What is Functional Medicine? Doctor Karolina Explains:

What is Functional Medicine? Doctor Karolina Explains:

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine means treating the whole person, not just your symptoms. At NaturaMed in Maitland, FL, we look at how everything in your body connects because that's where real healing happens.

Functional medicine means treating the whole person, not just your symptoms. At NaturaMed in Maitland, FL, we look at how everything in your body connects because that's where real healing happens.

Our Functional Medicine Approach.

Conventional medicine is great for emergencies and acute problems, but when you're dealing with something chronic and complex? It usually just throws medications at symptoms without asking why those symptoms are showing up in the first place. Functional medicine digs deeper. It combines solid science with holistic principles. Here's what that looks like at our Maitland practice.

Conventional medicine is great for emergencies and acute problems, but when you're dealing with something chronic and complex? It usually just throws medications at symptoms without asking why those symptoms are showing up in the first place. Functional medicine digs deeper. It combines solid science with holistic principles. Here's what that looks like at our Maitland practice.

We Get Your Full Story

We actually listen. Your first visit isn't rushed. We want to know about your symptoms, sure, but also your stress levels, how you're sleeping, what you're eating, what's going on in your life. All of it matters, and all of it gives us clues about what's really happening.

We actually listen. Your first visit isn't rushed. We want to know about your symptoms, sure, but also your stress levels, how you're sleeping, what you're eating, what's going on in your life. All of it matters, and all of it gives us clues about what's really happening.

We Test What Needs Testing

Forget basic lab work that insurance wants to cover. We run comprehensive thyroid panels, full hormone evaluations, gut health assessments, nutrient analysis, inflammatory markers: the tests that actually show us what's going on. This helps us catch problems early, before they turn into bigger issues.

Forget basic lab work that insurance wants to cover. We run comprehensive thyroid panels, full hormone evaluations, gut health assessments, nutrient analysis, inflammatory markers: the tests that actually show us what's going on. This helps us catch problems early, before they turn into bigger issues.

4-Point Cortisol
Daily Rhythm Pattern
Flat Curve
stress response
Optimal
Actual
MorningNoonEveningNight
A flat cortisol curve means your body is stuck in survival mode — overriding sex hormones.

We Find the Root Cause

If your thyroid isn't working, your hormones are off, your gut is a mess, you're chronically inflamed, or you're depleted in key nutrients, those are things we can actually fix. We're not just covering up symptoms with medication. We're figuring out why you have those symptoms and addressing that.

If your thyroid isn't working, your hormones are off, your gut is a mess, you're chronically inflamed, or you're depleted in key nutrients, those are things we can actually fix. We're not just covering up symptoms with medication. We're figuring out why you have those symptoms and addressing that.

Your Plan Is Built for You

Cookie-cutter protocols don't work because everyone's different. Your treatment plan is tailored to your situation, your lifestyle, and what you can actually sustain. We work with you to create changes that fit your real life.

Cookie-cutter protocols don't work because everyone's different. Your treatment plan is tailored to your situation, your lifestyle, and what you can actually sustain. We work with you to create changes that fit your real life.

Conditions We Treat.

Conditions We Treat.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid issues are everywhere, especially in women. Most doctors test TSH, call it "normal," and send you home while you're still exhausted, gaining weight, foggy, and losing your hair. We run full thyroid panels because subclinical issues show up long before your TSH looks abnormal. And we actually address what's causing the dysfunction.

Thyroid issues are everywhere, especially in women. Most doctors test TSH, call it "normal," and send you home while you're still exhausted, gaining weight, foggy, and losing your hair. We run full thyroid panels because subclinical issues show up long before your TSH looks abnormal. And we actually address what's causing the dysfunction.

Chronic Fatigue and Adrenal Issues

Being tired all the time isn't normal, no matter what anyone tells you. Chronic fatigue can come from your adrenals, your thyroid, nutrient deficiencies, chronic infections, or a combination. We figure out what's draining you and build a recovery plan that addresses all of it.

Being tired all the time isn't normal, no matter what anyone tells you. Chronic fatigue can come from your adrenals, your thyroid, nutrient deficiencies, chronic infections, or a combination. We figure out what's draining you and build a recovery plan that addresses all of it.

Hormone Imbalances

Mood swings, weight gain, sleep problems, zero libido. Hormonal imbalances show up in a lot of ways. We test comprehensively to see what's actually off, then create a plan to restore balance naturally.

Mood swings, weight gain, sleep problems, zero libido. Hormonal imbalances show up in a lot of ways. We test comprehensively to see what's actually off, then create a plan to restore balance naturally.

Digestive Issues and Gut Health

Your gut affects everything. Your immune system, your mood, your energy: it all ties back to gut health. We test for SIBO, leaky gut, food sensitivities, and dysbiosis, then fix what's broken. A lot of other symptoms clear up when we get your gut right.

