Advanced Functional Medicine

Advanced Functional Medicine Integrative and Functional Medicine clinic located in Perth and servicing patients Australia wide.

Heavy metals are often blamed online for everything from fatigue and brain fog to digestive problems—but these symptoms ...
28/08/2026

Heavy metals are often blamed online for everything from fatigue and brain fog to digestive problems—but these symptoms are common and can have many possible explanations.

Lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium can genuinely affect health at certain levels. However, risk depends on the specific substance, dose, source, route and duration of exposure.

That’s why testing should begin with a careful exposure history—not a broad “toxin panel.”

The appropriate test may vary depending on which metal is suspected and when the exposure may have occurred. Simply detecting a substance does not automatically confirm poisoning or prove that it is causing someone’s symptoms.
If a harmful exposure is identified, removing or reducing the source is usually central to management. Treatments such as chelation are used only in specific situations under appropriately qualified medical supervision—they are not general wellness detoxes.

At AFM, we consider your symptoms alongside your occupation, home environment, hobbies, diet, supplements and medical history to determine whether targeted testing or specialist referral may be appropriate.

Concerned about a genuine exposure? Speak with your GP or contact AFM to discuss the most appropriate next step.

This information is general and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you suspect an acute poisoning or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical assistance.

Your immune system is built to protect you, but with autoimmune disease, it mistakenly identifies healthy parts of your ...
27/08/2026

Your immune system is built to protect you, but with autoimmune disease, it mistakenly identifies healthy parts of your body as a threat.

The result can look different for everyone.

Fatigue. Joint pain. Digestive changes. Skin concerns. Brain fog.

Symptoms may appear unrelated, vary over time or overlap with many other health conditions, which can make the bigger picture difficult to understand.

Autoimmune disease rarely has one simple cause. Research suggests it may develop through a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility, immune regulation, hormonal influences, infections and environmental exposures.

While nutrition, sleep, movement and stress support can contribute to overall wellbeing, there is no universal autoimmune diet, supplement or protocol.

Lifestyle care should complement—not replace, appropriate diagnosis, medication and specialist treatment.

At AFM, we take the time to understand your complete health picture and provide personalised support alongside your existing healthcare team.

If you’re experiencing persistent, worsening or unexplained symptoms, speak with your GP. Already diagnosed and looking for broader support? Book a discovery call with AFM through the link in our bio.

Save this post for later or share it with someone who may find it helpful.
This information is general and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.

Perimenopause isn’t just hot flushes.Perimenopause is a hormonal transition that can affect many aspects of health—inclu...
26/08/2026

Perimenopause isn’t just hot flushes.

Perimenopause is a hormonal transition that can affect many aspects of health—including menstrual cycles, sleep, energy, mood, concentration, s*xual wellbeing and bladder health.

Some people experience only mild changes. Others notice symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, exercise, sleep or their overall quality of life.

Commonly reported changes can include:

• Irregular, heavier or lighter periods
• Night sweats and hot flushes
• Poor sleep and fatigue
• Anxiety, irritability or low mood
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Headaches, palpitations or joint discomfort
• Vaginal dryness, changes in libido or urinary symptoms

However, not every symptom occurring in your 40s is necessarily caused by perimenopause. Thyroid conditions, iron deficiency, pregnancy, medication effects, sleep disorders and other health concerns may produce similar symptoms.
At Advanced Functional Medicine, we assess hormonal changes within the context of your broader health, symptoms, cycle patterns, medical history, nutrition, lifestyle and individual functional testing.

Each practitioner selects the investigations most relevant to the individual patient.

Please seek medical advice if your symptoms affect daily life, your mood is concerning, or you experience very heavy, prolonged or unusual bleeding—including bleeding between periods, after s*x or after 12 months without a period.

Perimenopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle through significant symptoms without support.

Save this post for later or share it with someone who may need to hear this.
General information only.

This content does not replace individual medical advice.

Cold plunges, ice baths and cold showers are everywhere, but are they actually worth the hype? 🧊Cold exposure can have p...
25/08/2026

Cold plunges, ice baths and cold showers are everywhere, but are they actually worth the hype? 🧊

Cold exposure can have potential benefits, including increased alertness, perceived wellbeing, stress regulation and reduced muscle soreness after exercise. But the evidence is still evolving, and more intense doesn’t automatically mean more beneficial.

There’s also an important safety consideration: sudden cold exposure can trigger a rapid increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing—the “cold-shock response”—which may be risky for some people.

And if you’re using cold exposure around exercise, timing matters.

While cold-water immersion may help with soreness, frequent use immediately after resistance training may interfere with some of the adaptations involved in building strength and muscle.

The takeaway?

Cold exposure can be a tool, not a requirement.

Before taking the plunge, ask:
👉 Is this appropriate for my body?
👉 What am I trying to achieve?
👉 Is there a safer or more effective way to reach that goal?

Save this post if you’re considering cold exposure, and share it with someone who’s thinking about trying an ice bath. 🧊

General information only. This content does not replace individual medical advice.

You don’t need a perfect routine to improve your health.You need habits that actually support your body consistently 🤍He...
24/08/2026

You don’t need a perfect routine to improve your health.

