “species” (nutritional element or metal) must be understood in relation to all others. It is a fascinating symphony of meaning and can only be interpreted reliably by someone trained in the intricacies of this specific test.  A body ecologist, so to speak.   

All this data is available for $68, making it one of the most affordable, accessible and broad-ranging tests on the market today. 

The Science Behind HTMA

As a practitioner, I endeavor to create a foundation of trust and reciprocity with clients, as well as to foster self-empowerment for people seeking my services. Ultimately, each client’s healing journey is their responsibility. I am a guide and offer a set of tools and framework I’ve honed over years of study. I’m excited to share these tools and systems to support your process. And so, with this introduction out of the way, let’s move on to the science behind this test. It’s only useful to discuss the value if we first understand the foundation on which it is built.

In 1979, the EPA conducted a large study of all available worldwide literature at the time related to using hair tissue testing as a means of determining its usefulness for long-term biological monitoring of heavy metals in the US public. “The consensus of most workers in the field is that if hair samples are collected properly, cleaned and prepared for analysis correctly and analyzed by the best analytical methods, using standards and blanks as required, in a clean and reliable laboratory, by experienced personnel, the data are reliable” (1). This statement is true of any sample collected from the human body and sent to a lab.

Since 1979, numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown the value and usefulness of mineral analysis via atomic absorption spectroscopy (the type of analysis used on hair samples), specifically in mammalian hair, for determining toxic metal burden and nutritional mineral status (2).  A thorough sample of these studies is available on the Myers Detox website (3). 

It’s also worth noting the lab I use for HTMA samples, Trace Elements, Inc., meets all requirements for certification under the federal government’s CLIA program. Their licensing and quality control process is outlined on their website (4). In fact, all labs offering HTMA testing in the United States also meet these criteria. Practitioners must set each client up with clear, simple instructions for collecting a usable hair sample. However, this is true for every at-home test kit used by functional medicine practitioners. Of all the test kits I’ve worked with, the Trace Elements HTMA is the easiest to collect.

There are some limitations of this test.  First, patients who are slow oxidizers (a designation determined by the Calcium: Phosphorus ratio) often don’t have enough energy to mobilize toxins and metals out of their cells or to let minerals into their cells. Because of this, it can take some time on a mineral balancing protocol for the body to develop enough cellular energy for metals to appear in the soft tissue of the hair. The first test can look almost benign despite a patient presenting with many symptoms. So, as with any test, we always look at both results and symptom patterns to determine protocols and approach. Second, other hidden patterns can exist for this same reason, especially in early testing. Patients should understand that mineral balancing and heavy metal detox can take a long time and will not be linear, which is true of most healing processes in the body.  Third, metals can be sequestered in many tissues of the body, not just hair.  Hair shows what is in circulation, but it’s also important to look at blood and urine, especially when mercury or other heavy metal poisoning is suspected.  Quicksilver Scientific has an excellent Mercury Tri-Test that looks at all 3 tissue samples and this can be a better tool than the HTMA in certain situations.  Fourth, this is a complex test and can be confusing for clients and inexperienced practitioners to understand.  Working with a practitioner trained in this specific test is important for meaningful outcomes.

A Fascinating Journey

Finally, HTMA testing was originally developed in the mid-1970’s.  Soon after, a book was published stating, “The result of research studies indicate that hair mineral analysis can be useful as a diagnostic tool in the examination of trace metal exposure, including abnormal nutritional intake, and may assist in the study of certain mental states. They (hair mineral analysis) may suggest mineral imbalances present in the body that perhaps could be rectified by a mineral supplemented diet. Hair metal testing is a fascinating new diagnostic tool and often gives unexpected clues to mineral imbalances in the body. The authors would support this statement from the results that they have accumulated to date” (5).

I would agree this avenue of testing is fascinating.  The number of samples, data and clinical correlations collected between the mid-1970’s and now has amplified the usefulness and value of this test.  I’m excited to share what I’m learning with you and look forward to guiding you through this fascinating journey.