Your gut affects everything. Your immune system, your mood, your energy: it all ties back to gut health. We test for SIBO, leaky gut, food sensitivities, and dysbiosis, then fix what's broken. A lot of other symptoms clear up when we get your gut right.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common, and they're complicated because they involve multiple systems. Our approach addresses the underlying inflammation, gut dysfunction, and immune system problems that drive autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common, and they're complicated because they involve multiple systems. Our approach addresses the underlying inflammation, gut dysfunction, and immune system problems that drive autoimmune conditions.

Metabolic Issues

Blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction: these cause fatigue, weight gain, and put you at risk for bigger problems down the road. We identify what's off and address it through testing and personalized lifestyle changes.

Blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction: these cause fatigue, weight gain, and put you at risk for bigger problems down the road. We identify what's off and address it through testing and personalized lifestyle changes.

Ready to Find Out What's Really Going On?

Stop guessing. Our comprehensive functional medicine approach gives you real answers and a real plan to feel like yourself again.

How We're Different.

How We're Different.

Conventional medicine is fantastic for emergencies and acute situations. But for chronic, complex health issues? It falls short. Here's what's different about our holistic approach in Maitland, FL.

Conventional medicine is fantastic for emergencies and acute situations. But for chronic, complex health issues? It falls short. Here's what's different about our holistic approach in Maitland, FL.

Time and Attention

Your first appointment isn't 10 minutes. We take the time to understand your complete health story, which is how we spot the patterns and connections other providers miss.

Your first appointment isn't 10 minutes. We take the time to understand your complete health story, which is how we spot the patterns and connections other providers miss.

Comprehensive Testing

We test what needs to be tested, not just what insurance wants to pay for. This helps us catch issues early and find root causes that standard testing misses.

We test what needs to be tested, not just what insurance wants to pay for. This helps us catch issues early and find root causes that standard testing misses.

Root Cause Focus

We're not prescribing medications to manage symptoms forever. We're identifying why you have those symptoms and fixing that. This leads to lasting improvements instead of endless symptom management.

We're not prescribing medications to manage symptoms forever. We're identifying why you have those symptoms and fixing that. This leads to lasting improvements instead of endless symptom management.

Whole-Person Approach

Everything in your body is connected. A thyroid problem might be tied to gut health, which affects your hormones, which tanks your energy. We look at the whole system, not isolated parts.

Everything in your body is connected. A thyroid problem might be tied to gut health, which affects your hormones, which tanks your energy. We look at the whole system, not isolated parts.

Prevention and Optimization

We don't just treat disease. We help you optimize your health and prevent future problems. This proactive approach helps you feel your best and avoid chronic disease down the road.

We don't just treat disease. We help you optimize your health and prevent future problems. This proactive approach helps you feel your best and avoid chronic disease down the road.

Ready to find
your path?

If this story resonates with you, maybe it's time to start your own. Root-cause care takes time, but real change happens one clear step at a time.

We've helped over 500 clients

+75

Google reviews logo

Read Our Google Reviews

Prefer to chat first? Send us an email or connect with us on social — we’re always happy to help.

Your questions. Answered.

Not sure what to expect? These answers should help.

Didn't find your answer? Send us a message and we'll get back to you personally.

How is NaturaMed different from my regular doctor?

Most doctors have 15 minutes and a standard panel. We have 75-minute visits, 300+ biomarkers, and a protocol built specifically for your biology, not a symptom checklist. We look for the root cause of why you feel the way you do, not just what to prescribe next.

Is bloating ever serious?

Usually not, and now and then, yes. Bloating that is new and does not go away is one of the ways ovarian cancer and other serious conditions can show up. It is often blamed on food for months before anyone looks. Bloating that is new and is there most days for three weeks or more should be checked soon. So should bloating with feeling full quickly, pelvic pain, or an urgent need to pee.

Should I go gluten-free to see if it helps?

Not before celiac testing. The blood tests only work while you are still eating gluten. Cutting it out first means either weeks of eating it again to test properly, or never getting an answer. Test first, then try.

What conditions do you treat?

We specialize in hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue, gut health, perimenopause, weight loss resistance, and metabolic issues. If you've been told your labs are normal but still feel terrible, that's exactly who we're here for.

Is reverse T3 testing worth doing?

Reverse T3 is one of the more debated tests in thyroid medicine. We know that reverse T3 can increase during illness, significant calorie restriction, and other forms of physiological stress. Where there is less agreement is whether measuring reverse T3 routinely changes treatment or improves outcomes in otherwise stable patients. For that reason, I don’t view reverse T3 as a standalone diagnostic test for hypothyroidism, and I would not make a treatment decision based on reverse T3 alone. There are situations where I may include it as one part of a broader thyroid evaluation, but I interpret it alongside TSH, free T4, free T3, symptoms, medications, nutritional status, and the patient’s overall clinical picture.