You need habits that actually support your body consistently 🤍

Here are 5 simple habits that can make a real difference:

✔️ Get morning sunlight within 30 minutes of waking
✔️ Eat a protein-rich breakfast
✔️ Walk for 10 minutes after meals
✔️ Prioritise quality sleep
✔️ Take moments throughout the day to regulate stress

Small daily habits help support:

✨ Energy
✨ Hormones
✨ Digestion
✨ Blood sugar balance
✨ Mood & mental clarity

Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but your daily choices matter more than you think.

Which habit are you focusing on right now? 👇

Why do we use functional testing with every patient?Because similar symptoms can arise from very different underlying fa...
21/08/2026

Why do we use functional testing with every patient?

Because similar symptoms can arise from very different underlying factors.

Functional testing helps us look beyond symptoms and gather information that may guide a more personalised approach to care.

Testing forms an important part of every patient’s journey at Advanced Functional Medicine—but the tests selected will be different for each person.

Depending on your individual needs, testing may include:
• Organic Acids Testing
• Gut microbiome testing
• DUTCH hormone testing
• Nutrient testing
• Inflammation markers
• Other relevant pathology or functional tests

Your practitioner will determine which tests are most appropriate based on factors such as:

• Your current symptoms
• Personal and family medical history
• Previous test results
• Medications and supplements
• Nutrition and lifestyle
• The specific clinical questions being investigated

There is no one-size-fits-all testing protocol. Each test is selected with purpose, and every result is interpreted alongside your wider clinical picture.

The goal is to gather meaningful information that can help your practitioner develop a safe, targeted and individualised treatment plan.

Which of these tests would you like us to explain in more detail?

Save this post for later or share it with someone interested in functional testing.

Cravings, energy crashes, irritability between meals and disrupted sleep may sometimes occur alongside changes in blood ...
20/08/2026

Cravings, energy crashes, irritability between meals and disrupted sleep may sometimes occur alongside changes in blood glucose—but these symptoms are not specific enough to diagnose a blood-sugar problem on their own.

They may also be influenced by:

• Inadequate nourishment
• Poor sleep
• Stress
• Caffeine
• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Other health conditions
Instead of focusing on a single symptom, pay attention to recurring patterns and what was happening beforehand.
A personalised assessment can help determine whether blood-glucose testing—or investigation of another underlying factor—is appropriate.
Save this carousel as a reminder to look at the full picture.

Your hormones aren’t controlled by one “superfood”—but food can provide the nutrients your body needs to support healthy...
19/08/2026

Your hormones aren’t controlled by one “superfood”—but food can provide the nutrients your body needs to support healthy hormone function.

Three simple places to begin:

🐟 Include omega-3-rich foods
🥦 Add cruciferous vegetables regularly
🍳 Build a protein-rich breakfast

Rather than trying to overhaul everything at once, choose one addition that feels realistic and repeat it consistently.

Hormonal symptoms can have many underlying causes. If you’re experiencing persistent changes in your cycle, mood, energy, skin, sleep or weight, an individual assessment may help identify what needs attention.

Which of these could you add to your meals this week?

Save this post for later and share it with someone who may find it helpful.

Your gut does far more than digest food.It communicates with your brain, interacts with your immune system, supports the...
18/08/2026

Your gut does far more than digest food.

It communicates with your brain, interacts with your immune system, supports the processing of nutrients and hormones, and may influence inflammatory pathways throughout the body.

That’s why changes in gut health can sometimes occur alongside symptoms such as:

• Brain fog
• Skin concerns
• Anxiety or changes in mood
• Hormonal symptoms
• Changes in immune function

This doesn’t mean every symptom begins in the gut. These concerns can have many possible causes, and gut health is only one part of the picture.

A functional medicine approach considers how your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle and body systems may be connected—so care can be tailored to you.

Your gut health impacts nearly every system in your body.

Save this post as a reminder to look beyond digestion—and speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner if you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms.

This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

Still exhausted after 8 hours of sleep?Occasional tiredness is normal. But fatigue that persists, affects your daily lif...
17/08/2026

Still exhausted after 8 hours of sleep?

Occasional tiredness is normal. But fatigue that persists, affects your daily life or doesn’t improve with adequate rest deserves attention.

Possible contributors can include:

🧬 Hormonal or thyroid conditions
📉 Blood-sugar problems
🩸 Iron, B12 or other nutrient deficiencies
🔥 Chronic infection or inflammation
🧠 Prolonged stress, burnout or mental health concerns
🌙 Poor sleep quality or an undiagnosed sleep disorder

The important part: fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
These symptoms overlap with many different conditions, so avoid self-diagnosing or starting supplements without appropriate advice and testing. A healthcare professional can review your sleep, nutrition, stress, medications and other symptoms before deciding whether further investigation is needed.

Comment “FATIGUE” if you want a deeper breakdown of the questions and tests you may wish to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Save this post for the next time someone tells you that being exhausted is “just part of life.”

Educational content only; it does not replace individual medical advice.

Address

4 Antony Street
Perth, WA
6157

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800112236

Website

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