Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine is a type of medicine that considers the whole person. It looks at the underlying causes of illness or disease, not just the symptoms. Functional medicine seeks to rebalance the body’s systems to restore health. Practitioners of functional medicine promote healthy lifestyles, instead of relying on drugs and surgery. It’s a model of care that evaluates your body as a whole and recognizes each system affects another system.

A functional medicine specialist is a medical professional who concentrates their care of patients on the diagnosis and treatment of the root causes of health problems, instead of focusing solely on symptoms. This type of medical profession can provide their patients with a variety of services such as: nutrition and diet consultation, stress management, specialty test and supplementation to help with nutrient deficiencies.

Functional medicine is a holistic and personalized approach to improving health and managing chronic conditions. In the past, chronic illness was often treated with medications or procedures that focused mainly on controlling symptoms. Functional medicine shifts the focus to understanding why those symptoms developed in the first place.

Rather than treating isolated symptoms, functional medicine looks at the whole person and how different systems in the body are connected. This includes the gut, brain, immune system, and endocrine system, often referred to as the gut-brain-immune-endocrine axis. By understanding how these systems influence one another, practitioners can address root causes instead of temporary fixes.

Functional medicine also takes into account a person’s lifestyle factors, including diet, nutrient status, stress levels, emotional health, physical activity, and recovery after physical activity. Genetics, environment, and daily habits are all considered when creating a personalized care plan. This comprehensive approach helps support long-term health, improved energy, better resilience, and overall balance in the body.

It’s important to understand the difference between functional medicine and conventional medicine.  Functional medicine is a natural proactive approach, either to keep you healthy or to handle the root cause of chronic health issues.  Conventional medicine is more of a reactive treatment and deals with symptoms.   When patients are struggling with chronic diseases they can choose a conventional approach, functional approach or blended approach.  Functional medicine believes chronic disease is the body’s reaction and warning that it needs help.

Many chronic and autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid, hashimoto’s, and irritable bowel syndrome can be treated using functional medicine.  Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of illness rather than masking symptoms. It emphasizes individual treatment methods, such as specific nutritional support, diet and lifestyle changes, evaluations of specialty testing, which are driving root cause of disease, supporting genes, and reduce inflammation.

Functional medicine helps greatly with chronic conditions because it considers pathophysiology that has driven this condition which looks at the contributing factors driving the disease.  Functional medicine is a methodical approach at addressing each root cause until the person’s health is regained.

Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies. It focuses on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms and may include nutrition, lifestyle changes, stress management, and mind-body practices alongside traditional medical care. The goal of integrative medicine is to support healing, prevention, and overall well-being by using the best of both conventional and complementary approaches in a coordinated way.

Functional medicine and integrative medicine share similar values, but they differ in structure and depth. Functional medicine uses a systems-based and root-cause approach to understand how different systems in the body interact, such as the gut, brain, immune, and endocrine systems. It relies on detailed timelines, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plans to address underlying dysfunctions. Integrative medicine may incorporate functional medicine principles, but functional medicine follows a more defined clinical framework focused on identifying and correcting the root causes of disease.

Functional medicine differs from holistic medicine and naturopathy in its clinical structure and use of evidence-based systems biology. While holistic and naturopathic approaches often emphasize natural therapies and whole-person care, functional medicine combines this philosophy with modern medical science, advanced diagnostics, and research-based protocols. Functional medicine practitioners are trained to understand complex interactions between genetics, environment, lifestyle, and physiology and use this information to create targeted, personalized treatment plans.

Functional medicine is commonly used to support people with chronic and complex health conditions. These may include digestive disorders, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, chronic fatigue, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, mood disorders, and stress-related illnesses. Rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis alone, functional medicine addresses the underlying imbalances that contribute to disease progression and ongoing symptoms.

Functional medicine may help with a wide range of symptoms, including low energy, brain fog, digestive discomfort, bloating, weight changes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, low mood, chronic pain, headaches, skin issues, and difficulty recovering after physical or emotional stress. By identifying root causes such as nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, gut dysfunction, or hormonal imbalance, functional medicine aims to improve symptoms at their source rather than masking them.