Do I have SIBO?

Possibly. SIBO means too many bacteria in the small intestine. It can cause bloating, gas, belly discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and food intolerances. Breath testing can help check for bacterial or methane overgrowth. It is most useful when your symptoms and history point that way. We read the result together with your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and other findings to decide whether SIBO is part of the problem.

How does the process work?

It starts with a 75-minute Initial Visit with Dr. Skrzypek: your health history, symptoms, and what you've already tried. From there, she orders the testing that fits your picture, whether that's DUTCH, GI-MAP, a full thyroid panel, or advanced metabolic work. If you enroll in the 6-Month Program, she reviews every result with you in detail and builds your personalized root-cause plan.

Are at-home hormone tests accurate?

The laboratory measurement itself may be useful, but interpretation is often the bigger issue. Hormone levels can be influenced by cycle timing, age, medications, hormonal birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical conditions. At-home testing also won’t necessarily identify non-hormonal causes of symptoms such as low iron, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, or nutrient deficiencies.

I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. Should I be reevaluated?

It may be worth reviewing the diagnosis as an adult. Irregular menstrual cycles are common during the first years after menstruation begins, and ovarian appearance can also differ during adolescence. Because of this, PCOS diagnosis in teenagers is approached more cautiously. If you were diagnosed years ago and have never had the diagnosis reassessed, discussing it with your physician may be useful.

Are food sensitivity tests useful?

They can be, with limits. Food sensitivity testing may help point to foods that could be adding to your symptoms. It gives a more targeted place to start than cutting out large numbers of foods. We do not use the results on their own. We combine them with your symptoms, your diet history, and a structured plan to cut foods out and add them back. That is how we find which foods really affect you.

Ready to find
your path?

If this story resonates with you, maybe it's time to start your own. Root-cause care takes time, but real change happens one clear step at a time.

We've helped over 500 clients

+75

Google reviews logo

Read Our Google Reviews

Prefer to chat first? Send us an email or connect with us on social — we’re always happy to help.

Your questions. Answered.

Not sure what to expect? These answers should help.

Didn't find your answer? Send us a message and we'll get back to you personally.

How is NaturaMed different from my regular doctor?

Most doctors have 15 minutes and a standard panel. We have 75-minute visits, 300+ biomarkers, and a protocol built specifically for your biology, not a symptom checklist. We look for the root cause of why you feel the way you do, not just what to prescribe next.

Is bloating ever serious?

Usually not, and now and then, yes. Bloating that is new and does not go away is one of the ways ovarian cancer and other serious conditions can show up. It is often blamed on food for months before anyone looks. Bloating that is new and is there most days for three weeks or more should be checked soon. So should bloating with feeling full quickly, pelvic pain, or an urgent need to pee.

Should I go gluten-free to see if it helps?

Not before celiac testing. The blood tests only work while you are still eating gluten. Cutting it out first means either weeks of eating it again to test properly, or never getting an answer. Test first, then try.

What conditions do you treat?

We specialize in hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue, gut health, perimenopause, weight loss resistance, and metabolic issues. If you've been told your labs are normal but still feel terrible, that's exactly who we're here for.

Is reverse T3 testing worth doing?

Reverse T3 is one of the more debated tests in thyroid medicine. We know that reverse T3 can increase during illness, significant calorie restriction, and other forms of physiological stress. Where there is less agreement is whether measuring reverse T3 routinely changes treatment or improves outcomes in otherwise stable patients. For that reason, I don’t view reverse T3 as a standalone diagnostic test for hypothyroidism, and I would not make a treatment decision based on reverse T3 alone. There are situations where I may include it as one part of a broader thyroid evaluation, but I interpret it alongside TSH, free T4, free T3, symptoms, medications, nutritional status, and the patient’s overall clinical picture.

Do I have SIBO?

Possibly. SIBO means too many bacteria in the small intestine. It can cause bloating, gas, belly discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and food intolerances. Breath testing can help check for bacterial or methane overgrowth. It is most useful when your symptoms and history point that way. We read the result together with your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and other findings to decide whether SIBO is part of the problem.

How does the process work?

It starts with a 75-minute Initial Visit with Dr. Skrzypek: your health history, symptoms, and what you've already tried. From there, she orders the testing that fits your picture, whether that's DUTCH, GI-MAP, a full thyroid panel, or advanced metabolic work. If you enroll in the 6-Month Program, she reviews every result with you in detail and builds your personalized root-cause plan.

Are at-home hormone tests accurate?

