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Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine:
Root-Cause Care for Lifelong Health

If you've been told "everything looks normal" but you still don't feel well, you're not alone. Functional medicine asks why you're experiencing symptoms, not just what to prescribe.

5.0 on Google Reviews
| 500+ patients treated

When "Normal Labs" Don't Tell the Whole Story

Conventional medicine excels at acute care, but many patients with chronic, complex symptoms fall through the cracks. Standard bloodwork checks a narrow set of markers, and "normal" reference ranges are based on population averages rather than optimal health.

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) estimates that the average patient with a chronic condition sees four physicians over five years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Meanwhile, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that up to 75% of a physician's time is spent managing chronic disease, yet conventional models rarely investigate root causes.

Functional medicine changes that equation. Instead of asking "what drug matches this symptom?", we ask "what systems are out of balance, and why?"

Source: Cleveland Clinic Functional Medicine Outcomes Study, JAMA Network Open 2019

Common Root Causes We Investigate

With prevalence among patients presenting with unexplained chronic symptoms

Hormonal imbalances Thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones
43%
Gut dysfunction Dysbiosis, permeability, SIBO
35-40%
Chronic inflammation CRP, homocysteine, oxidative stress
30-50%
Nutrient deficiencies Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, iron
30-40%
Insulin resistance Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c
34%
Toxic burden Heavy metals, mold, environmental chemicals
Varies
Sleep and stress dysregulation HPA axis, cortisol rhythm
25-40%
Immune imbalance Autoimmune markers, chronic infections
20-25%

Sources: Institute for Functional Medicine, JAMA Network Open 2019

A 2019 Cleveland Clinic study published in JAMA Network Open found that functional medicine patients showed significantly greater improvements in health-related quality of life compared to conventional care.

Get Your Evaluation

A Science-Based Approach to Why You Feel the Way You Do

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach that treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. It draws on peer-reviewed research in genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, and nutritional science to build a complete picture of your health.

Rather than a 15-minute appointment focused on one complaint, your clinician spends 90 minutes reviewing your full health timeline, family history, environmental exposures, diet, stress patterns, sleep, and comprehensive lab results. This allows us to identify connections that conventional medicine often misses.

From there, your treatment plan may include targeted nutrition, hormone optimization, gut healing protocols, detoxification support, peptide therapies, and prescriptions when clinically indicated. Everything is designed to help your body repair, regulate, and thrive on its own.

Sources: Institute for Functional Medicine, Cleveland Clinic / JAMA Network Open 2019

Functional vs. Conventional

Functional Medicine (Our Approach)

  • Asks "why" before prescribing
  • 90 minute consultations
  • 70+ biomarker lab panels
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Treats root causes
  • Ongoing optimization

Conventional (Standard Care)

  • Symptom-first prescribing
  • 10-15 minute appointments
  • Basic labs, broad "normal" ranges
  • One-size-fits-all protocols
  • Siloed specialty referrals

What Your Program May Explore

The Asymmetric Health team is specially trained and maintains additional certifications in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Every evaluation is tailored to your symptoms, history, and goals.

Hormone & Adrenal Health

Comprehensive testing of sex hormones, thyroid (full panel, not just TSH), cortisol, DHEA-S, and insulin to identify endocrine dysfunction driving fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.

Gut Microbiome & Digestion

Investigating dysbiosis, intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), SIBO, and food sensitivities that contribute to systemic inflammation, brain fog, and immune dysfunction.

Inflammation & Immune Balance

Measuring CRP, homocysteine, ESR, and cytokine markers to identify chronic low-grade inflammation linked to autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular risk, and accelerated aging.

Nutrient Status & Detox Pathways

Testing vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, iron, zinc, and markers of methylation and detoxification capacity. Deficiencies here drive fatigue, cognitive decline, and poor recovery.

Metabolic & Cardiovascular Risk

Going beyond standard cholesterol: fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, advanced lipid panels, and lipoprotein(a) to catch metabolic dysfunction years before it becomes disease.

Sleep, Stress & HPA Axis

Evaluating cortisol rhythm, neurotransmitter precursors, and lifestyle patterns that undermine sleep quality and stress resilience, two pillars of long-term health.

Your Functional Medicine Evaluation

Your journey starts with a comprehensive evaluation designed to uncover exactly what's happening inside your body.

01

Choose Your Evaluation Package

Select the evaluation that fits your goals. Our Total Wellness ($999) and Complete Hormone ($699) packages are the most popular for functional medicine patients. Each includes advanced lab work, a consultation with your provider, and your personalized handbook.

02

Complete Advanced Lab Testing

Walk into any Labcorp location with your requisition. We test far beyond standard panels: full thyroid, sex hormones, adrenal markers, inflammatory markers, metabolic indicators, and nutrient levels.

