Functional Medicine:
Precision Care That
Starts at the Root Cause
We identify what’s driving dysfunction -
then determine the care that will actually move you forward.
Lake Forest Regenesis is a root-cause, provider-led approach to functional medicine focused on metabolic health and long-term wellness in Lake Forest, the North Shore, and Lake County.
Functional Medicine Clinical Overview
Understanding how metabolism, hormones, and inflammation drive chronic symptoms.
Functional medicine focuses on why symptoms are happening, not just how to manage them. Instead of treating each problem on its own, this approach looks at how the body’s systems work together. Weight gain, hormone imbalance, fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation are often connected. Functional medicine helps uncover the root causes behind these issues.
Care begins with a provider-led evaluation guided by an experienced nurse practitioner. This approach allows for deeper listening, longer visits, and a more complete understanding of your health history. Your provider looks for patterns in metabolism, hormones, inflammation, stress response, and lifestyle factors that may be driving dysfunction.
Advanced lab testing is often used to go beyond standard blood work. These labs help identify problems such as insulin resistance, hormone signaling issues, chronic inflammation, nutrient imbalances, and slowed cellular repair. The goal is not to chase numbers, but to understand how your body is functioning as a whole.
Once root causes are identified, care becomes focused and personalized. Some patients may benefit from metabolic support and weight loss strategies. Others may need hormone optimization or regenerative therapies to improve healing and recovery. Functional medicine helps guide these decisions so care is intentional, not guesswork.
This approach creates a strong foundation for long-term health. By correcting underlying dysfunction, the body is better able to respond, heal, and perform at a higher level—now and in the future.
Metabolic Health: The Foundation of Whole-Body Function
The foundation of energy, balance, and healing.
Metabolic health refers to how well the body creates energy, controls blood sugar, manages inflammation, and responds to stress. When metabolism is working well, the body can maintain a healthy weight, balance hormones, recover faster, and age more slowly. When it is not, symptoms often appear across many systems at once.
Poor metabolic health can drive weight gain that feels resistant, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and poor healing. These issues are rarely isolated. They are signs that the body is struggling to regulate itself.
In functional medicine, metabolic health is not treated as a separate program. It is viewed as the foundation that supports every other therapy. Improving metabolic function helps the body respond better to weight loss strategies, hormone optimization, and regenerative treatments. By restoring balance at this level, care becomes more effective, more sustainable, and better aligned with how the body is designed to function.
Advanced Labs: Looking Deeper Than Standard Testing
Testing that looks deeper than standard labs.
Standard lab work often checks whether values fall inside a normal range. Functional medicine uses advanced lab testing to understand how the body is actually functioning. These tests help identify patterns that basic labs often miss.
Advanced labs can reveal early insulin resistance, hormone signaling problems, chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and slowed cellular repair. They also help explain why symptoms may exist even when routine blood work appears “normal.”
The goal of advanced testing is not to chase numbers. It is to gather meaningful data that explains why dysfunction is happening. Results are reviewed carefully and placed into the full context of symptoms, lifestyle, and health history.
This deeper insight allows care to be targeted and intentional. Instead of guessing or using generic protocols, recommendations are based on how your body is responding right now—creating a clearer path forward and better long-term outcomes.
Because functional medicine includes medical treatment, clinical oversight and patient safety are essential components of care.
Clinical Oversight & Safety
Functional medicine care is guided by a licensed nurse practitioner with advanced clinical training. Every plan is built from a thorough review of health history, symptoms, and lab results. Care decisions follow evidence-based guidelines and prioritize safety at every step. Ongoing monitoring allows adjustments as the body responds. This approach ensures care is thoughtful, personalized, and medically responsible while supporting long-term health and function.
Clinical Safety Panel - Functional Medicine
Clinical Safety Panel
Care is led by a licensed nurse practitioner
Comprehensive health history review before recommendations
Advanced labs reviewed in a full clinical context
Evidence-based guidelines guide all decisions
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up for safety
Adjustments made based on response and lab trends
Focus on safe, responsible, and personalized care
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All therapies are prescribed only after a comprehensive medical evaluation by a licensed provider. Results and outcomes may vary. Click for Full Disclaimer
From Root Cause to the Right Care Path
Once root causes are identified, care becomes targeted—not generic.
Functional medicine is the starting point that helps determine what your body actually needs next. After a full review of symptoms, health history, and advanced lab results, patterns begin to emerge. These insights guide care in a clear and intentional way, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all treatments.
