Dr Shilpa Davé FAQs - Functional medicine FAQs

Absolutely it is very common for patients to undertake a normal health screen to exclude serious medical conditions and have standard blood tests and then use a functional medicine approach to improve and optimise their health. This sometimes involves additional scientific testing for gut health or for hormones or biomarker blood tests such as FDX. More information around these additional tests can be found in the information links on this page.

Functional medicine can be very suitable for conditions that relate to inflammation and more fundamental body systems good examples include:

• Digestive problems
• Human issues such as menopause polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Skin issues such as eczema
• Mental health problems
• Thyroid disease
• Fatigue and burnout

Before you undertake a functional medicine appointment we send you a very detailed questionnaire which will cover many aspects of your lifestyle nutrition exercise and sleep concerns. At your appointment you will have a very detailed history taken and physical examination. Access to advanced functional testing and interpretation allows insight into the root causes of chronic illness and allows our doctors to create a tailored plan and also to track the progress of any health advice or treatment.

There are three main areas where advanced functional testing can be performed

1. FDX biomarker blood testing - click here for more information
   We an accredited FDX blood testing provider and fdx algorithmics biomarker blood testing allows and enhanced and detailed view of body systems by grouping together blood tests and using predictive algorithms to help understand the future risks of disease
   
    

2. Genova Diagnostics

   Genova diagnostics comprehensive stool test is an advanced test that provides information around your gut health and offers valuable insight into inflammation and the intestinal microbiome which is the bacteria and parasites that colonise the gut system.
   
    

3. DUTCH Hormone testing for some patients see those with fatigue syndromes or menopause issues a more detailed hormone analysis can be undertaken this is known as the DUTCH Hormone test
   

   Click here for more information