Functional Medicine is a science-based, individualized approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just managing symptoms. Unlike conventional medicine, which often categorizes and treats diseases based on symptoms, functional medicine views the body as an interconnected system. Practitioners delve deeply into your unique genetics, lifestyle factors (like diet, stress, sleep, physical activity), and environmental exposures to uncover underlying dysfunctions such as nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, hormonal irregularities, or chronic inflammation. It's about asking why symptoms are occurring, rather than simply diagnosing a disease.

Functional Medicine is particularly effective for chronic health conditions that often have complex or multifactorial causes. It's commonly used to address issues like autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's, Crohn's), digestive disorders (e.g., IBS, SIBO), hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression), metabolic issues (e.g., pre-diabetes, insulin resistance), and various inflammatory conditions. It's also utilized by individuals looking to optimize their overall health, prevent disease, and enhance their well-being.

A Functional Medicine consultation is typically more in-depth than a standard doctor's visit. Expect a comprehensive review of your entire health history, including your past medical conditions, family history, diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and environmental exposures. Your practitioner will ask detailed questions to connect seemingly unrelated symptoms. This often includes specialized laboratory testing (beyond routine blood work) that might assess gut health, micronutrient levels, hormone balance, or genetic predispositions. The initial consultation aims to gather a complete picture of your health story, forming the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.