What to expect from a functional medicine practitioner consultation ?

Functional medicine is gaining popularity amongst patients seeking a more personalised and holistic approach to their health. Unlike conventional medicine which focuses on symptoms, consulting a functional medicine practitioner in London offers a radically different experience, centred on identifying the root causes of health imbalances.

Before the consultation: thorough preparation

The first step with a functional medicine practitioner begins well before the actual appointment. Patients typically receive detailed questionnaires to complete, which can take one to two hours. These forms thoroughly explore complete medical history, from birth to present, including family history, dietary habits, stress levels, sleep patterns and even traumatic events.

This preliminary information gathering allows the functional medicine specialist practitioner to create a comprehensive health timeline and identify potential triggering factors. Patients are also invited to provide results from previous medical tests and to keep a food diary for several days without changing their usual habits.

The first consultation process

The initial consultation with a doctor trained in functional medicine typically lasts 60 minutes, contrasting sharply with conventional 15-minute consultations. This extended duration allows for establishing a solid therapeutic relationship and exploring all aspects of the patient’s health in depth.

The practitioner will take time to analyse the completed questionnaires, ask additional questions and perform a thorough physical examination. The holistic functional medicine approach includes evaluating interconnected body systems: digestive, hormonal, immune, detoxification and neurological.

Patients often discover that their specialist London practitioner explores unexpected connections between their seemingly disparate symptoms. For example, digestive disorders may be linked to skin problems, mood issues or chronic fatigue.

Functional examinations and tests

One of the distinctive aspects of a functional medicine consultation generally lies in the use of advanced tests to evaluate optimal functioning of body systems. These analyses, commonly used in functional medicine, go well beyond standard blood panels and may include:

  • Gut microbiome and intestinal permeability analysis
  • Complete hormonal profiles (cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones)
  • Food sensitivity and intolerance testing
  • Assessment of nutritional deficiencies and heavy metals
  • Inflammatory markers and oxidative stress

These functional tests help identify subtle imbalances often invisible in conventional analyses but crucial for understanding bodily dysfunctions.

Developing the personalised treatment plan

After analysing all gathered elements, the practitioner develops an individualised treatment plan. Unlike standardised protocols, each programme is unique and adapted to the patient’s specific needs, lifestyle and health objectives.

The plan generally integrates several therapeutic approaches typical of functional medicine:

  • Nutritional modifications: precise dietary recommendations, sometimes including temporary elimination diets to identify problematic foods.
  • Targeted supplementation: vitamins, minerals, probiotics and other supplements selected according to identified deficiencies.
  • Lifestyle optimisation: advice on stress management, sleep improvement, adapted physical exercise and reducing exposure to environmental toxins.

Ongoing follow-up and support

Functional medicine generally prioritises regular follow-up to adjust recommendations according to the patient’s progress. Follow-up consultations allow for evaluating progress, adapting the protocol and maintaining motivation.

This collaborative approach transforms the patient into the main actor in their recovery.

Who is this approach suitable for?

Functional medicine is particularly suitable for people suffering from complex chronic disorders: persistent fatigue, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, skin issues, anxiety or depression resistant to conventional treatments.

It also proves valuable in prevention for individuals wishing to optimise their health before symptoms appear, particularly those with family histories of chronic diseases.

Important: before consulting a functional medicine practitioner, it is essential to first discuss your health concerns with your general practitioner. They can determine whether referral to a functional medicine specialist is appropriate for your specific needs.

This revolutionary approach to health transforms the patient-practitioner relationship into a true therapeutic partnership, finally offering answers to questions that remained unresolved in the traditional medical system.

Leave a reply