Bringing the Best of Both Worlds: Traditional Endocrinology Meets Functional Medicine

I am a board-certified endocrinologist with nearly 25 years of experience helping patients manage complex hormone and metabolic issues. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the tremendous advances modern endocrinology has made in diagnosing and treating conditions like testosterone deficiency, diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, adrenal dysfunction, and many more.
At the same time, I’ve also witnessed the limitations of a system that too often focuses narrowly on managing symptoms or numbers, rather than addressing the whole person and identifying the root causes of disease.
That’s why I decided to pursue additional training in functional medicine—an approach that looks at the body as an interconnected system and emphasizes prevention, lifestyle factors, and personalized care. Today, I’m excited to offer a new kind of hybrid practice that combines the best of traditional endocrinology with the insights and tools of functional medicine.
Here’s what that means for you as a patient.
How Traditional Endocrinology Works
Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that deals with hormones—powerful chemical messengers that regulate virtually every process in the body, from metabolism and energy to mood and reproduction.
As an endocrinologist, I use evidence-based diagnostic tools like blood tests, imaging, and clinical guidelines to diagnose and manage conditions such as:
- Testosterone deficiency (also known as hypogonadism or “low T”)
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Osteoporosis
- Adrenal disorders
- Pituitary disease
- Menopause and andropause-related hormone changes
Traditional endocrinology offers proven treatments—whether it’s medication, hormone replacement, or advanced technologies like continuous glucose monitoring—to help patients stabilize their conditions and improve their quality of life.
But sometimes, even when lab values improve, patients still don’t feel their best. That’s where functional medicine can provide additional answers.
How Functional Medicine Works
In functional medicine, we explore questions like:
- Why did this condition develop in the first place?
- Are there underlying imbalances driving symptoms?
- How can we support the body’s natural healing capacity?
- What lifestyle changes can promote lasting wellness?
For example, if you have testosterone deficiency, traditional medicine may prescribe appropriate hormone replacement therapy. But functional medicine also explores: Could sleep quality, stress, nutrient status, body composition, or inflammation be contributing to low testosterone? Are there lifestyle interventions that can support optimal hormone balance alongside treatment?
Similarly, if you have thyroid or metabolic concerns, functional medicine helps you explore how gut health, immune function, and daily habits play a role.
Why Combine Them? The Advantage of a Hybrid Approach
In my new functional endocrinology practice, I bring these two perspectives together for the benefit of my patients. You don’t have to choose between “traditional” or “alternative” medicine—you can have an integrated, science-based approach that honors both.
Here’s how this looks in practice:
- You’ll receive thorough, evidence-based endocrinology care to ensure your condition is diagnosed and treated according to the latest medical guidelines.
- We’ll also explore root causes, lifestyle factors, and prevention strategies using functional medicine tools.
- You’ll have time to be heard and understood. The first appointment is 90 minutes long, far more in-depth than most typical medical visits. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes, giving us time to adjust plans, monitor progress, and refine your care.
- We’ll collaborate on a personalized care plan that may include medication when needed, but also emphasizes nutrition, movement, stress resilience, sleep, gut health, and other lifestyle interventions.
This hybrid approach empowers patients. You’ll better understand your condition, feel more engaged in your own care, and often achieve improvements not only in lab numbers, but in how you feel every day.
Who Can Benefit?
This integrative approach is ideal for patients with:
- Testosterone deficiency / “Low T” / andropause
- Thyroid disorders, especially Hashimoto’s or Graves’
- PCOS or other hormone-related menstrual concerns
- Perimenopause and menopause transitions
- Adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysregulation
- Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Unexplained fatigue, weight changes, brain fog, or mood issues with possible endocrine links
If you’ve ever felt that your health concerns weren’t fully addressed in brief, rushed visits—or that you’re managing symptoms without understanding why they began—this style of care may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, I would be honored to work with you. Our office is welcoming new patients and appointments can be made by calling 203-760-5544.
Together, we can create a personalized path to better hormone balance, metabolic health, and overall well-being.