Functional medicine, in plain words, is medicine that asks why a problem is happening, not just what it is. The idea is to look at the whole picture, including genetics, environment and lifestyle, and work with a practitioner to find the root cause.

This article looks at how the approach is described by Marylee Marre Functional Medicine, who it might suit and what the first steps look like. It's based on the practice's home page, so it's general information, not medical advice.

The Idea Behind the Approach

Asking Why

The practice describes functional medicine as personalized and science based. Patients and practitioners work together to address the root causes of disease, instead of treating symptoms in isolation. That teamwork is the core of the idea, and it shapes how the visits are set up from the start.

The page sums it up in one line: medicine that asks why, not just what. That's a simple way to think about it. Rather than stopping at a label for a symptom, the aim is to ask what's driving it and what could change over time.

The Whole Picture

The page says this approach looks at your genetics, environment and lifestyle to restore balance and lasting health. That's what makes Functional Medicine feel different from a visit focused on one symptom, according to the practice. The picture is wider, and so is the conversation about what might be going on.

Genetics, environment and lifestyle are three big areas, and each one can be discussed in turn. Nobody should expect a magic answer from a single factor. The practice's own tagline says the body can heal itself, given the right tools, which frames care as a partnership rather than a quick fix.

Who Might Be a Good Fit

People With Unanswered Questions

The page says you might be a fit if you want answers to vague, unresolved symptoms that no one has been able to explain. That's a common frustration. Feeling off without a clear reason is hard, and the practice speaks directly to that gap on its home page.

It also mentions people who feel overwhelmed by health and wellness information on social media. If that's you, one on one guidance from a medical professional may feel calmer than scrolling through conflicting advice. The page positions the practice as a place to cut through the noise.

People Who Want Time and Partnership

Other points on the list: unrushed, one on one visits with a medical professional who truly listens, and a partner in your healing journey who offers support and accountability. If rushed appointments have frustrated you before, that's worth noticing when you read the page.

It also lists wanting to understand your body and mind on a deeper level, and being eager to learn and take an active role. In other words, the approach expects participation. It's not a drop off and pick up kind of service, and the page says so plainly.

What Working Together Looks Like

Commitment and Check Ins

The page is upfront about commitment. It says the practice is a fit for people ready for frequent check ins and consistent, compassionate care, and committed to at least six months of dedicated care. That's a lot longer than a single appointment, and it's good to know before you start.

Six months is worth thinking about honestly. Ask yourself whether your schedule and budget allow regular visits. If not, say so on a first call. A clear expectation from the start helps both sides avoid disappointment, and it's easier to talk about early than halfway through.

Testing and Personalized Care

The practice's description says root cause healing happens through specialty lab testing and personalized care. The page doesn't list which tests, so ask about that directly. Questions about what's tested, why and how results are used are fair on a first call.

Marylee Marre is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in functional and integrative medicine, according to the page. Credentials are worth checking for any practitioner you consider. The page also includes patient reviews, which describe listening and thoughtful questions at a first appointment.

Beyond General Wellness

Preconception Mentions

One review on the page is from a patient who says she got pregnant quickly, even with past hormone imbalances, and describes a smooth, healthy pregnancy so far. She credits Marylee's knowledge of the preconception phase. That's one person's experience, and results vary from person to person.

For readers interested in natural fertility, that review is the only direct mention on the home page, so ask the practice what support it offers before you assume anything. The Programs and FAQ pages are good places to check first, and the discovery call is the place to ask.

Reaching Out

The page offers a 15 minute discovery call, described as no pressure, no commitment, just a conversation. Appointments are available virtually, and the practice serves patients in Florida and New York. Use the call to ask about fit, timing and approach, and to see if it feels right.

Other pages on the site include About, Programs, Press, Blog, FAQ, Shop and Contact. Reading a few before you call can save time. Come with your questions written down, since a short call goes quickly and it's easy to forget something important.

The Short Version

Functional medicine, as this practice describes it, is a personalized, science based approach that asks why. It looks at genetics, environment and lifestyle, uses specialty lab testing and works best for people ready for regular visits over at least six months.

If that sounds like you, start with the 15 minute discovery call and ask about your goals, including natural fertility if that's on your mind. This is general information, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own health.