The laboratory measurement itself may be useful, but interpretation is often the bigger issue. Hormone levels can be influenced by cycle timing, age, medications, hormonal birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical conditions. At-home testing also won’t necessarily identify non-hormonal causes of symptoms such as low iron, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, or nutrient deficiencies.

I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. Should I be reevaluated?

It may be worth reviewing the diagnosis as an adult. Irregular menstrual cycles are common during the first years after menstruation begins, and ovarian appearance can also differ during adolescence. Because of this, PCOS diagnosis in teenagers is approached more cautiously. If you were diagnosed years ago and have never had the diagnosis reassessed, discussing it with your physician may be useful.

Are food sensitivity tests useful?

They can be, with limits. Food sensitivity testing may help point to foods that could be adding to your symptoms. It gives a more targeted place to start than cutting out large numbers of foods. We do not use the results on their own. We combine them with your symptoms, your diet history, and a structured plan to cut foods out and add them back. That is how we find which foods really affect you.

Ready to find
your path?

If this story resonates with you, maybe it's time to start your own. Root-cause care takes time, but real change happens one clear step at a time.

We've helped over 500 clients

+75

Google reviews logo

Read Our Google Reviews

Prefer to chat first? Send us an email or connect with us on social — we’re always happy to help.

Your questions. Answered.

Not sure what to expect? These answers should help.

Didn't find your answer? Send us a message and we'll get back to you personally.

How is NaturaMed different from my regular doctor?

Most doctors have 15 minutes and a standard panel. We have 75-minute visits, 300+ biomarkers, and a protocol built specifically for your biology, not a symptom checklist. We look for the root cause of why you feel the way you do, not just what to prescribe next.

Is bloating ever serious?

Usually not, and now and then, yes. Bloating that is new and does not go away is one of the ways ovarian cancer and other serious conditions can show up. It is often blamed on food for months before anyone looks. Bloating that is new and is there most days for three weeks or more should be checked soon. So should bloating with feeling full quickly, pelvic pain, or an urgent need to pee.

Should I go gluten-free to see if it helps?

Not before celiac testing. The blood tests only work while you are still eating gluten. Cutting it out first means either weeks of eating it again to test properly, or never getting an answer. Test first, then try.

What conditions do you treat?

We specialize in hormone imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue, gut health, perimenopause, weight loss resistance, and metabolic issues. If you've been told your labs are normal but still feel terrible, that's exactly who we're here for.

Is reverse T3 testing worth doing?

Reverse T3 is one of the more debated tests in thyroid medicine. We know that reverse T3 can increase during illness, significant calorie restriction, and other forms of physiological stress. Where there is less agreement is whether measuring reverse T3 routinely changes treatment or improves outcomes in otherwise stable patients. For that reason, I don’t view reverse T3 as a standalone diagnostic test for hypothyroidism, and I would not make a treatment decision based on reverse T3 alone. There are situations where I may include it as one part of a broader thyroid evaluation, but I interpret it alongside TSH, free T4, free T3, symptoms, medications, nutritional status, and the patient’s overall clinical picture.

Do I have SIBO?

Possibly. SIBO means too many bacteria in the small intestine. It can cause bloating, gas, belly discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, and food intolerances. Breath testing can help check for bacterial or methane overgrowth. It is most useful when your symptoms and history point that way. We read the result together with your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and other findings to decide whether SIBO is part of the problem.

How does the process work?

It starts with a 75-minute Initial Visit with Dr. Skrzypek: your health history, symptoms, and what you've already tried. From there, she orders the testing that fits your picture, whether that's DUTCH, GI-MAP, a full thyroid panel, or advanced metabolic work. If you enroll in the 6-Month Program, she reviews every result with you in detail and builds your personalized root-cause plan.

Are at-home hormone tests accurate?

The laboratory measurement itself may be useful, but interpretation is often the bigger issue. Hormone levels can be influenced by cycle timing, age, medications, hormonal birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical conditions. At-home testing also won’t necessarily identify non-hormonal causes of symptoms such as low iron, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, or nutrient deficiencies.

I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. Should I be reevaluated?

It may be worth reviewing the diagnosis as an adult. Irregular menstrual cycles are common during the first years after menstruation begins, and ovarian appearance can also differ during adolescence. Because of this, PCOS diagnosis in teenagers is approached more cautiously. If you were diagnosed years ago and have never had the diagnosis reassessed, discussing it with your physician may be useful.

Are food sensitivity tests useful?

They can be, with limits. Food sensitivity testing may help point to foods that could be adding to your symptoms. It gives a more targeted place to start than cutting out large numbers of foods. We do not use the results on their own. We combine them with your symptoms, your diet history, and a structured plan to cut foods out and add them back. That is how we find which foods really affect you.