Functional Medicine promotes natural healing processes by addressing the underlying biochemical imbalances that lead to chronic symptoms and degenerative diseases.  In medical terminology, these imbalances involve complex interrelationships among hormones, neurotransmitters, oxidation-reduction, detoxification, immune function, inflammatory processes, digestion and absorption, and structural problems.  Symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, hormone imbalances and digestive problems indicate underlying biochemical and physiological dysfunctions that gradually lead to chronic disease and accelerated aging processes.

Every symptom or disease affects the entire body and can result from different combinations of underlying causes in different people.  Applying up-to-date published research and advanced science-based Functional Medicine laboratory testing help us to design a comprehensive individualized treatment program for the underlying causes in each person, rather than just “cookbook” prescriptions for symptoms.  We treat the whole body rather than a single part or organ, and consider each patient’s biochemical individuality as influenced by unique genetic, lifestyle, personal history and environmental factors.  Assessment includes reviewing detailed medical questionnaires and specialized Functional Medicine test results, as well as any previous outside tests you may have had.  Customized treatment programs may include combinations of nutritional supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes, stress management, and possibly bioidentical hormone replacement, as well as conventional medicine where appropriate, and is monitored by follow-up testing as needed.

Successful treatment requires time, persistence and close cooperation between doctor and patient to get it right.

I have had hundreds of hours of advanced scientific medical training and study on applying these principles over the last several years.  I practice conservatively and do not engage in any unproven or unscientific medical practices or invasive procedures.

(More information may be obtained from THE INSTITUTE FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE, http://www.functionalmedicine.org/.)