After working as a conventional gynecologist for over 10 years, I turned to functional medicine to offer more solutions to my patients in support of their optimal health. As a gynecologist, I offer advanced medical and surgical treatments, however many patients with chronic conditions and symptoms want deeper healing. I use functional medicine to identify underlying causes of disease. By integrating functional and conventional medicine, I can individualize your care and customize treatment plans to support your unique needs.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a root-cause approach to health that addresses the underlying cause of disease. It is a model that focuses on individual needs and incorporates your unique biochemical, genetic and environmental factors that influence how your body, mind and spirit function. Conventional medicine tends to label a group of symptoms as a diagnosis and then treat the symptoms. Functional medicine addresses the underlying cause of symptoms such as nutritional deficiencies, stress-related hormonal imbalances, food intolerances and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
When should I see a functional medicine practitioner?
Functional medicine supports prevention and health maintenance as well as addressing chronic symptoms. Many seek functional medicine when they want to avoid lifelong medications for chronic conditions, when they are not getting answers from conventional practitioners or they want to find out how to feel better and optimize their health potential.
What conditions do you treat with functional medicine?
My training in gynecology leads me to focus on hormonal balance and the many factors that influence this. The most common conditions I treat include PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), PMS/PMDD (premenstrual syndrome/mood disorder), menopausal symptoms, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), depression/anxiety, painful periods/endometriosis, thyroid imbalance, irregular or heavy periods, vaginitis and urinary frequency/bladder pain.
How does functional medicine work?
We will look at your life experiences and discover when you last felt well, examining the factors that have led to illness. We will uncover your unique nutritional needs, examine toxins and stressors that are effecting your health and consider genetic factors that influence your physiology. There is much we can discover by evaluating your history, symptoms and daily life. Specialty lab tests are optional for further evaluation of hormone function, bowel health, toxins and metabolism. I will recommend vitamins and supplements that best support your health needs. I prescribe bioidentical hormones when indicated. Often, it’s the simple changes in your daily routine that have the greatest impact on your wellbeing.
What if I need conventional medicine or surgery?
I continue to use conventional medicine and provide life-changing surgical treatments. Conventional medicine excels in treating many infections, providing contraception, managing severe symptoms and can offer life-saving solutions. I offer minimally invasive surgeries including hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, vaginal prolapse repair, and ovarian cyst removal. The integration of conventional medicine, surgery and functional medicine provides an array of options to support your health.
Can I keep eating chocolate cake???
Yes you can still eat chocolate cake! Let’s find ways to best support your physiology so that you can still enjoy the treats that nourish your soul. Through moderate and practical approaches, I want to find solutions that work in your life and allow you to continue to enjoy simple, delicious pleasures!