03

Consult with Your Clinician

Spend 90 minutes reviewing your results together via telehealth or in-clinic. The Asymmetric Health team connects the dots between your labs, symptoms, and health history to build your personalized treatment plan.

04

Begin Your Plan

Start your membership for ongoing care. Your plan may include nutritional therapy, targeted supplementation, hormone optimization, peptide protocols, and prescriptions when needed. Regular follow-ups ensure continuous progress.

Functional Medicine Is Ideal For People Who Want To

Understand the "why" behind their symptoms, not just get another prescription

Prevent chronic illness rather than wait for a diagnosis to react to

Take an active role in their long-term health and longevity

Restore energy, clarity, and vitality from the inside out

Work with a physician who listens and spends real time on their case

Get off the referral treadmill and find answers in one coordinated plan

Common Symptoms That Bring Patients to Us

Persistent fatigue
Brain fog
Unexplained weight gain
Digestive issues
Anxiety or depression
Chronic pain
Sleep problems
Hormonal imbalances
Frequent illness
Hair loss or skin issues
Low libido
Autoimmune flares

What Our Patients Say

5.0
12 reviews

He explains things clearly and thoroughly, never rushing, and makes sure you understand both the "why" and the "what" behind your care.

L
Lisa McLain
3 months ago

I'm 75 years old and have dozens of doctors in my life. Dr Strand has been a life-line for me. I can not overstate this doctor's ability.

L
Lonnie Williams
3 months ago

I've noticed significant improvements in my energy, mood, and overall well-being. I've referred multiple people to this clinic.

T
Travis H
8 months ago

Four months later, I've dropped over 30 lbs and feel like I'm genuinely on the right trajectory.

A
Angelo R.
5 months ago

Dr. Strand makes the process simple and easy to follow. He takes the time to walk you through every step.

D
Destine Shah
8 months ago

Broke down and explained every piece of the process to make sure I had a good understanding and felt comfortable.

B
Brian Baxter
2 months ago

This is my fourth TRT provider and the first one where I feel I receive the necessary attention and the medical knowledge to optimize my results.

H
Holden B.
2 years ago

The detail he goes through with you on your lab work is awesome!

J
Joel Rouse
2 years ago

I don't think I have had a health care professional actually listen to me in at least the last 20 years.

J
Jamie Lilly
1 week ago

Great experience with Asymmetric Health.

D
Dustin Newman
1 year ago

The doctor explained everything clearly, discussed my options and answered all my questions.

R
ReactionDC2
3 weeks ago

Doctor is knowledgeable and cares about my health.

B
BigFootBuds PNW
3 weeks ago
Dive Deeper
Explore how functional medicine and direct primary care work together to address root causes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Medicine

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a science-based approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of disease rather than just managing symptoms. A 2019 Cleveland Clinic study (JAMA Network Open) showed functional medicine patients had significantly better health outcomes than conventional care.

It uses advanced lab testing, detailed health histories, and personalized treatment plans that address your unique biochemistry.

How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?

Conventional medicine typically treats symptoms with medications. Functional medicine asks why those symptoms exist in the first place.

It looks at the interconnected systems in your body, including hormones, gut health, immune function, nutrient status, and toxic burden, to find and address underlying dysfunction.

What conditions does functional medicine treat?

Functional medicine is effective for chronic fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, unexplained weight gain, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and symptoms that don't fit a clear diagnosis.

What kind of lab testing is involved?

We run comprehensive panels that go far beyond a standard annual physical: full thyroid panels (not just TSH), sex hormones, adrenal markers, inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine), insulin and metabolic markers, nutrient levels (vitamin D, B12, magnesium, iron), and specialized testing when indicated.

See our evaluation packages for details.

Do you offer telehealth for functional medicine?

Yes. All consultations and follow-ups are available via telehealth for patients anywhere in Washington state. Lab work can be completed at any Labcorp location. Our clinic is in Lacey, WA, serving patients across Olympia, Thurston County, and statewide.

Does insurance cover functional medicine?

We are a direct-pay practice and do not bill insurance. Our transparent pricing often compares favorably to traditional copays, deductibles, and specialist referral costs.

Many patients use HSA or FSA funds to cover their care.

How long before I see results?

Many patients notice improvements in energy, sleep, and mental clarity within 4-6 weeks. More complex conditions like autoimmune issues or gut healing may take 3-6 months.

Your timeline depends on what we find and how your body responds to treatment.

Find Your Starting Point

Not sure which evaluation is right for you?

Answer a few quick questions about your symptoms and goals. asymmetrichealth will match you to the right evaluation.