Question 1

What is functional medicine for women's health?

Accepted Answer

Functional medicine is a personalized, holistic approach to understanding and treating the root causes of health issues. My practice integrates conventional and complementary therapies to address hormonal imbalances, reproductive health, perimenopause/menopause, gut health, thyroid function, stress management, and more, aiming to optimize overall well-being for women.

Question 2

How does functional medicine for women differ from conventional gynecology or endocrinology?

Accepted Answer

Conventional gynecology or endocrinology often focuses on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or conditions, like PMS, menopause, or thyroid disease. In contrast, functional medicine looks at the underlying factors that contribute to these conditions, including diet, lifestyle, environmental toxins, gut health, genetics, and hormonal imbalances. The goal is not just to treat symptoms but to restore balance in the body and address the root causes of health issues.

Question 3

Does functional medicine replace my primary care doctor or specialist?

Accepted Answer

Functional medicine is complementary to conventional care, not a replacement. A functional medicine provider can work alongside your primary care physician or specialist to support and enhance your overall healthcare. It's important to keep all of your healthcare providers informed and involved in your treatment.

Question 4

What specific women’s health conditions do you work with at Functional Beginnings?

Accepted Answer

Although I can treat a multitude of conditions, here is a list of common conditions:
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PMS, PCOS, menopause)
Menstrual irregularities (e.g., heavy periods, absent periods, cramps)
Thyroid disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
Infertility and fertility optimization
Adrenal fatigue and chronic stress
Weight management and metabolic health
Gut health issues (e.g., bloating, IBS, leaky gut)

Question 5

What are some specific lab tests ordered at Functional Beginnings?

Accepted Answer

Functional medicine testing often includes a combination of the following:
Comprehensive hormone panels: (including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, and thyroid hormones)
Comprehensive functional panel: (e.g. CBC, CMP, lipids, inflammatory markers)
Dutch testing: (a comprehensive dive into hormone metabolites, detox pathways and adrenals)
Adrenal testing: (e.g., salivary cortisol levels throughout the day)
Gut health testing: (e.g., stool tests for dysbiosis, leaky gut, or gut inflammation)
Nutritional assessments: (e.g., micronutrient testing for vitamin and mineral deficiencies)
Food sensitivity testing: (to identify potential triggers for inflammation or gut issues)
Thyroid and autoimmune markers: (e.g., antibodies for Hashimoto's thyroiditis)

Question 6

What lifestyle changes are typically recommended throughout treatment?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of functional medicine and often include:
Dietary adjustments: An anti-inflammatory or nutrient-dense diet (e.g., Mediterranean, gluten-free, or low-glycemic)
Stress management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to reduce cortisol levels
Exercise: Personalized fitness plans that support hormone balance and metabolic health
Sleep optimization: Strategies to improve the quality and quantity of sleep, which is crucial for hormone regulation
Environmental detox: Minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA, pesticides) and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes

Question 7

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Please note that Functional Beginnings does not accept insurance. All visits are billed on a cash-pay or fee-for-service basis. Below I disclose the cost of services upfront, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Question 8

How much do the visits cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial New Patient Consult- (90-minute visit)- $450

Follow-Up Visits- (30-60 minutes)
30 minutes -$150
45 minutes-$225
60 minutes-$300
*Note this is not inclusive of lab or supplement costs*

$100 interpretation fee is charged for any specialty test ordered

Question 9

Do you see patients in-person?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I offer in person visits in Frisco, Texas or telemedicine visits using a HIPAA compliant platform.

Question 10

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

I understand that sometimes things come up, and you may need to reschedule your appointment. However, when a cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the scheduled time, it significantly limits my ability to offer that appointment slot to another patient in need of care. I kindly ask for as much notice as possible when rescheduling or canceling to help me better serve everyone. Thank you for your understanding!

I require a 48-hour notice via the online patient portal messaging system for cancellation or reschedule. Without this notice, the following fees apply:
• $225 cancellation fee for a New Patient Visit
• $100 cancellation fee for a Follow Up Visit

Question 11

How do I become a patient?

Accepted Answer

I’d be honored to support you on your path to balance & wellness!

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