Some patients discover that metabolic dysfunction is blocking progress. In these cases, Weight Loss support may focus on insulin resistance, energy balance, and body composition—not just calories or short-term fixes. When metabolism is addressed first, results are often more sustainable.
Others may learn that hormone signaling is the main driver of symptoms. Hormone Optimization is guided by feedback loops and how hormones interact across systems, not just individual lab values. Functional medicine helps determine when hormone care is appropriate and how it should be approached.
For patients preparing for or already receiving Regenerative Therapies, functional medicine helps optimize the internal environment. When inflammation is reduced, nutrients are balanced, and metabolic health is supported, the body is better able to heal, recover, and repair.
Functional medicine does not replace these services—it connects them. By identifying root causes first, care becomes more precise, more effective, and better aligned with long-term health goals.
Who Functional Medicine Is For?
For individuals seeking clearer answers, personalized care, and long-term health improvement.
Functional medicine is for people who know something is off, even when they have been told their labs are “normal.” It is often the right fit for those who feel stuck, frustrated, or tired of chasing symptoms without real answers.
This approach is ideal for individuals dealing with ongoing issues such as weight gain that does not respond to effort, low energy, brain fog, hormone changes, poor sleep, or chronic inflammation. These symptoms are often connected, even when they appear unrelated. Functional medicine looks for the shared root causes behind them.
It is also well-suited for patients who want a deeper understanding of their health. Many people choose functional medicine when they are ready to move beyond quick fixes and want care guided by data, patterns, and long-term thinking. This includes individuals interested in improving metabolic health, supporting hormone balance, or preparing their body for regenerative therapies.
Functional medicine is not for those looking for a one-time visit, a fast prescription, or a single solution for complex problems. It requires participation, follow-through, and a willingness to look at health from a whole-body perspective.
This approach works best for people who want to be active partners in their care and who value thoughtful, provider-led guidance. When the goal is lasting improvement—not short-term relief—functional medicine provides a clear and structured path forward.
Who Is Not a Candidate?
Functional medicine may not be the best fit for individuals seeking quick fixes, one-time visits, or immediate prescriptions. It is not designed for those unwilling to complete testing, make recommended changes, or participate in follow-up care. This approach also does not replace emergency care or primary care services. Functional medicine works best for those ready for a thoughtful, guided process focused on long-term improvement.
Is Functional Medicine Right for You?
Functional medicine is a good fit for individuals who want a deeper understanding of their health and are open to a provider-led, whole-body approach. It works well for those with ongoing symptoms that have not improved with standard care, as well as for people focused on long-term health, prevention, and balance. This approach is best for patients who are willing to complete recommended testing, follow care plans, and stay engaged throughout the process.
Functional medicine may not be the right choice for those looking for a quick fix, a single visit, or an immediate prescription. It is not designed for urgent or emergency care and does not replace a primary care provider. This approach requires time, follow-through, and ongoing evaluation to be effective.
Understanding whether this model matches your expectations helps create a clearer, more successful care experience.
What Makes This Approach Different
A deeper, provider-led approach focused on patterns, precision, and root causes.
Functional medicine takes a broader view of health by focusing on how the body’s systems work together. Instead of treating symptoms one at a time, this approach looks for patterns that connect metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and lifestyle factors. This allows care to be more personalized and more effective over time.
One key difference is the depth of evaluation. Appointments allow time to review health history, symptoms, and lifestyle in detail. Advanced lab testing is used to understand how the body is functioning, not just whether results fall within a normal range. This helps explain why symptoms may exist even when routine tests appear normal.
Care is guided by a licensed nurse practitioner who leads the clinical process from evaluation through follow-up. This provider-led model supports continuity, clear communication, and thoughtful decision-making. Recommendations are based on evidence, clinical experience, and how the body is responding, not on pre-set protocols.
Functional medicine also focuses on long-term outcomes. The goal is not short-term symptom relief, but steady improvement in how the body functions over time. By addressing root causes first, other therapies such as weight loss support, hormone care, or regenerative treatments can work more effectively.
This approach is collaborative and educational. Patients are supported as active partners in their care, with clear guidance at each step. The result is a more informed, intentional path to better health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about our care and services.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a healthcare approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than treating each issue separately. It looks at how systems like metabolism, hormones, digestion, and inflammation work together. Care is guided by a provider and often includes advanced lab testing to better understand how the body is functioning and why symptoms may be occurring.
How is functional medicine different from primary care?
