What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine explores why symptoms develop and how body systems connect, using your health story and targeted assessment to guide a personal plan.
- Updated
- 4 min read
- By Charmaine Shepherd, IFM Certified Practitioner
Functional medicine is a personalised approach to understanding the factors contributing to your health. It connects your history, symptoms and test results across digestion, hormones, immunity, metabolism and the nervous system. The aim is to identify practical opportunities to improve function and long-term health.
Many people come to me with several symptoms that have been considered separately: fatigue, digestive discomfort, poor sleep, hormonal changes or brain fog.
I want to understand how they fit together and what changed before they began. That broader view helps us decide what to investigate and where to start.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine uses a systems-based framework. Your body systems influence one another, so a problem in one area may have effects elsewhere.
Poor digestion can affect nutrient status. Disrupted sleep can influence metabolic health. Hormonal transitions can alter sleep, mood and energy. We explore those relationships in the context of your individual history.
How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?
My consultations place particular emphasis on time, your health timeline and the relationships between symptoms. We review existing diagnoses and treatments, then explore what may still be contributing to difficulties.
| Part of the assessment | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Detailed history | Identifies relevant events, exposures and changes over time |
| Review of results | Brings together markers and trends across previous investigations |
| Targeted testing | Answers questions that remain unresolved |
| Personalised plan | Matches recommendations to your health, capacity and priorities |
| Coaching and review | Supports implementation and adjustment |
Nutrition and lifestyle are also important in conventional healthcare. Functional medicine brings these into a detailed individual framework alongside appropriate medical care.
What are the core ideas of functional medicine?
Your story matters. The timing of symptoms can point towards an infection, hormonal transition, dietary change or prolonged strain that deserves closer attention.
Similar symptoms can have different contributors. Fatigue might involve iron depletion, sleep apnoea, thyroid disease or several overlapping factors.
Patterns matter. I consider how results relate to each other, your symptoms and earlier measurements.
The plan needs to fit your life. We identify priorities and build changes you can maintain, with support where needed.
What happens in a functional medicine consultation?
We begin with a discovery call, followed by a detailed intake form and consultation. I review your history and results, explain the patterns and discuss any further investigations.
You receive a written plan and health coaching support, with follow-ups to assess progress. Read What happens at your first functional medicine appointment?
What tests are used in functional medicine?
Depending on your needs, testing may include blood markers, comprehensive stool testing, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath testing, urinary hormone metabolites, metabolic testing or cardiovascular assessment.
I often use hormone metabolite testing to explore sex hormone metabolism where it is relevant. Blood testing remains important for thyroid assessment and other clinical questions.
The history determines the tests. A larger panel is useful only if its information helps us make better decisions.
What conditions can functional medicine help with?
People seek this approach for digestive symptoms, fatigue, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, cardiometabolic health and concerns about memory.
Support may focus on symptoms, nutritional status, daily function or prevention. What is achievable depends on the condition and your wider care.
Is functional medicine evidence-based?
Many components have established evidence, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep treatment and correction of deficiencies. Personalised programmes and specialist tests have varying levels of validation.
I explain what a test can establish and where interpretation is less certain. We review the effect of recommendations rather than assume that more testing or supplementation means better care.
Is functional medicine regulated in the UK?
It is not a separately regulated profession. Check the practitioner’s underlying qualifications, registration and additional training.
I am an IFM Certified Practitioner, hold a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
Who is functional medicine for?
It can suit someone with persistent symptoms, several interacting problems or an interest in proactive prevention. It involves collaboration and a willingness to make appropriate changes, with the pace adapted to your circumstances.
When to seek medical assessment
New or rapidly worsening symptoms, unexplained weight loss, bleeding or a new lump need medical investigation. Call 999 for suspected heart attack, stroke or severe breathlessness.
Read Can functional medicine work alongside my GP and NHS treatment?
Common questions
What is functional medicine in simple terms?
It explores why you are struggling, how different factors connect and what can be addressed in your individual health picture.
Is functional medicine available on the NHS?
These consultations are offered privately, alongside any appropriate NHS care.
How long does functional medicine take to work?
That varies. Some changes are noticeable sooner, while long-standing conditions need sustained work and review. We agree realistic goals rather than promise a fixed recovery time.
How much does functional medicine cost?
My initial consultation with coaching costs £354 and follow-ups cost £264. Testing is separate. See How much does functional medicine cost in the UK, and is it worth it?
Is functional medicine the same as alternative medicine?
The term describes an assessment framework that can use conventional investigations, nutrition, lifestyle and other appropriate tools. The practitioner’s training determines their clinical scope.
Curious whether this approach could help you? Book a free discovery call.
Sources
Ferritin “normal” but still exhausted? How to read your iron results
Normal vs optimal: 5 blood test ranges explained
Why am I always tired? 10 causes a standard blood test can miss
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Please don't start or stop any medication without speaking to your GP or prescriber.