The Wellness Journey with Michelle

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What Is HTMA—and Why Would You Want One?

Summary: Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a simple, non-invasive screening test that measures the levels of essential minerals and toxic metals stored in your hair over the past three to four months. Unlike standard bloodwork, which only captures a snapshot in time, HTMA reveals longer-term mineral patterns—giving you and your practitioner real clues about what your body actually needs. If you’re tired of guessing, HTMA is a practical place to start.

What Is HTMA?

HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. It’s a lab-based screening test that uses a small sample of hair—about a tablespoon, cut close to the scalp—to measure the levels of essential minerals and toxic metals stored in your body’s tissues over the past three to four months.

Your hair is a metabolic end product. As it grows (about half an inch per month), it records and stores the minerals and metals circulating in your body. Think of it as a three-month journal of what’s been happening inside your cells—not just in your bloodstream, but at the tissue level where most of your body’s work actually takes place.

An HTMA typically measures around 20 essential nutrient minerals (like calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and sodium) and several toxic metals (like lead, mercury, and aluminum). But it’s not just about individual levels—it also looks at mineral ratios, which is where the real clues about mineral balancing show up. Those ratios help us understand what your body is doing with its minerals—and where to focus first.

HTMA vs Bloodwork: What’s the Difference?

Both HTMA and standard bloodwork provide valuable information — but they measure different things.

Standard Bloodwork

• Provides a snapshot of what is circulating in your blood at the time of the draw

• Measures minerals and nutrients in the fluids outside your cells (serum)

• Is tightly regulated by the body, meaning levels can appear “normal” even when tissue imbalances exist

• Is essential for diagnosing acute or clinical conditions

• Reflects short-term status rather than long-term patterns

HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)

• Reflects 3–4 months of mineral patterns stored in tissues

• Measures minerals that have been deposited in hair during growth

• Evaluates mineral ratios, not just individual numbers

• Can highlight long-term stress and metabolic trends

• Is non-invasive and collected at home

Neither test replaces the other. They provide different pieces of the health picture. Bloodwork shows what’s happening now; HTMA shows what’s been happening over time.

What Can HTMA Reveal?

An HTMA doesn’t diagnose conditions—but it reveals patterns that point to what your body may be dealing with. Here are some of the areas where HTMA can shine a light:

• Energy and metabolism: Mineral patterns can reflect how well your body produces and uses energy at the cellular level.
• Thyroid-style symptoms: Certain mineral ratios (like calcium to potassium) are closely connected to thyroid activity—even when standard thyroid panels come back “normal.”
• Stress response and adrenal patterns: Sodium and potassium levels, along with their ratio, can reveal how your adrenals are adapting (or struggling) under stress.
• Hormone balance: Mineral patterns like zinc to copper can relate to hormonal symptoms—mood shifts, cycle changes, and irritability.
• Digestion and nutrient absorption: If minerals aren’t being absorbed well, HTMA may show that pattern before gut-specific testing does.
• Toxic metal exposure: HTMA can flag accumulation of metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum that might be contributing to symptoms over time.
• Inflammation patterns: Certain mineral imbalances are associated with chronic inflammation and joint discomfort.

The key word here is patterns. HTMA isn’t about a single number being high or low—it’s about how your minerals relate to each other and what story that tells about your body’s current state.

Why Would You Want an HTMA?

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of trial-and-error—buying the newest supplement, hopping between diets, or being told “everything looks fine” when it clearly doesn’t feel fine—HTMA can be the thing that finally helps you stop guessing and start knowing.

Here’s what HTMA gives you:

• Clarity: Instead of wondering what’s going on, you get a personalized blueprint of what your body is actually doing with its minerals.
• Direction: Your results become the starting point for a customized roadmap—targeted to your patterns, not a generic list of “healthy habits.”
• Fewer bottles: When you know what you actually need, you can stop stacking random supplements and simplify. Ditch the hundreds of bottles.
• Confidence: You understand what you’re doing and why—which means you’re building real self-reliance, not just following someone else’s plan blindly.

HTMA is especially helpful if you’re dealing with fatigue, thyroid-style symptoms, hormone shifts, inflammation, joint discomfort, or digestive issues (yes—including the “I just want to poop normally” kind). It’s a practical, non-invasive starting point that can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

What the Process Looks Like

Let’s keep this simple. Here’s how it works when you do HTMA with me:

1. Collect your sample. A small amount of hair (about a tablespoon), cut from the back of the head near the nape of the neck. It’s quick, painless, and done at home.
2. Send it to the lab. I use Trace Elements Lab, a trusted and established HTMA laboratory. Results typically take about two to three weeks.
3. Get your personalized analysis. I interpret your results and explain your mineral patterns in your language, not lab language—no jargon, no overwhelm. You’ll understand what’s happening, what it means for you, and where mineral balancing can make the biggest difference.
4. Follow your 90-day mineral roadmap. Based on your patterns, you get a clear, step-by-step plan: food-first strategies, targeted support where needed, and practical lifestyle adjustments. Simple and doable.

