Why I decided to try DNA genetic testing
I have always had a lot of curiosity about health and learning about what we can all do to live the healthiest life possible.
And I was recently reading about the health benefits of having our DNA genetics tested and I decided to give it a go as it looks really interesting.
This decision stemmed from my desire to gain insights into my genetic makeup, which could inform both my immediate and long-term health.
So, I had a bit of a google and ordered a DNA genetic health testing kit through a company called EasyDNA Australia which looked pretty good.
Understanding My Genetic Predispositions
One of the primary motivations for this testing is to uncover any genetic predispositions to certain health conditions.
You may have seen in the news last year about Chris Hemsworth discovering his high risk of alzheimer's disease through genetic testing and this got me looking into it more I was really interested in the science around this.
I have always believed that knowledge is power and by identifying potential risks early, we can hopefully implement proactive measures, such as regular screenings or lifestyle adjustments, to mitigate these risks.
Personalising my menopause journey
I am also interested in insights with my body and menopause. I started my menopause super early at 41 and I have been managing my symptoms with diet, exercise, HRT and doing everything possible to manage stress.
But I am really interested if there is anything the testing will show about this area as I also have had terrible migraines all my life which I believe are hormone related so I keen to explore this more
I am hoping the results will help me to tailor what I am doing (or what I could be doing) to align with my genetic profile, enhancing the effectiveness
Enhancing Medication Efficacy and Safety
Pharmacogenomics, the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs, is another area where genetic testing proves beneficial. By understanding my genetic variations, it may mean the type of HRT I use could be tailored to be more effective
Informing Long-Term Health Strategies
Beyond immediate health benefits, genetic testing offers insights that are valuable for long-term health planning. By understanding my genetic risks, I can make informed decisions about lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and monitoring strategies to maintain health as I age. This foresight is crucial in implementing strategies that can prevent or delay the onset of genetic conditions.
The cost and process
It is unfortunately expensive - I bought the advanced DNA testing kit for both me and my husband and together it cost $686 but I am seeing it as an investment in my health and I will let you know my results and my feedback on the whole process
So far the process has been really simple - I was sent the box and swab kit - I just had to swab saliva from the inside of my mouth and then send it back.
They say it can take 4-6 weeks so I will now patiently wait for the results! If you are keen to look into it - this is the link to the website I bought from and I chose the Advanced DNA kit with the premium testing extra which came to $325
If you have had any DNA genetic testing and would like to share your experience then I would love to share it here too - I am fascinated by it all and hopefully as time goes on it will be available to more people at a lower cost.
