When it comes to determining if you have one or more copies of an MTHFR variant (namely C677T or A1298C), there is no sure-fire way to know for certain, aside from getting genetic testing. Even amongst those with a confirmed diagnosis, symptoms can be highly varied, depending on other genetic factors, environmental considerations, lifestyle, etc. However, there are certainly some indications that can point you and your naturopathic physician in the right direction. How can you determine that genetic testing for an MTHFR variant may be in order? The following signs may indicate you're a MTHFR...
Common manifestations of an MTHFR variant:
Food intolerances
Eczema
Brain fog
Chemical sensitivity
Anxiety and depression
Migraines
Recurrent infection
Low immunity
Chronic fatigue
Thyroid imbalance
Blood clots
Chronic inflammation
Auto-immune disease
Infertility
Recurrent miscarriage
Pregnancies with neural tube defects
In infants, "tongue ties," "stork bite," and "sugar bug" markers may or may not be reliable indicators
This is, by no means, an exhaustive list. It is also not meant to serve as a self-diagnosis tool, but as a guide in seeking official diagnosis. You may notice that many of these symptoms are vague and can be indicators of many conditions.
That's why so many people breathe a sigh a relief when they find out that all of their seemingly unrelated ailments were actually all stemming from a singular root cause!
If you have struggled with several of the symptoms listed above and have never been able to get to the bottom of it, genetic testing for an MTHFR variant may be a good choice for you. It feels great to find out you're a MTHFR!
To take a deeper, guided dive into how to thrive with an MTHFR variant, check out Hey MTHFR Academy. This 16-week online course will give you the tools you need to harness the power of epigenetics and befriend your MTHFR gene.