Functional medicine (FM) seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and views the body as one integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties, much as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is why they complement each other.
Functional Medicine believes that diet, nutrition, and exposure to environmental toxins can play a central role in your health. Without the right diet and nutrition, as well as toxic exposure, may predispose a person to illness, provoke symptoms, and effect the body chemistry and nervous system. It may also cause imbalance in hormone levels, blood chemistry, as well as nerve reactions throughout the body, not to mention food sensitivities/allergies, and intestinal related issues.
Functional Medicine is a holistic medical approach that focuses on identifying the causes of disease, rather than treating the symptoms. It utilizes lab testing, and I use it in conjunction with Chinese Medicine, to help better understand the depth of possible toxicity, deficiencies, and imbalances impacting your health. The goal of this partnership is to bring you back to health as well as to teach the you about the core principles of health maintenance and prevention.
A functional medicine approach is more of a partnership between you and your doctor. It seeks to understand the origins of chronic disease so that meaningful treatment and preventative methods can be developed and used. With FM, the “healthy” lab ranges are more narrow than the “normal” lab ranges used in western medicine. They are much more specific to what a “healthy” person’s lab values should be. This would mean, when viewing a lab value, that is just a little out of the FM range of “healthy”, we’d be able to recognize if a future illness might be developing, so that a good plan for achieving health can happen before any damage can be done internally.
Comprehensive medical history
Evaluation of the patient’s lifestyle and environmental factors.
Functional outcomes based laboratory workup (including: comprehensive blood panel; sensitivity testing for gluten and other allergens; and possibly testing for organ/glandular systems in distress
Education based approach so that ultimately the patient is less dependent on the doctor to maintain their health.
You will have a much more definitive understanding of what is happening internally with your body’s systems.
You will have a plan of what types of therapy will help you attain your best health.
You will be given dietary and lifestyle guidelines to help your quality of life and prevention of worsened conditions.
If you are working with your doctor and have had comprehensive labs already done, please bring them with you for your appointment. Any additional information is always helpful in diagnostics and treatment success. Please see the pricing area for a more information on what is tested, as well as what is included in this type of assessment.
Shelly Tompkins L.Ac, CFMP, is an Integrative Wellness Expert, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy, as well as postpartum and immune conditions.

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Thank you for your interest in Fertile Lifestyle. I do not accept insurance at this time, but I offer several convenient payment options, including credit cards, FSA/HSA cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay. My services are designed to support women in building a strong foundation for health and wellness through a personalized functional medicine approach, focusing on hormone balance, gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional wellness. As part of your journey, I may refer you to trusted laboratories for testing, which allows me to tailor your plan based on real data; please note that lab fees and supplements are not included in any program or service. Some specialty tests may not be available in New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, and if you reside in one of these states, I will work with you to find suitable alternatives. All content provided by Fertile Lifestyle including articles, coaching sessions, programs, social media content, and educational resources is for general informational purposes only and reflects my professional experience and perspective in functional medicine and reproductive wellness. This content is not a substitute for personalized medical care, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed healthcare provider. Fertility, hormonal health, and reproductive wellness are highly individual, and results may vary. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, nursing, taking medications, or managing any medical condition (including PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid issues), please consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine. By using this website or participating in any services offered through Fertile Lifestyle, you acknowledge that your health decisions and outcomes are your responsibility. My goal is to educate, support, and empower you to feel informed and confident on your fertility and wellness journey.