Here’s what you need to know before paying for an online wellness lab and consultation: A company advertises a “comprehensive wellness panel” with 50, 75, or 100+ biomarkers, and it sounds impressive. But more tests don't automatically mean better information. Why are those particular tests being ordered? What question are they trying to answer? And what are you supposed to do with the results? Testing everything just because we can test it isn't necessarily good healthcare. Bloodwork is a tool. The value comes from knowing what to test, understanding what the results mean, and then figuring out what, if anything, you should do about them.
You Ordered the Bloodwork. Now What?
One of the most common concerns we hear from women in our functional medicine practice is, "My periods have become so heavy." While heavy menstrual bleeding is common, it should never be dismissed as "just part of being a woman." From a functional medicine perspective, we always ask one important question: Why are your periods heavy in the first place? Rather than simply focusing on stopping the symptoms, we want to understand what your body may be trying to communicate.
Heavy Menstrual Cycles: Your Body May Be Trying to Tell You Something
If you've spent any time on social media, you've probably seen advertisements promising to uncover the "root cause" of your symptoms through extensive lab testing. Some companies recommend thousands of dollars in testing before you've even had a meaningful conversation about your health. At Apothecary & Co., that's not how we practice. As pharmacists with training in functional medicine, we believe testing should answer a question, not create more confusion. In many cases, a detailed health history, medication review, and discussion about your symptoms tell us far more than ordering every available lab panel.
Functional Medicine Testing: Which Tests Are Worth It…and Which Ones Might Not Be?
Have you ever had "butterflies" in your stomach before a big event? Or felt nauseated during times of stress or anxiety? These experiences aren't just coincidences. Scientists now understand that there is a powerful connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. In fact, many researchers believe that supporting gut health may be one of the most important steps we can take for overall health and well-being. At Apothecary & Co., we often remind people that health is rarely isolated to one body system. The body works as an interconnected network, and what happens in the digestive tract can have far-reaching effects throughout the body, including the brain.
The Hidden Connection Between Your Gut and Your Mood
When most people think of a pharmacy, they think of grabbing a prescription, picking it up, and moving on with their day. But compounding pharmacies are different. And at Apothecary & Co., we take that a step further. Let’s be honest for a moment. Most compounding pharmacies are built around one thing: the bottom line. And while it is a business, that is not how we operate. We are built differently. Our priority is simple: making sure you, your family, or your pet receive the best therapy possible.
Compounding Pharmacies: Why “More” Isn’t Always Better
The world of holistic health is growing fast, and for good reason. More people are looking for answers beyond quick fixes and are turning to functional health, nutrition, and root-cause approaches to feel better. But with that growth comes a big question: How do you know who to trust? At Apothecary & Co., we believe in the power of holistic and functional health care, but we also believe in being honest about something important: Not all practitioners are created equal.
Holistic Health: How to Choose the Right Practitioner (and Who You Can Trust)
If you struggle with eczema or rosacea, you’ve probably tried different creams, steroid prescriptions, “sensitive skin” products, and cutting random foods. And maybe you’ve thought, “Why does this keep coming back?” From a functional health perspective, we ask a simple question: What is driving the inflammation? Because eczema and rosacea are not just skin problems. They are inflammatory conditions. And inflammation almost always has a deeper story.
Eczema & Rosacea: Looking at the Root Cause
Detoxes and cleanses are everywhere. Juice fasts. Extreme restrictions. “Flushes” that promise quick results but leave people exhausted, starving, or stuck in the bathroom every 20 minutes. At Apothecary & Co, we feel strongly about this for one simple reason: detoxification done incorrectly can do more harm than good. Your body already has an incredible detoxification system, but it needs the right support, at the right time, and in the right way. When detox is approached thoughtfully, it can be a powerful reset. When it’s rushed or overly aggressive, it can backfire.