That’s it. No complicated protocols. No hundred-step detox programs. Just patterns, a plan, and steady progress.

Is HTMA Right for You?

HTMA tends to be a great fit for people who:

• Have been dealing with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or low energy
• Experience thyroid-style or hormone-related symptoms that don’t seem to resolve
• Feel like they’ve “tried everything” and are still stuck
• Are spending money on supplements without a clear strategy
• Want a personalized plan based on their own body’s data—not a trend
• Are looking for calm, grounded guidance without fear or pressure

If that sounds like you, this could be the next right step. Grab my free checklist: Could Your Minerals Be Out of Balance?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HTMA a diagnostic test?

No. HTMA is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It identifies mineral patterns and imbalances that can help guide your nutrition and lifestyle plan. It’s a way to gather clues—not assign labels.

Does it hurt? What if I don’t have a lot of hair?

Not at all—it’s just a small snip of hair from the back of your head. If scalp hair isn’t an option, body hair can sometimes be used. We’ll figure out what works for you.

What if I color or chemically treat my hair?

Ideally, you’d collect the sample before your next color treatment or wait until about an inch of new growth comes in. I’ll walk you through the best timing so your results are as accurate as possible.

Can’t I just get this information from bloodwork?

Blood and hair tests measure different things. Blood shows what’s circulating right now; HTMA shows what’s been stored in your tissues over months. They complement each other, but HTMA often picks up patterns that standard bloodwork misses—especially when your labs keep coming back “normal.”

How long does it take to get results?

Once your sample arrives at the lab, results typically take about two to three weeks. From there, I prepare your personalized analysis and 90-day mineral roadmap.

Will I need to take a bunch of new supplements?

The goal is actually the opposite—to simplify. Food comes first, always. Supplements are never the starting point; they’re a tool we add when the foundation is ready and the patterns support it. Your roadmap is food-first, and any supplement recommendations are targeted and streamlined—not a cabinet full of mystery pills.

When the timing is right, I may recommend a Vykon Customs personalized formula as an optional next step. This isn’t a generic multivitamin pulled off a shelf—it’s a custom formula (powder or capsule) built around your specific HTMA patterns. One formula, twice a day, shipped to your door. Fewer bottles, not more—just the right support for your body.

Should I retest later?

Retesting is a great idea after about three to four months. It confirms whether your mineral patterns are shifting in the right direction and helps us refine your plan for the next phase. Progress, not perfection. Retests are available for $199 and include an updated roadmap.

What does the HTMA Analysis + 90-Day Mineral Roadmap include?

For $299, you get your full HTMA analysis with patterns explained in your language (not lab language), a personalized 90-day mineral roadmap,  and email exchange for questions and support. If you’d prefer to go deeper live, you can add a Zoom call for $99. Get your Mineral Roadmap here.

I’m not sure if this is right for me. Can I talk to someone first?

Absolutely. I offer a free discovery call where we can chat about what you’re experiencing and whether HTMA makes sense as your next step. No pressure—just clarity. Book your free call here.

Ready to Stop Guessing?

If you’re tired of trial-and-error and want a clear, personalized plan based on what your body actually needs, HTMA is a great place to start. No pressure—just clarity.

Get the $299 HTMA Analysis + 90-Day Mineral Roadmap

Not quite ready? Book a free discovery call — let’s figure out the best next step together.

Just curious? Grab the free checklist: Could Your Minerals Be Out of Balance?

Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information shared here does not replace the advice of your licensed healthcare provider. Always consult a qualified medical professional before making changes to your health, nutrition, or supplement routine.

HTMA is a screening tool used to identify mineral patterns and is not a medical diagnostic test. Individual results may vary.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some products or services mentioned on this site, including Vykon Customs, may be affiliate or referral partnerships. This means I may receive compensation if you choose to purchase through my recommendation. I only recommend products I personally trust and use in my practice. Your trust matters to me, and my recommendations are always based on what I believe is best for your individual needs.

For full terms, visit: www.coach-michelle.net/terms

It’s your body; I help to shine a light.

— Michelle LeMaster

Functional Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach

Specializing in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Mineral Balancing,

food-first approaches, and environmental health support

The Wellness Journey with Michelle LLC

www.coach-michelle.net

Progress over perfection. Building momentum, not chasing perfect.

Quality food first. Toxin light. Small shifts. Brighter days.

Based in Las Vegas, NV — serving clients virtually nationwide