Fed up with a healthcare system that addresses only symptoms and relies heavily on prescription medication, doctors and patients are turning to a new, personalized model known as Functional Medicine. Some people call it the “medicine of the future” because it addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century by shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach.
But what does this mean to the average patient?
At a Functional Medicine practice, a doctor will not simply prescribe medication to deal with the immediate symptoms but look into the root of the problem. Patients can expect to spend more time talking to their doctors about their medical and family histories and are empowered to take an active role in their health.
With the rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, Functional Medicine moves away from the traditional acute-care approach by incorporating the latest in genetic science, specialized testing not available at your traditional doctor’s office, and most importantly, understanding how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of disease. The idea is to move away from putting a temporary patch on the problem, but instead focus on treating the entire human organism to spread health and vitality through strategies that include diet and exercise.
The treatments are all natural, using vitamins, minerals and specialized supplements that won’t cause the side effects seen in synthetic prescription medications.
In a nutshell, the goal is for patients to look and feel ten years younger while practicing prevention to avoid future disease.
As the practice of Functional Medicine continues to grow so do the anti aging treatments, including the controversial hormone replacement therapy. This service has become popular and is provided in many offices, but it is critical that patients do their research and ensure they are working with a certified professional.
The study of hormones is complicated and requires extensive training because altering hormones will trigger reactions in the body and also change other hormones—nothing to be scared of as long as you are working with a board certified doctor.
In order to be healthy, one needs to be hormonally balanced. Hormone production diminishes as people start aging. At Bellissimo, we specialize in bio-identical hormone replacement for women who are experiencing side effects of menopause as well as men undergoing the andropause phase. The treatment is also available to younger adults who might have an imbalance due to secondary reasons. Patients can expect to see an improvement in energy levels and sex drive among other benefits. Treatment is provided through pellets, creams, or natural oral supplements depending on the patient’s needs.
Hormone replacement is only a percentage of the work done at a functional medicine practice. A large number of patients who have moved toward this new medicinal approach range from those that are healthy and want to prevent disease to those already suffering from chronic diseases to include fibromyalgia, connective tissue disorders, thyroid problems, chronic fatigue, immune problems, weight issues, and abdominal/stomach issues.
Call us today and schedule your free consultation at 954.384.8989. Dr. Jean-Claude Nerette practices Functional Medicine and is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine and Stephanie Muniz Nerette is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and a Diplomate to the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Bellissimo Medical is located at 2665 Executive Park Drive, Suite #3, in Weston.
www.BellissimoMedical.com
