Hair Tissue
Mineral Analysis
HTMA provides a window into your body's long-term cellular activity — revealing patterns in energy, hormones, stress response, and toxin exposure that blood tests often miss.
What is HTMA?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a functional wellness test that measures the mineral content of your hair. Minerals reflect long-term cellular activity and provide insight into how your body manages energy, hormones, stress, metabolism, and toxin exposure.
Unlike blood tests, which offer a moment-in-time snapshot, HTMA shows longer-term patterns. This makes it a valuable tool for identifying mineral imbalances and stress-related shifts that influence fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall wellness.
How HTMA Supports Your Journey
Preconception
HTMA identifies mineral patterns related to thyroid function, ovulation, nutrient absorption, and stress — all of which are essential for healthy conception. Supporting these factors before pregnancy helps lay the groundwork for a resilient, nourished body.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the body's demand for minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and copper. HTMA helps us understand how your body is adapting and supports you in maintaining stable energy, balanced blood sugar, and calm nervous system function.
Postpartum
Postpartum is one of the most mineral-depleting seasons of a woman's life. HTMA offers insight into adrenal stress patterns, sleep disruption, mood changes, and blood sugar shifts so we can support your recovery from the inside out.
Low-Tox Living
HTMA can detect certain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. This allows us to identify potential environmental exposures and build a safer, more supportive home environment for you and your family.
Is HTMA Right for You?
Check the statements that resonate with you:
HTMA could be a valuable tool for understanding your body's unique needs.
See HTMA ServicesWhy I Include HTMA in Your Care
Minerals are the foundation of nearly every system involved in women's health.
Hormone Production & Balance
Thyroid Health Patterns
Metabolic & Blood Sugar Trends
Energy & Mitochondrial Function
Stress Response & Adrenal Patterns
Detoxification & Heavy Metal Exposure
Mood & Nervous System Health
Nutrient Absorption & Mineral Synergy
These areas directly influence fertility, pregnancy health, and postpartum recovery. HTMA allows us to work from the ground up so your wellness plan is tailored to your body's specific needs.
What the Process Looks Like
Intake
You'll complete an in-depth health history form covering multiple areas. This allows me to understand your full picture in light of your results.
At-Home Collection
A small sample of hair is taken at home following simple instructions. It is quick, painless, and does not require a blood draw.
Functional Interpretation
Once your lab report returns, we review your mineral ratios, patterns, and potential stress indicators in detail so you fully understand what they mean.
Personalized Plan
You'll receive a customized plan targeting nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle shifts, and home environment improvements that match your unique mineral blueprint.
Research-Backed Testing
HTMA is supported by extensive peer-reviewed research and validated by government agencies.
EPA Validated
The Environmental Protection Agency stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of toxic metals, noting that if analyzed correctly, "the data are reliable."
— EPA, 1979Cardiovascular Research
A 13-year study found that for each microgram of mercury found in hair, the risk of acute coronary events increased significantly.
— Houston, 2007Bone Health Connection
Research concluded that magnesium levels in hair were associated with bone mineral density, whereas serum levels were not as significant an indicator.
— Song et al., 2007Metabolic Insights
Longitudinal studies observed lower hair chromium levels in elderly subjects with Type 2 Diabetes compared to healthy control groups.
— Stupar et al., 2007Certified Laboratory Partner
We use Trace Elements, Inc. (TEI), a leading independent testing laboratory in operation since 1984, specializing exclusively in HTMA for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Extensive research has established the link between trace element levels in hair and internal organs. Several peer-reviewed studies and government reports validate the use of hair for biological monitoring:
- EPA Validation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of toxic metals, noting that if analyzed correctly, "the data are reliable" (EPA, 1979).
- Cardiovascular Health: A study analyzing men over a 13-year period found that for each microgram of mercury found in hair, the risk of acute coronary events increased significantly (Houston, 2007).
- Bone Health: Research concluded that magnesium levels in hair were associated with bone mineral density, whereas serum levels were not as significant an indicator (Song et al., 2007).
- Diabetes: Longitudinal studies observed lower hair chromium levels in elderly subjects with Type 2 Diabetes compared to healthy control groups (Stupar et al., 2007).
We use Trace Elements, Inc. (TEI), a leading independent testing laboratory that has been in operation since 1984. They specialize exclusively in hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Specialized laboratories are preferred over general labs because they focus solely on the unique preparation and analysis required for hair, such as avoiding "washing" procedures that can strip water-soluble minerals.
Yes. Trace Elements, Inc. is a fully licensed and certified clinical laboratory that meets rigorous federal and state regulatory standards:
- CLIA Certification: Certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988, ensuring federal standards for accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
- Federal Inspections: TEI undergoes regular inspections by the Clinical Laboratory Division of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
- State Licensure: They hold specific state licenses where required, such as with the Florida Department of Health.
- Quality Assurance: They maintain a strict QA/QC program, including daily calibration with standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
For more information about HTMA, you can visit these resources from Trace Elements:
Ready to Understand What Your Body Is Telling You?
HTMA is included in the Intention Mineral Insight Package and available within the Intention Signature Program.
- Clear guidance
- Meaningful insight
- Support you can trust
Educational & Imagery Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a screening tool that provides insight into mineral status and metabolic patterns—it is not a diagnostic test. Results do not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.
Any individuals depicted in images on this website are models or stock photography subjects and are not patients or clients of Intention Holistic Health. Images are used for illustrative purposes only and do not represent clinical relationships or health outcomes.
Scope of Services: Intention Holistic Health, PLLC provides educational wellness guidance and, where applicable, Kentucky-based nurse practitioner services within scope and licensure. We do not prescribe medications or manage chronic prescription drug therapies. Consult your primary care physician for medical emergencies, acute illness, and pharmaceutical management. Clinical services are available exclusively to Kentucky residents.