Detoxification: Why How You Detox Matters More Than Ever
Many people are told their labs are normal, yet they’re still struggling with fatigue, anxiety, weight changes, hormone imbalances, blood sugar swings, inflammation, or brain fog. This disconnect happens because traditional medicine often orders only the bare minimum labs: enough to rule out disease, but not enough to see the full picture of how the body is functioning.
Blueprint Bloodwork: Why “Normal” Labs Aren’t the Same as Optimal Health
“Greed medicine” describes what happens when healthcare becomes more about financial gain than patient care. Traditionally, this was something people associated with the conventional system—insurance-driven decisions, rushed appointments, and a focus on prescriptions rather than prevention. But now, as holistic and functional medicine grow in popularity, greed medicine has unfortunately made its way into that world as well.
Functional Medicine vs. Greed Medicine: What to Watch For
The Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) that most big-box multivitamins are still using were established back in the 1950s — when nutrition science was in its infancy. Those numbers were designed to prevent deficiency diseases, not to help you feel your best. At Apothecary & Co, we believe health should go beyond “bare minimum.”
Not All Multivitamins Are Created Equal
At Apothecary & Co, we see first-hand how much our furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) friends mean to their families. Just like humans, pets can experience pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other health challenges that impact their quality of life. More and more, pet owners and veterinarians are turning to CBD (cannabidiol) as a gentle, natural option to help support comfort and calm.
CBD for Pets: A Natural Option for Pain, Anxiety, and More
When it comes to men’s health, functional medicine always comes back to the roots—nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone balance. Instead of chasing symptoms, we focus on giving the body what it needs to function at its best.
Men’s Wellness from a Functional Medicine Perspective
Big news from Apothecary & Co.! Hillary passed the Institute for Functional Medicine board exam and is officially an IFM Certified Practitioner (IFMCP)! Five years of deep-dive education, more than $20k invested, and a mountain of clinical hours later, she’s now part of the global network of doctors using an evidence-based, functional lens. What’s the big deal about the certification, and how is functional medicine different from the everyday visit to a conventional doctor? Keep reading to find out!
From Pharmacist to Functional Medicine: Hillary’s IFMCP Journey
Sleep. It’s something everyone requires, plenty of us crave, and far too many of us don’t actually get. If you’re flipping your pillow for the third time, or rolling out of bed feeling like you clocked an all-nighter even when the clock says you stayed put for eight hours, you’re definitely not the only one. Fixing your sleep starts with the “why” and not the “how”. Only then can you start figuring out how to increase sleep quality. Hint: the miracle is not a nightly Ambien.
Struggling With Sleep? Let’s Get to the Root of It & How to Increase Sleep Quality
At Apothecary & Co., we know that immunity isn’t just about fighting off the next cold – it’s about building resilience from the inside out. From a functional medicine perspective, the immune system is influenced by multiple interconnected factors: nutrition, gut health, stress, sleep quality, environmental exposures, and even emotional well-being.
Back to School, Back to Basics: Functional Medicine Immune Support for the Whole Family
At Apothecary & Co, we believe that true hormonal balance starts with understanding how your body functions-and supporting it with the right nutrients, lifestyle choices, and, when appropriate, targeted supplements. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, dealing with irregular cycles, or simply aiming to feel more in sync with your body, hormonal health is foundational to your overall well-being. Let's explore balancing hormones naturally and how nutrition, stress, and thoughtful supplementation play a vital role in keeping your hormones humming.
Balancing Hormones Naturally: What You Need to Know
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have reshaped the landscape of weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. At Apothecary & Co., we support evidence-based therapies–but we also believe health isn't just about what the scale says. What we're seeing in our community is clear: as food intake goes down, nutrient needs are being overlooked, and key systems in the body are being affected–sometimes in surprising ways.
GLP-1 Medications: Don't Forget the Foundations - Supporting Your Body While on Ozempic, Wegovy, and Similar Medications
Wondering why your hometown drugstore suddenly closed or why your local pharmacist seems more frazzled than ever? You’re not alone–the grim reality of what’s happening behind the counter reveals that it goes way beyond counting pills and filling prescriptions, but is about surviving a broken system.
