Functional Medicine: Root-Cause Care in St. Louis, Missouri
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach that seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of disease, rather than simply treating symptoms. It recognizes that every individual is biochemically unique. Factors such as genetics, environment, nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and gut health all interact to influence wellness. By investigating these underlying factors and viewing the body as an integrated system, Functional Medicine aims to restore balance, resilience, and long-term health.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing individual symptoms or diseases, Functional Medicine practitioners spend time understanding each patient’s health history, environment, and lifestyle to craft a tailored, holistic care plan.
How We Work. Our Functional Medicine Process
Comprehensive Discovery & Intake
We begin with an in-depth intake process that looks beyond symptoms. This includes a detailed review of your medical history, lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, and health goals to fully understand how different systems in your body are connected.
Root-Cause Focused Evaluation
Instead of treating isolated symptoms, we focus on identifying the underlying causes of imbalance. We assess how factors such as inflammation, gut health, hormones, metabolic function, and environmental influences may be contributing to your current health concerns.
Advanced Functional Testing (When Needed)
When appropriate, we use specialized lab testing to gain deeper insight into your body’s unique needs. These tests help us personalize your care by providing data-driven guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we create a customized care plan designed specifically for you. This may include targeted nutrition strategies, lifestyle adjustments, supplementation, and integrative therapies to support healing and long-term wellness.
Collaborative & Ongoing Care
Functional medicine is a partnership. We work closely with you, monitoring progress, adjusting your plan as needed, and providing ongoing support to ensure sustainable results and continued improvement over time.
Hormonal Imbalances
We help identify and address hormone-related concerns such as fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations, thyroid issues, and symptoms related to menopause or andropause. Our approach focuses on restoring balance to support optimal energy, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
Digestive & Gut Health Issues
Digestive problems like bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, and chronic inflammation often stem from underlying gut imbalances. Functional medicine allows us to assess gut health, identify triggers, and create personalized strategies to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Chronic Fatigue & Low Energy
Persistent fatigue is often a sign of deeper systemic issues, including nutrient deficiencies, hormonal dysfunction, or chronic stress. We work to uncover these root causes and develop targeted plans to help restore energy and improve daily function.
Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
For patients dealing with autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammation, functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach that supports immune regulation and reduces inflammatory triggers. Our goal is to help manage symptoms while promoting long-term resilience and balance
Why Choose Health By Design MD for Functional Medicine
At Health By Design MD, we combine the best of modern diagnostics with a compassionate, individualized, integrative approach. We treat each patient as a unique individual and build plans based on their biology, lifestyle, and personal health goals.
Our team draws on advanced lab testing, holistic therapy options, and ongoing support to empower you on your healing journey. If you’re ready to take charge of your health, address root causes, and build a foundation for long-term wellness, our Functional Medicine program can be the path to lasting change.
Take the First Step Toward Whole-Body Health
If you’re looking for a different kind of healthcare, one focused on prevention, root-cause resolution, and personalized wellness, we invite you to schedule a Functional Medicine consultation with us. Let’s work together to uncover root imbalances, restore your health, and help you thrive.
Contact us now to book your Functional Medicine evaluation at Health By Design MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Functional Medicine different from traditional medical care?
Functional Medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of symptoms, while conventional medicine typically aims to diagnose and manage conditions with medications or procedures. Our approach looks at how your genetics, lifestyle, environment, nutrition, and stress affect your overall health. By viewing the body as an interconnected system, we build a personalized plan designed to restore long-term balance and wellness rather than offering short-term symptom relief.
What conditions can Functional Medicine help with?
Functional Medicine is well-suited for individuals experiencing chronic symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, mood concerns, inflammation, sleep disturbances, weight challenges, or autoimmune conditions. It is also helpful for people who feel unwell despite “normal” lab results or who want to prevent illness and optimize long-term health. Because the approach is individualized, it supports a wide range of health concerns.
Do I need advanced diagnostic testing?
Not every patient requires advanced testing, but it is often recommended when symptoms have unclear causes or when conventional tests have not provided answers. These diagnostic tools allow us to identify subtle imbalances and provide more targeted, effective care. We discuss all testing recommendations openly so you can make informed decisions about your health.
What types of treatments are included in a Functional Medicine plan?
Your personalized care plan may include targeted nutrition guidance, lifestyle adjustments, hormonal support, gut health restoration, stress and sleep optimization, supplements when appropriate, and other integrative therapies. We tailor all recommendations to your unique biology and goals, focusing on sustainable improvements and long-term wellness rather than quick fixes.