1. Toxic Trace Metals in Mammalian Hair and Nails. United States Environmental Protection Agency Publication 1979; EPA-600/4: 79: 049
2. Sharma, Kabita. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry: Principle, Parts, Uses. Www.scienceinfo.com, 2023. https://scienceinfo.com/atomic-absorption-spectrophotometry/
3. https://myersdetox.com/hair-mineral-analysis-research-studies/
4. https://traceelements.com/LabServices/QualityAssurance.aspx
5. Barlow, P. J.; Kapel, M.: Metal and Sulfur Contents of Hair in Relation to Certain Mental States. Hair, Trace Elements, and Human Illness Brown, A.C.; Crounse, R. G., eds. Praeger Publications, 1980.  https://myersdetox.com/hair-mineral-analysis-research-studies/

In my first appointment with a new therapist this summer, she told me the highest rates of suicide in women occur during the perimenopausal years. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research on perimenopausal women, despite this phase of a woman’s life lasting anywhere from 4 to 10 years and beginning as early as the late 30’s.  This is even more shocking when considered with the statistics from recent studies showing that middle-aged-women are at increased risk of suicidal ideation and “deaths of despair” (drugs, alcohol, liver disease, suicide) during this perimenopausal transition (1), (2).  Recent studies have also pointed to the exclusion of women from clinical trials and the gross underfunding of research into diseases and health issues predominantly affecting women (3), (4).

A study of 2,000 women in the UK states that 1 of 10 women in perimenopause experience suicidal thoughts.  And a staggering 9 of 10 perimenopausal women experience mental health issues.  This same research states that one-third of women do not seek help for these issues and another staggering 8 of 10 women don’t even discuss these difficulties with their partners (5).  So many women are suffering in silence, largely due to a lack of cultural and scientific knowledge about this significant life experience that can impact a full quarter of a woman’s adult reproductive years.

Aside from suicidal ideation and depression, perimenopausal women also report increased anxiety, decreased self-esteem, isolation, irritability/hostility, paranoia, feelings of worthlessness, brain fog and anhedonia (6), (7).  These symptoms have real impacts on women’s lives and the lives of those around them. Women have reported quitting their jobs in perimenopause due to brain fog, decreasing sense of capacity and reduced ability to deal with day-to-day pressures.  It causes tension within marriages, in friendships, among families and has far-reaching impact into the wider culture. 

Physiologically, perimenopause is marked in early stages by imbalances in estrogen and progesterone and in later stages by significantly lower levels of both hormones. In addition to its impacts on mental health, estrogen has profound impacts on many body systems including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, urinary, reproductive and neurological.  Specifically, estrogen is anti-inflammatory, maintains tissue integrity in the vagina and other mucus membranes, protects the heart and bones and plays many other crucial roles in maintaining health.  Progesterone helps promote deep, restful sleep, can decrease body aches and pains and is also protective of cardiovascular function. Both hormones impact mood and mental health in profound ways. 

While many traditionally trained doctors are keen to offer SSRIs and other anti-depressant, anti-anxiety medications, these are not always the best first line of defense with perimenopausal mental health symptoms. Fortunately, good options for treatment and education are becoming available in the wider market. Some options include bioidentical hormone replacement, lifestyle changes, acupuncture and herbal medicines that regulate and balance hormones.   

Hormone replacement therapy was vilified due to one study in the 1990’s linking HRT with breast cancer and heart attacks. The Women’s Health Initiative was later found to be flawed, but damage was done to the public’s perception of HRT. Notably, the HRT being used at that time was synthetic HRT, which can absolutely be dangerous to women. Many more options for safe bioidentical HRT are available to women now, and there appears to be a sea change happening as perimenopause gets more time in the spotlight. One option is Winona (8), a company offering a simple online questionnaire that gives women access to a doctor and high-quality bHRT shipped to her home. Quicksilver Scientific also has a line of hormone products, as well as an accessible training program available to certified health practitioner (9).

