As a board-certified endocrinologist, I’ve spent years immersed in the world of hormones—those tiny chemical messengers that wield enormous influence over our health. From thyroid disorders to diabetes, adrenal imbalances to reproductive challenges, I’ve seen firsthand how disruptions in the endocrine system can ripple through every aspect of a person’s life. For much of my career, I practiced traditional endocrinology, relying on evidence-based protocols, cutting-edge lab science, and pharmaceutical interventions to manage these conditions. It’s a model grounded in rigor, precision, and decades of research—and it works wonders for many patients.

But over time, I began to notice something. While traditional medicine excels at diagnosing and treating symptoms, it often stops short of asking a critical question: Why? Why is this patient’s thyroid underperforming? Why are their blood sugar levels spiraling despite medication? Why do they still feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell even when their labs look “normal”? These questions nagged at me, and they led me to explore a different approach—one that complements the strengths of traditional endocrinology with a deeper, more holistic lens.

That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the opening of my new functional endocrinology practice, where I combine the best of both worlds to deliver care that’s as scientifically sound as it is deeply personal.

The Power of Traditional Endocrinology

Let’s start with what traditional endocrinology does so well. This field is built on a foundation of hard science—peer-reviewed studies, advanced diagnostics, and a meticulous understanding of how hormones interact with every system in the body. When a patient walks into my office with, say, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I can order precise lab tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, antibodies, and other markers. I can interpret those results through the lens of decades of research and prescribe treatments, like levothyroxine, that are proven to stabilize those numbers. This approach is invaluable, especially in acute or complex cases where swift, targeted intervention is needed.

I’ll never abandon this scientific rigor. It’s the backbone of my practice and a cornerstone of patient trust. Lab science doesn’t lie, and neither do the clinical guidelines that have been refined over generations. But as powerful as this model is, it’s not the whole picture.

The Promise of Functional Medicine

Enter functional medicine—a framework that asks us to zoom out and look at the patient as a whole person, not just a collection of lab values. Where traditional endocrinology might focus on adjusting thyroid medication, functional medicine digs deeper: Could gut inflammation be driving that autoimmune response? Are nutrient deficiencies or chronic stress throwing off hormone production? What about environmental toxins or sleep patterns? Functional medicine is about finding the root causes of disease, not just managing its downstream effects.

What drew me to this approach was its insistence on personalization. In the traditional model, time with patients is often limited—10-15 minutes, if you’re lucky. That’s barely enough to review labs and tweak a prescription, let alone explore the nuances of someone’s life. In my functional endocrinology practice, I flip that script. I spend a lot of time with my patients—over an hour in our initial consultation.

We talk about everything: their diet, their stress levels, their sleep habits, their family history, even their emotional well-being. This isn’t fluff—it’s data. The more I understand about what’s happening in a patient’s world, the better equipped I am to pinpoint what’s happening in their body.

A Hybrid Approach for Better Outcomes

So, what does this hybrid of traditional and functional endocrinology look like in practice? Imagine a patient comes to a doctor with type 2 diabetes. In the traditional model, the doctor would check their A1C, fasting glucose, and lipid panel, then prescribe oral medication(s), GLP-1 agents, statins, or insulin to bring those numbers down. And that’s a great start—it’s evidence-based and effective. But in my functional practice, I don’t stop there. I also order advanced labs to assess insulin resistance, inflammation markers, and nutrient status. I ask about their diet, their exercise habits, and their stress load. Maybe we discover they’re deficient in magnesium, which is tanking their insulin sensitivity, or that chronic sleep deprivation is spiking their cortisol and blood sugar. From there, we build a plan that might include medication and targeted nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle shifts.

This blend delivers results that neither approach could achieve alone. The scientific precision of traditional endocrinology ensures we’re addressing the immediate hormonal imbalances with proven tools. The functional lens ensures we’re not just putting a Band-Aid on the problem but healing the underlying drivers. I’ve seen patients who’ve struggled for years—bouncing between specialists, feeling unheard—finally turn a corner when we take this integrated path. Their energy comes back. Their labs stabilize. They feel like themselves again.

Why This Matters to Me—and to You

Opening this functional endocrinology practice is the culmination of years of learning, listening, and evolving as a physician. I’m not here to reject traditional medicine—its strengths are undeniable, and I lean on them every day. But I also believe we can do better for patients by pairing that expertise with the curiosity and compassion of functional medicine. My goal is simple: to help you feel your best, not just “normal” on paper. Whether you’re battling hypothyroidism, PCOS, adrenal fatigue, or any other endocrine challenge, I’m here to meet you where you are—with the time, the tools, and the tenacity to get to the root of it.

If you’re curious about what this hybrid approach could mean for your health, I’d love to sit down with you (for a good, long while!) and figure it out together. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about hormones—it’s about helping you live a fuller, healthier life.

Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation and let’s start your journey toward true healing.