Primary care often focuses on screening, diagnosis, and managing acute or urgent conditions. Functional medicine looks deeper at ongoing symptoms and patterns over time. It does not replace primary care but works alongside it. The focus is on prevention, long-term health, and understanding how lifestyle, metabolism, and internal balance affect overall function.
What kind of testing is used?
Functional medicine often uses advanced lab testing in addition to standard blood work. These tests help identify issues such as insulin resistance, hormone signaling problems, inflammation, and nutrient imbalances. Testing is used to guide care decisions, not to chase numbers. Results are reviewed in a full clinical context to create a personalized plan.
How long does functional medicine take to work?
Functional medicine focuses on steady progress rather than quick fixes. Some people notice improvements within weeks, while others may need more time, depending on their health history and goals. Because the approach addresses root causes, progress is often gradual and builds over time with ongoing support and follow-up.
Do I need to make lifestyle changes?
Lifestyle factors often play a role in how the body functions. Functional medicine may include guidance on nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress support based on your individual needs. Recommendations are realistic and personalized, not one-size-fits-all. The goal is to support long-term improvement by addressing habits that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Who leads my care?
Care is guided by a licensed nurse practitioner with advanced clinical training. This provider-led model allows for longer visits, deeper evaluation, and ongoing follow-up. Recommendations are based on evidence, clinical experience, and how your body responds over time.
Benefits of Functional Medicine
A whole-body approach designed to improve function, balance, and long-term health.
Addresses Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Functional medicine looks deeper to understand why symptoms are happening. Instead of managing each issue on its own, care focuses on correcting underlying imbalances that affect how the body functions. This helps create more lasting improvement rather than temporary relief.
Supports Metabolic and Hormone Balance
Metabolic health and hormone signaling affect energy, weight, mood, and aging. Functional medicine helps identify disruptions in these systems and supports balance so the body can regulate itself more effectively over time.
Uses Advanced Testing for Clear Insight
Advanced lab testing helps uncover dysfunction that standard labs often miss. This deeper data allows care to be more precise and personalized, reducing guesswork and helping explain symptoms that may not have clear answers.
Personalized, Provider-Led Care
Care is guided by a licensed nurse practitioner who reviews your full health picture. This provider-led model allows for thoughtful evaluation, clear communication, and ongoing support tailored to your individual needs.
Improves Long-Term Health and Prevention
Functional medicine focuses on how the body functions over time. By addressing imbalances early, this approach supports long-term health, resilience, and better aging rather than reacting to problems after they worsen.
Enhances Results From Other Therapies
When root causes are addressed first, the body responds better to other forms of care. Functional medicine helps optimize internal balance so weight loss, hormone care, and regenerative therapies can be more effective.
Start your Regenesis Today
A thoughtful first step toward long-term health and vitality.
Begin a New Path
Start with a functional medicine evaluation focused on understanding your health at a deeper level. This first step helps identify root causes, clarify priorities, and guide the most appropriate next steps. With provider-led insight and advanced testing, care becomes more intentional and personalized from the start.
Start With a Functional Medicine Evaluation
A comprehensive evaluation provides the foundation for effective care. By reviewing health history, symptoms, and advanced lab data, functional medicine helps uncover patterns that may be affecting overall function. This process supports clear direction and more focused care moving forward.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
When health concerns feel complex, having a clear plan matters. Functional medicine offers a structured, provider-led approach that supports long-term health. Beginning with a thorough evaluation helps ensure care is guided by insight, not guesswork.
Your Regenesis Process
A simple, guided path toward better health.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CONSULTATION
Your initial visit includes a comprehensive health evaluation, lab work, and vital measurements to establish your baseline.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ASSESSMENT
You will meet with your Regenesis specialist to review lab results, assessment, and goals, crafting a customized treatment plan.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PROGRAM
Your carefully designed Program is designed and adjusted as lab results and progress are reviewed to ensure optimal results.
FUCTIONAL MEDICINE RESULTS
Reap the rewards as we progress with regular labs, feedback, and advanced technology to optimize your health and wellness.
Welcome to Lake Forest Regenesis
Hormone and wellness clinic for men & women in lake Forest, Illinois
“My goal is to help patients understand their health, not just manage symptoms. Functional medicine allows me to take the time to listen, look deeper, and identify what may be driving an imbalance in the body. By using advanced testing and a whole-body approach, care becomes more focused and personal. I believe informed patients make better decisions, and thoughtful, provider-led care creates the best path toward lasting health and improved quality of life.”
Allana Bush, FNP-C, RN, PHN, MSN
Medical Weight Loss & Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy Specialist Lake Forest, IL