Why Are So Many Independent Pharmacies Closing?
In today’s world, supplements are available just about everywhere—big box stores, online marketplaces, and even social media. But just because they’re easy to find doesn’t mean they’re all safe, effective, or even worth your money.
Where Should You Buy Your Supplements? The Truth About Quality, Safety, and Who You Can Trust
Feel like you’re perpetually tired, struggling to lose weight no matter how hard you work, or losing hair in clumps? There’s a good chance your adrenal glands are distressed, and you’re not alone. Whether you’re a busy mom or boss, keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about cortisol levels, adrenal fatigue, and stress management!
The Cortisol and Stress Connection: Understanding the Chaos Wreaking Havoc on Your Adrenal Health & What to Do About It
If you've never heard of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), prepare to meet one of the most versatile and promising therapies in both functional and integrative medicine. Originally developed in the 1980s for opioid and alcohol addiction, naltrexone at its full dose (typically 50mg) acts as an opioid receptor blocker. But when dosed much lower–usually between 0.5mg and 4.5mg–this compound takes on an entirely different personality. That's where LDN shines, and that's where compounding pharmacies like ours come in.
Low Dose Naltrexone: The Little Compound That Could
Inflammation is at the root of nearly every chronic condition – from joint pain and digestive disorders to autoimmune conditions and cognitive decline. While acute inflammation is a protective response that helps us heal, chronic inflammation is a different story. It silently fuels disease and dysfunction, often going undetected for years. In functional medicine, we dig deep to understand why the body is inflamed and offer targeted, individualized strategies to support true healing – starting with the root cause.
Understanding and Reducing Inflammation: A Functional Medicine Perspective
If you’re raising teen girls in today’s world, then you’ve probably noticed something isn’t quite right when it comes to how our young girls are navigating their menstrual cycles. Whether it’s early periods, heavy bleeding, painful cramping, or wild emotional swings–these issues seem to be hitting harder and younger than ever before. So why are teens and pre-teens these days struggling more with their periods than past generations? Keep reading to get some insight about teen girls and their menstrual cycles, with a focus on nurturing balanced and healthy cycles from a holistic hormone health perspective!
Teen Girls & Their Menstrual Cycles: A Guide to Holistic Hormone Health
As the seasons change, so do the allergens in the air. Pollen, mold, and other environmental triggers can make spring and fall especially challenging for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. While conventional antihistamines may provide relief, they often come with side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth. Functional medicine offers a different approach–one that supports the body's natural ability to regulate immune responses and inflammation. By focusing on gut health, essential nutrients, and herbal support, you can build a strong foundation for combating seasonal allergies naturally.
Natural Relief for Seasonal Allergies: A Functional Medicine Approach
Digestive issues like bloating, acid reflux, and constipation are more common than you think. But is your stomach acid really too high, or could it be the opposite? Let’s do a gut check and discuss digestion, and how conventional medicine often misses the mark when treating stomach acid problems.
Gut Check: Digestion, Bloating, and Stomach Acid Explained
When we think of heart health, cholesterol and blood pressure often come to mind as the primary indicators of cardiovascular risk. But there's another factor silently working behind the scenes that can reveal key insights into long-term heart health: homocysteine levels. Emerging research shows that homocysteine–an amino acid–and inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) may provide critical insight into your 10-year cardiovascular risk. But what is homocysteine, and how does the MTHFR gene mutation tie into this conversation?
Understanding Heart Health: The Role of MTHFR Gene Mutation and Homocysteine Levels
Thyroid health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it is often misunderstood and oversimplified. As a functional medicine pharmacist, I’ve seen countless patients struggle with thyroid issues that go unresolved because the root causes aren’t addressed. Let’s dive deeper into what it truly takes to support optimal thyroid function and why simply checking basic blood work isn’t enough.