Lifestyle changes in perimenopause involve prioritizing self-care and stress reduction, something many of us struggle with throughout our lives as we navigate the fast pace of the modern world. Better nutrition, sleep and rest, tools for regulating nervous system and working through unresolved trauma, psychotherapy; all can be extremely helpful. Acupuncture also has a long track record of supporting overall body function through various life transitions, including perimenopause.  It does this by supporting liver function through both herbs and needling (10).

Some women believe that adding bHRT is a less natural way of managing the perimenopausal transition and opt for herbs. Herbs can be helpful to support the many changes occurring in a woman’s body at this time.  As with any approach, it’s important to find someone well-versed in understanding hormonal shifts and patterns and how to target herbal therapies to the individual. Vitex, schisandra, and others can all be helpful in the early stages of perimenopause.

It’s important to shine light into the dark corner of perimenopause.  The majority of women will have some symptoms, many of them severe, many unrecognized by conventional doctors and many of them lasting for years.  It is time for us to stop suffering in silence and get access to the support and education we need to live full, healthy, empowered lives through all the transitions we navigate. 

1. Nakanishi, Miharu, Endo, Kaori, Yamasaki, Syudo, Stanyon, Daniel, Sullivan, Sarah, Yamaguchi, Satoshi, Ando, Shuntaro, Hiraiwa-Hasegawa, Mariko, Kasai, Kiyoto, Nishida, Atsushi, Miyashita, Mistsuhiro. Association between menopause and suicidal ideation in mothers of adolescents: A longitudinal study using data from a population-based cohort. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2023 (pages 529-534). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032723010340
2. “Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism”.  Case, Anne and Deaton, Angus. Princeton University Press, 2020.
3. Smith, Kerri.  Women’s health research lacks funding – these charts show how.  2023. https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-023-01475-2/index.html
4. Liu, Katherine A, Dipietro Mager, Natalie A. Women’s involvement in clinical trials: historical perspective and future implications. Pharmacy Practice, 2016. 14(1): 708. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4800017/
5. O’Reilly, Kate, McDermid, Fiona, McInnes, Susan, Peters, Kath. “I was just a shell”: Mental health concerns for women in perimenopause and menopause. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 2023.  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/inm.13271
6. Kulkarni, Jayashri. Perimenopausal depression – an under-recognized entity. Australian Prescriber, 2018. 41)6): 183-185. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6299176/
7. Lozza-Fiacco, Serena, Gordon, Jennifer Lee, Anderson, Elizabeth Helen, Kozik, Rachel Grace, Neely, Olivia, Schiller, Crystal, Munoz, Maria, Rubinow, David R, Girdler, Susan S. Baseline anxiety – sensitivity to estradiol fluctuations predicts anxiety symptom response to transdermal estradiol treatment in perimenopausal women – A randomized clinical trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2022. (143)
8. https://bywinona.com/hormone-replacement-therapy
9. https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/pages/qsi-information
10. In the House of the Moon: Reclaiming the Feminine Spirit of Healing. Elias, Jason, Ketcham, Katherine.  Warner Books, 1995.

I’ve been slowly fomenting a clear, concise, aligned set of nutrition consulting offerings. You can check out the result of that here. These offerings include a number of technologies, tests and approaches that you may be unfamiliar with. I hope to have time to write more about each of these in the coming weeks, so this will be my placeholder until that time comes. If you want to learn about any of these, please visit the linked websites for more details.

Here goes:

Ampcoil: This is a very cool device that uses magnetic and sound frequencies to act on the body almost like a tuning fork. It uses voice print technology to “read” the vagus nerve and find opportunities specific to your healing journey. It was developed for and by people with chronic, debilitating Lyme disease. There are many great podcasts about this technology! My personal story is that after using it for a year my acupuncturist told me he could detect my pulses for the first time in the 1.5 years we were working together. My chronic pattern is a high functioning depletion pattern, so this was a big deal to have validated externally. I had not shared with him about the Ampcoil use. There is a fascinating area of study in physics called Cymatics which you can read about in this link. The Ampcoil is essentially using sound frequencies to act on body tissues similar to cymatics.

