Smarter Aging (Part 4): Learning About Functional Health for my Menopausal Symptoms

By: Gina Adams (Women's Health Collaborative - Rehabilitation Health Team)

Facing the deeper end of MENOPAUSE, I realize it's time I explored a more intelligent form of care.  I have relied on conventional providers subscribing to template answers that so many of my friends and family simply finds to fall short of useful. 

I found the concept of Functional Medicine years ago but it wasn't until recently did I realize how much this actually spoke to me.  As I undergo this "natural transition that everyone with female reproductive organs will experience",  I found there is so much more that we can do to mitigate its adverse effects, and I am eager to explore and share strategies for navigating this stage of life while fostering my own growth along the way.

My Functional Health Consultation

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Roberta Kline for an initial assessment of my genomics. Initially, I sought her expertise to address my high cholesterol, but our consultation went far beyond that. She provided a comprehensive understanding of how various factors—brain health, nutrition, and genetics—intersect to influence early and mid-menopause symptoms. This experience underscored the importance of considering all aspects of life when addressing health concerns. We plan to meet again after further testing to develop a more tailored approach.

Our consultation began with a review of my initial lab results, which included blood work prescribed by my primary care physician (PCP). While most of the results fell within normal ranges, some indicated elevated lipid levels. Dr. Kline took the time to explain the numerous factors that can impact cholesterol and emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of its underlying causes.

Her approach falls under what she refers to as a "Functional Health Guidance Consult." This was my first exposure to functional medicine, a concept I had only recently come across while researching hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I initially explored HRT as a potential alternative to statins, which had been causing adverse effects. When I met with a different doctor, they suggested looking into functional medicine, as it encompasses a broader, whole-body approach and may sometimes be covered by insurance. As I continue my research, I am eager to understand the distinctions between functional medicine and conventional treatments.

The Limitations of Insurance-Based Medicine

Insurance-based medicine primarily focuses on maintaining baseline health and covering annual wellness visits. However, for individuals at risk of chronic conditions, such as myself—with a family history of Alzheimer's and heart disease—preventative measures are crucial. Unfortunately, traditional insurance plans often do not cover the proactive, holistic interventions that can promote long-term health and well-being. Recognizing this gap, I chose to invest in my health out-of-pocket to explore personalized solutions aimed at optimizing longevity and quality of life.

 

A Holistic Perspective

What sets Dr. Kline apart is her commitment to examining every facet of an individual's health. Beyond diet and exercise, she delves into genetics, identifying predispositions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Traditional PCPs rarely explore these factors, often limiting their assessments to surface-level lab results. According to Dr. Kline, these standard tests provide only a fraction of the necessary information to truly understand an individual’s health status.

By taking a comprehensive approach, functional medicine addresses the root causes of health issues rather than just managing symptoms. This perspective has been eye-opening for me, reinforcing the importance of personalized, preventative care in navigating menopause and overall well-being.

Supplements Audit

I consider myself somewhat of a supplement enthusiast. While I strive to maintain a healthy diet—primarily following a Mediterranean approach by minimizing processed foods and focusing on whole grains and fresh salads—I have incorporated various supplements into my routine.

Initially, I started with a multivitamin, but due to concerns about hair loss, I began taking supplements containing biotin. Additionally, friends recommended various vitamins and probiotics, which I occasionally included in my regimen. Living in Michigan, where the cold weather increases the risk of seasonal illnesses, I also take a probiotic from time to time to support my immune system. As I age, I’ve added calcium and magnesium supplements to my routine to support bone health.

Recognizing the potential risks of excessive supplementation, I decided to create a spreadsheet to track my intake of vitamins and minerals. This will help ensure that I am not exceeding safe levels or experiencing any adverse effects. While I do not take these supplements daily, I use them to address potential nutritional gaps, particularly in areas like protein and other essential nutrients that may not be abundant in my diet.

After reviewing my supplement intake, I plan to follow up with Dr. Kline once I complete my spreadsheet to analyze my overall nutrient intake. During our initial discussion, we also reviewed my diet, but she recommended a more detailed look at my lab results before making further recommendations. I am currently awaiting a prescription from my primary care physician to proceed with additional testing, which will provide a deeper insight into my current nutritional status.

 

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that seeks to address the root causes of disease rather than just managing symptoms. It focuses on understanding the interactions between genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to health and chronic illness. Functional medicine practitioners use a systems-oriented approach, consider the body as an interconnected whole, rather than isolating issues to specific organs or symptoms.

GINA ADAMS is a life-long advocate for the advancement of non-invasive health innovations and modalities. She employs her MBA to foster a profound communication bridge between industry, clinical sciences and the many victims of traumatic injuries. As an entrepreneur, Gina led entire product development projects and formed partnerships within the healthcare industries while successfully navigating through the challenges of acquiring FDA compliance for patient rehabilitation technologies.  Her latest undertaking is spearheading a national outreach to unite with national advocates, clinical specialists and public educators in support of underserved women as a ranking member of the Women's Health Collaborative.

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Advantages of Functional Medicine over Conventional Medicine

1. Root Cause Resolution vs. Symptom Management

   • Conventional medicine often treats symptoms with medications without addressing the underlying causes.
   • Functional medicine identifies and corrects imbalances in the body, such as inflammation, hormonal dysfunction, gut health, or nutrient deficiencies.

2. Personalized & Holistic Approach

   • Traditional medicine often uses a one-size-fits-all approach based on standardized treatments.
   • Functional medicine tailors care to each individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and unique biochemical makeup.

3. Focus on Prevention

   • Conventional medicine excels at acute care but often lacks strong preventive strategies.
   • Functional medicine emphasizes lifestyle modifications, nutrition, stress management, and early detection of imbalances before disease develops.

4. Comprehensive Lab Testing

   • Conventional doctors rely on standard blood tests, which may not detect subtle dysfunctions.
   • Functional medicine uses advanced testing for hormones, microbiome health, nutrient levels, and metabolic function to gain a deeper understanding of health.

5. Integrative & Natural Therapies

   • Traditional medicine primarily relies on pharmaceuticals and surgery.
   • Functional medicine incorporates nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, detoxification, and mind-body practices for healing.

6. Empowerment & Education

   • Conventional healthcare often places patients in a passive role, relying on doctors for solutions.
   • Functional medicine educates patients to take control of their health, making informed choices that lead to lasting wellness.

7. Chronic Disease Management

   • Chronic illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and heart disease are typically managed with medication in conventional medicine.
   • Functional medicine seeks to reverse or significantly improve these conditions through root-cause resolution and lifestyle changes.

The Bottom Line

Functional medicine is a more effective healthcare approach for those seeking long-term health and vitality. While conventional medicine is excellent for emergencies and acute care, functional medicine offers a proactive, personalized, and integrative path to optimal well-being. It is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic conditions, unexplained symptoms, or those who want to optimize their health and prevent disease.