Health

Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

by Elena Levy
April 2, 2025
5 minute read
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Have you ever felt like something was wrong with your body, but your doctor told you your tests were "normal"? Or maybe you’ve been prescribed medication that only covers up symptoms instead of actually fixing the problem? If so, you’re not alone. Many people – especially women – struggle with chronic health issues like fatigue, digestive problems, brain fog, and hormone imbalances but don’t get the answers they need from conventional medicine.

This is where functional medicine comes in. It’s a different way of looking at health – one that focuses on finding the root cause of your symptoms rather than just treating them with a quick fix. Let’s explore how functional medicine differs from conventional medicine and how it might help you find the relief you’ve been searching for.

The Conventional Medicine Approach

Conventional (or traditional) medicine is the kind you’ll find in most doctor’s offices. It works well for acute issues like infections, broken bones, or life-threatening conditions. If you have strep throat, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If you have appendicitis, you need the urgent surgical intervention.

But when it comes to chronic conditions – like ongoing fatigue, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances – this approach often falls short. Many people get frustrated because they are told their lab results are "normal," yet they still feel awful. Others get prescribed medication to manage symptoms but don’t receive help figuring out why those symptoms are happening in the first place.

The Functional Medicine Approach

Functional medicine takes a deeper dive into what’s causing your symptoms. Instead of just treating the problem on the surface, it looks at how different systems in your body are connected and what might be out of balance. It’s kind of like being a health detective – searching for clues in your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, gut health, and more.

This approach is especially helpful for women dealing with hormone imbalances, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, and chronic fatigue. Case Example: Perimenopause Struggles. Amanda, a 42-year-old woman, started experiencing extreme fatigue, mood swings, and brain fog. She visited her doctor, who ran some basic blood tests and told her she was "fine"-just stressed. Frustrated, Lisa turned to a functional medicine practitioner.

Instead of dismissing her symptoms, the practitioner ordered more in-depth hormone testing. The results showed that her estrogen and progesterone levels were imbalanced, and she also had high levels of stress hormones (cortisol). With this information, Lisa’s treatment plan included dietary changes, stress management techniques, and specific supplements to support her hormones naturally. Within a few months, she felt like herself again.

Functional Medicine Testing and Treatments

Unlike conventional medicine, which relies on standard blood tests, functional medicine uses more detailed testing to uncover hidden imbalances. Some examples include:

Comprehensive hormone testing – Looks at estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and stress hormones.

Gut health testing – Identifies bacteria imbalances, leaky gut, or food sensitivities.

Nutrient testing – Checks for deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that affect energy and mood.

Inflammation markers – Helps determine if chronic inflammation is contributing to symptoms.

Once the root cause is identified, treatment focuses on natural solutions such as:

Diet changes – Removing inflammatory foods and adding nutrient-dense options.

Targeted supplements – Using vitamins, minerals, and herbs to support the body.

Stress reduction – Encouraging meditation, yoga, or better sleep routines.

Lifestyle shifts – Addressing toxins, exercise, and daily habits that impact health.

Which Approach Is Right for You?

Both conventional and functional medicine have their place. If you break a bone, need surgery, or have an infection, conventional medicine is the way to go. But if you’re struggling with ongoing symptoms that no one can seem to explain, functional medicine may offer the answers you need.

The key takeaway? You don’t have to "just live with it" when it comes to your health. If you feel like something isn’t right, keep searching for answers. Functional medicine could be the missing piece in your healing journey!

Elena Levy, PA