BioMat 7000: The BioMat is the newest addition to my collection. I’ve used one previously and enjoyed the gentle technology of this tool. I don’t feel this one as strongly as the Ampcoil, but it was supportive of an overall healing journey when I used it previously. This device works on the electrical systems of the body by producing negative ions which support overall health in the body. Also a lot of great podcasts about this technology out there.

Vibration Plate: I use a home version of this workout tool that was originally used to help astronauts maintain bone density in space (cool!). I use this a few times a week for supporting lymphatic drainage and overall flow in my body, which tends to be somewhat stagnant for what seems to be a variety of reasons. The regular sessions for this tool are 9 minutes long so they can be added before or after an hour long Ampcoil or BioMat session.

HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis): My most recent functional medicine studies have lead me to mineral testing through the hair. There are a few links here that talk about this test and the wide variety of indications for when to test and the wide variety of body functions that can be illuminated by running this test. Most of my offerings include an HTMA test kit because I believe it is the fastest, easiest and most affordable way to get a good look at body function. Minerals are the basic building blocks of the universe and we are part of that universe. What better place to start your healing journey? Here and Here are a few other articles.

These are some of the things I’m using in my practice now that may not be evident in other places on my website. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and I hope to do some more writing about each in coming weeks and months!

Welcome!  I know the functional nutrition space is filled with slick ads, sexy bios and faces, gimmicky and super-niched marketing galore.   So, the fact that you’ve chosen to even consider working with me is no small thing!  I am likely not the sexiest nutritionist you’ll scroll past, nor do I have the most profound personal story or the hottest website.  What I do have is a fascination with the human body/spirit/soul/mind/experience and a strong midwestern work ethic.  I also bring many skills and much hard-earned life experience to the table.  You can read about it over here on the About Sara page.

In the last 20 years, I’ve identified as both “very sick” and “tentatively well” and many gradations on that spectrum. I have struggled to find quality, comprehensive support on limited funds as I’ve navigated this road of complex health challenges.  I do this work because I believe it is our human right to have access to information, tools and skills that allow us to make informed decisions about our health care and our bodies.  The world is increasingly toxic, and a variety of interlocking systems (capitalism, racism, classism, patriarchy etc.) create systemic pressures on our bodies, spirits and souls.  Unresolved trauma is epidemic.  The health care system is broken.  Most of us are on information overload.  Navigating the mine fields of the health and wellness “industry” is confusing at best and dangerous at worst.  

As I’ve written previously in a social media post, I believe the ecosystem of our own health is inside us and even the scorched earth of our/the world’s worst offenses retains a memory of integrity and how to be whole. The ecosystem must be tended, nourished, observed and allowed to find its own deep wisdom in relationship to each of us.  Let me be your partner in cultivating the inner ecosystem of your health.  There is much work to be done in our personal spheres and in the collective and we can amplify our impact immensely by committing deeply to ourselves and our journey.  I won’t promise perfect health or an “end” to your healing process, but I can promise to be an ally and collaborator as you navigate the road.

I position myself here transparently as an anti-capitalist.  That means I’m not interested in making as much money as possible as quickly as I can off the backs of others.  My approach is relational, reasonable and equitable.  My intention is to provide as much value as I can to those who wish to engage my services or offerings.  I’ve created a pricing structure that allows me to serve the largest number of people at varying tiers of engagement while still caring for my own body and future.  I promise to work as hard for YOU as I do for myself, no matter where you choose to plant your roots in my garden.  I really look forward to hearing from you!

The best way to reach out for now is via email at sara.rose.dealoia@hotmail.com or via text 740.818.7099

We will schedule a free 30 minute consult to assess fit and then go from there!

Hi Folks, lots of content in this free PDF. Recipes, an offer of “Pay-What-You-Can” for my services, self-quarantine Recipes, Immune Support supplement list and how to get access to my dispensary, and a LOT MORE. Please feel free to share widely!!! And hopefully soon, I will make this a little prettier to look at. Hope you’re all well out there