what is functional medicine?
Root Cause Healing, Redefined
The functional medicine model is a personalized, systems-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. It views the body as an interconnected system rather than separate organs and emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in health and disease. By integrating traditional medical practices with evidence-based holistic interventions, functional medicine prioritizes prevention and long-term wellness. It empowers patients to play an active role in their health journey through tailored nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications.
Your health journey is as unique as you are, and that's why a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work. Functional medicine takes a holistic, patient-centered view, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of your symptoms—not just masking them. By understanding the intricate connections between your hormones, gut health, stress, and lifestyle, we create a personalized care plan that works with your body to restore balance and vitality. Research shows that the functional medicine model can improve health-related quality of life, particularly for chronic conditions, by addressing lifestyle and environmental factors alongside traditional diagnostics and treatments. (1)
You deserve care that looks at the whole picture—because you’re more than just a list of symptoms. Let’s work together to help you feel your best, inside and out.
Beidelschies M, Alejandro-Rodriguez M, Ji X, Lapin B, Hanaway P, Rothberg MB. Association of the Functional Medicine Model of Care With Patient-Reported Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(10):e1914017. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.14017
What is a functional obgyn?
An OB/GYN specialist in functional medicine combines the expertise of traditional obstetrics and gynecology with a holistic, root-cause approach to women's health. Unlike conventional OB/GYNs who often focus on symptom management primarily through medications and surgical interventions, a functional medicine OB/GYN also seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, menopause symptoms, and other women’s health concerns.
What Makes a Functional Medicine OB/GYN Different?
Root Cause Approach – Instead of just treating symptoms, they investigate the deeper imbalances in hormones, gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle that may be affecting reproductive and overall health.
Advanced Testing & Personalized Care – Use both traditional and functional lab testing to assess hormone levels, micronutrient deficiencies, gut health, and inflammation markers, tailoring treatments to the patient’s unique needs.
Integrative & Natural Treatments – While they are trained in conventional medicine, they often incorporate nutrition, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and bioidentical hormone therapy before resorting to pharmaceuticals or surgery.
Whole-Person Care – They consider factors like stress, sleep, toxins, and metabolic health that can impact conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, and menopause.
Empowerment & Education – Functional medicine OB/GYNs prioritize patient education, empowering women to take control of their health through informed lifestyle choices.
This approach is ideal for women seeking a deeper understanding of their health, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, and a doctor who looks at the bigger picture when it comes to hormonal and reproductive wellness.
Are functional obgyn’s primary care providers?
At our practice, we specialize in functional medicine for women’s health, which is a distinct field that goes beyond routine gynecologic care. While annual well-woman exams, Pap smears, and basic preventive screenings are essential, there are many highly qualified OB/GYNs, midwives, and primary care providers who can perform these services.
Our focus is different. Functional medicine in women’s health is a specialized approach that evaluates the deeper biochemical and hormonal systems that influence everything from fertility and menstrual health to metabolism and menopause. Rather than just screening for disease, we work to uncover the root causes of chronic symptoms and imbalances—something that far fewer providers offer.
By dedicating our practice to this unique and comprehensive, systems-based approach, we ensure that women who need in-depth, personalized care for complex health concerns get the expertise and attention they deserve. If you're looking for a proactive, root-cause-focused approach to your health, we are here to help.