What Is Functional Medicine?

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Discover How Root-Cause Medicine Can Transform Your Health

If you’re tired of temporary fixes, prescription-only solutions, and doctors who spend just five

minutes with you, you’re not alone.

Many people are searching for a different kind of healthcare—one that looks beyond your

symptoms and asks why you feel the way you do.

That’s where functional medicine comes in.

At Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, our functional medicine approach helps patients in St. Louis and

surrounding areas address chronic conditions by uncovering and treating the root causes of

illness—not just covering them up.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

-What functional medicine is

-How it differs from traditional care

-What are the core principles of functional medicine

-What types of conditions it helps

-What to expect from your first visit

-How to know if it’s right for you

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach to healthcare that focuses on

identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease rather than just managing the

symptoms.

Instead of asking, “What drug matches this disease?”, functional medicine practitioners ask,

“What changed in your body to make this happen in the first place?”

It recognizes that chronic conditions—like fatigue, brain fog, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune

disease—are often driven by multiple interconnected factors, such as:

 Inflammation

 Hormone imbalances

 Gut microbiome disruption

 Environmental toxins

 Nutrient deficiencies

 Chronic stress

Functional medicine works by addressing those root factors using a combination of:

 Advanced diagnostic testing

 Nutritional and lifestyle therapies

 Targeted supplements

 Mind-body strategies

 And, when needed, carefully selected medications

How Functional Medicine Differs from Traditional Medicine

Let’s say you visit your doctor complaining of fatigue.

In conventional medicine, your basic labs might be reviewed. If everything appears “normal,”

you’re often told everything is normal and then they prescribe an antidepressant or tell you to

sleep more.

In contrast, functional medicine digs deeper.

We want to know:

 Are your adrenals overworked?

 Is your thyroid functioning sub-optimally?

 Is your blood sugar crashing after meals?

 Do you have nutrient depletions affecting cellular energy?

 Are chronic infections or gut issues draining your system?

By asking “Why?” repeatedly, functional medicine practitioners build a timeline and connect the

dots of your unique story.

This holistic approach helps us uncover answers that standard care may overlook.

The Core Principles of Functional Medicine

1. Patient-Centered Care

You’re not just a list of symptoms—we take time to understand your history,

environment, and goals.

2. Root-Cause Resolution

We identify and treat the underlying cause of illness, not just mask symptoms.

3. Systems Biology Approach

The body is viewed as an interconnected whole. Gut health, hormones, immunity, and

brain function are all linked.

4. Personalized Plans

No cookie-cutter protocols. Your plan is tailored to your specific biochemistry and

lifestyle.

5. Empowerment Through Education

You’re an active partner in your healing process, not a passive recipient of prescriptions.

What Conditions Does Functional Medicine Help?

Functional medicine is especially effective for chronic, complex, and unexplained conditions,

such as:

�� Chronic Fatigue & Low Energy

We identify causes like mitochondrial dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, or low B12 that often get

missed by conventional tests.

�� Gut & Digestive Disorders

From bloating to IBS to leaky gut, we use microbiome testing and food sensitivity analysis to

restore gut health.

�� Hormone Imbalances

We evaluate full thyroid panels, sex hormones, and cortisol rhythms to balance energy, mood,

and metabolism.

�� Autoimmune Disease

Rather than suppressing the immune system, we look for triggers like gut permeability or “leaky

gut”, chronic infections, or environmental toxins.

�� Brain Fog & Mood Disorders

Cognitive issues can stem from inflammation, blood sugar instability, or even hidden

infections—and we address all of them.

�� Long COVID & Post-Viral Fatigue

Many patients with lingering symptoms find relief by supporting mitochondrial function, detox

pathways, and immune system regulation.

�� What Happens in a Functional Medicine Visit?

Your experience at Sheen Vein and Cosmetics may include:

1. A Deep-Dive Initial Consult

We’ll spend 60 minutes reviewing your full health history, lifestyle, environment, and

goals. We will try to teach you how the body works and what we can do to help optimize

your body’s overall functional health.

2. Advanced Lab Testing

When necessary, we will obtain necessary details in how your body is functioning

through analysis of your hormone panels, GI testing, food sensitivities, heavy metals,

nutrient status, and more when necessary.

3. A Personalized Plan

We’ll create a roadmap based on your specific biology. This may include nutritional

changes, targeted supplements, and mind-body therapies.

4. Ongoing Support

Functional medicine is a process. We work with you to track progress, adjust treatment,

and support sustainable healing. Our goal is to empower you to take the lead in your own

health.

Functional Medicine in St. Louis — Why It’s Growing

Patients across Missouri are turning to functional medicine because they’re frustrated with 10-

minute visits and symptom-centered care.

Whether you’re dealing with:

 Ongoing fatigue

 Autoimmune flares

 Gut discomfort

 Hormone crashes

…you deserve answers.

At Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, we’ve helped countless patients find those answers and feel like

themselves again. Regain your youthful energy. See that brain fog go away. Regain your life

back!

Is Functional Medicine Right for You?

Ask yourself:

 Do you feel like your symptoms are being ignored?

 Have you been told “everything is normal” but still feel unwell?

 Do you want a more holistic and personalized approach?

 Are you ready to be an active partner in your healing journey?

If you answered yes, functional medicine may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Take the First Step Toward Root-Cause Healing

You don’t have to settle for short-term fixes.

You don’t have to keep searching for answers alone.

We’re here to help.

�� Call us today or click below to schedule your functional medicine consultation.

�� Serving St. Louis and surrounding areas

�� www.sheenveinandcosmetics.com

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