Understanding Thyroid Health: A Functional Medicine Perspective
There are a number of health issues that can stem from an unhealthy gut, including digestive problems, skin conditions, weakened immunity, heart issues, and many others. As a functional medicine pharmacy, we believe in approaching these medical challenges with holistic methods such as diet and lifestyle changes. If you want to improve your gut health naturally, try adding these best foods for gut health to your daily diet.
5 Best Foods for Gut Health
Birth control pills are one of the most common types of contraception for women. This form of oral contraception uses hormones to prevent pregnancy and is 99 percent effective when taken exactly as prescribed. Like other forms of birth control, birth control pills have their pros and cons. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about birth control pills:
What You Need to Know About Birth Control Pills
At Apothecary & Co., we understand how difficult and annoying it can be to deal with sickness. You live a busy life and don’t have time to rest at home to get over a cold or flu. As a functional medicine pharmacy, we believe in taking a holistic approach to prevent illness, and this includes making sure your body has the nutrients it needs to fight off viruses and bacteria. Here are some of the best supplements you can take to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy and feel your best:
6 Supplements to Boost Your Immune System
At Apothecary & Co, we understand the complexities of stress and anxiety. As a functional medicine pharmacy, we believe in a holistic approach that combines lifestyle changes, movement, journaling, meditation/prayer, and deep breathing with a strong focus on nutrition and gut health. Our goal is to help you manage anxiety and improve overall well-being. Here are seven strategies to help you manage anxiety effectively:
7 Strategies to Help You Manage Anxiety
Bergamot is a yellow-green citrus fruit that is native to southern Italy. This fruit has traditionally been used to flavor food and add scent to perfumes. It has also historically been used to treat wounds, bacterial infections, and toothaches. Recent research has investigated additional health benefits of bergamot, ranging from protecting the heart to improving mental health. Keep reading to find out how taking bergamot supplements may be beneficial to your health.
4 Reasons to Take Bergamot Supplements
Your gut contains a network of more than 100 trillion microorganisms. This diverse microbiome helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients. However, the state of your gut can affect other aspects of your health, too. The digestive system can affect and play a role in sleep, immune health, metabolism and nutrition, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders. To avoid the negative effects of a weakened or unhealthy gut, you should take steps to improve and maintain your gut health. This includes eating a high-fiber diet, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking the right supplements. Here are some of the best supplements for gut health that we recommend.
How to Fix Your Gut: Top 3 Supplements for Gut Health
Here at Apothecary & Co., we focus on empowering you with knowledge and resources to support your health holistically. One way we do this is by creating a tailored health plan specific to you and providing you with the best supplements, specialized compounded medications, etc. One great supplement that can be beneficial for many people is magnesium. Magnesium is involved in more than 600 reactions in the body, including energy creation, muscle movement, protein formation, nervous system regulation, and gene maintenance. This essential mineral has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for a variety of health conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, heart disease, diabetes, aging, and many more. Here are some of the benefits of taking magnesium supplements and how they may help improve your health.
8 Benefits of Taking Magnesium Supplements
Your heart is the most vital organ in your body. As a functional medicine pharmacy, we're passionate about empowering you with knowledge and resources to support your heart health holistically. Functional medicine takes a unique approach by looking at the body as an interconnected system, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. This perspective is especially beneficial when it comes to heart health, focusing on lifestyle changes and natural supplements to support cardiovascular wellness. Keep reading to learn more about how to improve heart health and our functional medicine approach.
How to Improve Heart Health: Your Functional Medicine Guide to a Vibrant Heart
Here at Apothecary & Co., we are proud to be the first and only functional medicine pharmacy in Oxford, MI. That means we offer a number of unique services that are not available at most pharmacies. Keep reading to find out more about the unique services we offer at our Oxford pharmacy and how you can benefit from them.
6 Unique Pharmacy Services Offered at Our Oxford Pharmacy
