At The Holistic Approach for Women, we believe in treating more than just symptoms—we focus on uncovering the root causes of health concerns. Many women come to us after years of frustration with conventional medicine, searching for answers that go beyond temporary fixes. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between functional medicine and conventional medicine and why both approaches have their place in healthcare.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine takes a whole-body approach to health, recognizing that symptoms are often the result of deeper imbalances. Instead of simply treating what’s on the surface, this method looks at the interconnected systems of the body to determine underlying causes.
One of the most effective ways to get to the root of health concerns is through comprehensive lab testing. Bloodwork offers a window into what’s happening inside your body, revealing imbalances that might not be immediately obvious. Unfortunately, many conventional healthcare providers decline to order certain in-depth tests that could provide valuable insights. Some of the labs and tests that we commonly order not typically considered in a conventional setting include:
- Comprehensive hormone panels
- Advanced thyroid testing (beyond just TSH)
- Inflammatory and autoimmune markers
- Gut microbiome analysis
- Metal toxicity tests
However, ordering labs is just the first step. Interpreting those results and understanding how they contribute to your symptoms requires expertise. That’s where Ena Cardona-Mason, FNP-BC, APRN, MS, comes in. As a highly skilled integrated medicine expert near Kaysville, Utah, Ena specializes in recognizing patterns and connections within lab results to pinpoint imbalances—particularly those related to hormones, which are often at the root of many women’s health issues.
If you’re looking for a provider who truly listens and works to uncover the root cause of your health concerns, Ena brings years of experience and a compassionate approach to every patient she sees.
Functional Medicine Patient Case Study
Here’s an example of a real life patient’s experience* working with Ena told by Ena’s perspective:
“I have had a patient come to me that had basic lab work completed by her primary care provider. Everything came back normal. She said she was still feeling tired, with no libido and brain fog and they had told her over and over that she was fine and no abnormalities were found.
Once we did a comprehensive hormone check and thyroid check, adrenals hormone check etc, we realized that she had very low testosterone levels and low adrenals…this is why she was having fatigue and low libido and brain fog. Once we treated these core issues with bio identical hormone replacement therapy and supplements, within 6-8 weeks she started feeling a lot better with more energy, increased libido and mental clarity.“
Ena Cardona-Mason, FNP-BC, ARPN, MS
*To protect patient privacy, no identifying information has been shared.
This patient’s story is a common one heard by Ena in which in conventional-only settings, patient’s complaints are dismissed once their basic testing shows everything is normal. At The Holistic Approach for Women, patients can find answers.
What Is Conventional Medicine?
Conventional medicine follows the standard healthcare model most people are familiar with—where symptoms are assessed, a diagnosis is made, and treatment is often provided in the form of prescription medications or procedures approved by the FDA. This approach is highly effective for acute conditions, infections, and emergencies.
Before founding The Holistic Approach for Women, Ena, spent years working in a traditional women’s health clinic. During that time, she treated countless patients using conventional methods. While she helped many women, she often felt limited by the standard approach, which didn’t always address the root causes of chronic symptoms.
When she transitioned to a functional medicine setting, Ena discovered new ways to support patients beyond symptom management. By integrating a more personalized, investigative approach, she has been able to help women not only feel better but experience long-term healing and transformation.
For women seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable integrated medicine expert near Kaysville, Utah, Ena provides a unique approach that blends the best of both functional and conventional medicine for optimal results.
The Best of Both Worlds
At The Holistic Approach for Women, we recognize the value of both conventional and functional medicine. While conventional medicine is crucial for many conditions, functional medicine provides an additional layer of care—especially for women struggling with unexplained symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions. Ena adds that at The Holistic Approach for Women,
“You get the best advances of both conventional medicine and functional medicine. I believe in new and continued advancements in medicine and providing these life changing treatments for my patients.”
If you’re ready to go beyond symptom management and uncover the root cause of your health concerns, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with Ena, an integrated medicine expert near Kaysville, Utah for your women’s healthcare needs and take the first step toward lasting wellness.