Functional medicine can be highly effective, especially for individuals who have not found lasting relief through conventional approaches alone. By focusing on personalized care, lifestyle changes, and addressing root causes, many patients experience meaningful improvements in symptoms, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Outcomes depend on individual commitment, the complexity of the condition, and consistency with recommended treatment plans, but functional medicine is widely used and supported in clinical practice worldwide.

Functional medicine is grounded in systems biology, biochemistry, and current medical research. It is based on the understanding that the body’s systems are interconnected and that dysfunction in one area can affect others. Functional medicine uses evidence-based research, clinical data, and advanced testing to identify imbalances related to inflammation, gut health, metabolism, immune regulation, detoxification, and hormonal signaling. This scientific framework allows practitioners to create targeted, personalized interventions that support long-term health and resilience.

BHRT, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, is a form of hormone therapy that uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are commonly used to help address symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during perimenopause, menopause, and andropause. BHRT is prescribed in personalized doses based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and laboratory testing.

The main difference between BHRT and synthetic hormone replacement therapy lies in the molecular structure of the hormones used. Bioidentical hormones are designed to match the body’s natural hormones exactly, while synthetic hormones have a different chemical structure. Because of this difference, some individuals find BHRT to be better tolerated. Functional and integrative medicine providers often prefer BHRT due to its ability to be customized and closely aligned with the body’s natural hormone signaling.

The term “natural” can be confusing. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, such as yams or soy, and are then processed in a laboratory to match human hormones exactly. While BHRT hormones are not taken directly from plants in their raw form, their molecular structure is identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. BHRT is best described as biologically identical rather than simply natural.

A qualified BHRT provider is typically a medical professional trained in functional or integrative medicine with experience in hormone optimization. When searching for a provider, look for someone who emphasizes comprehensive testing, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring rather than one-size-fits-all hormone prescriptions. A thorough evaluation and follow-up process are key components of safe and effective BHRT care.

Before starting BHRT, your provider should conduct comprehensive hormone testing to understand your unique hormonal profile. This may include blood, saliva, or urine testing depending on your symptoms and clinical needs. In addition to sex hormones, a thorough evaluation often includes thyroid function, adrenal health, metabolic markers, and nutrient status. Testing allows BHRT to be tailored specifically to your body rather than based on symptoms alone.

Insurance coverage for BHRT varies depending on the provider, the type of hormones prescribed, and the specific insurance plan. Some lab testing and office visits may be covered, while compounded bioidentical hormones are often not covered by insurance. Many patients choose BHRT despite limited coverage because of the personalized approach and symptom improvement. Your provider or care team can help clarify expected costs before treatment begins.

BHRT itself does not automatically cause weight gain. In fact, hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight changes, especially increased fat storage and difficulty maintaining muscle mass. When hormones are balanced appropriately, many individuals find it easier to manage their weight. Weight outcomes depend on proper dosing, lifestyle factors, nutrition, stress levels, and overall metabolic health.

BHRT is not a weight loss treatment, but it may support healthier metabolism when hormonal imbalances are contributing to weight gain or resistance to weight loss. Balanced hormones can improve energy, sleep quality, insulin sensitivity, and muscle maintenance, all of which play a role in weight management. Sustainable weight changes typically occur when BHRT is combined with nutrition, movement, and lifestyle support.

BHRT must be prescribed by a licensed medical provider who is trained in hormone therapy. This may include physicians, nurse practitioners, or other qualified healthcare professionals depending on regional regulations. Providers trained in functional or integrative medicine often have additional education in hormone physiology, testing, and individualized dosing strategies.

BHRT may be appropriate for individuals experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalance that significantly affect quality of life. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, low libido, weight changes, and reduced stress tolerance. Not everyone is a candidate for BHRT, which is why a thorough medical evaluation and testing are essential before starting therapy.