Functional Medicine Clinic in Belfast
Beechill Clinic’s Functional Medicine Clinic offers a root-cause approach to understanding and managing complex or persistent health concerns. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, functional medicine aims to identify the underlying drivers of illness by looking at how different systems in the body interact.
This clinic is led by Dr Kerry Aston, Consultant Rheumatologist and Functional Medicine Certified Doctor, who has a special interest in autoimmune disease, women’s health, and sports medicine. With extensive clinical experience, Dr Aston provides a structured and personalised approach to patients who feel their health concerns have not yet been fully explained or resolved.
Functional medicine consultations are designed for individuals experiencing ongoing symptoms that may affect multiple systems of the body. Many patients attending the clinic have already had investigations that returned normal results but still feel unwell. Others may be managing a chronic condition and want a more joined-up and personalised approach to their care.
During your consultation, the focus is on understanding the full picture of your health. This includes your medical history, symptom patterns, lifestyle factors, and previous investigations. From this, a personalised plan can be developed to help support your health and recovery.
If you would like a deeper understanding of your health and a personalised strategy for long-term wellbeing, book your functional medicine consultation today.
For expert assessment and a structured, root-cause approach to health, book your appointment now at Beechill Clinic.
Common Reasons Patients Attend
Patients attend the Functional Medicine Clinic for a wide range of symptoms and conditions, particularly when health concerns involve multiple systems.
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions
Including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and related inflammatory diseases.
Digestive and Gut Health Symptoms
Concerns such as IBS, IBD, bloating, digestive discomfort, and food reactions.
Fatigue and Cognitive Symptoms
Persistent fatigue, brain fog, reduced energy, and post-viral symptoms including long COVID.
Hormonal and Women’s Health Concerns
Hormonal imbalance, PMS, PCOS, perimenopause symptoms related health issues.
Who This Clinic Is For
This clinic is designed for people experiencing ongoing, complex, or recurring symptoms that have not been fully explained despite previous medical care.
You may benefit from this clinic if:
You have symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body
Previous investigations have been “normal” but you still feel unwell
You are managing a chronic condition and want a more integrated approach
You want time, clarity, and a personalised strategy for improving your health
What Your Consultation Includes
Initial Consultation – 45 Minutes
A detailed discussion covering your full medical history, symptom timeline, and previous investigations. This appointment focuses on identifying patterns and potential drivers of symptoms, and determining whether targeted testing may be helpful.
Results & Follow-Up Appointment – 30 Minutes
A structured review of findings with a personalised plan that may include nutrition and lifestyle guidance, appropriate supplementation, training and recovery considerations, and medical optimisation where needed.
Investigations and Testing
Testing is not routine and is only recommended when it adds clear clinical value. If appropriate, investigations may include:
- Hormone Profiling
Assessment of cycle-related hormones, stress hormones, and thyroid function.
- Gut and Digestive Health Testing
Evaluation of digestion, gut inflammation, and microbial balance.
- Metabolic and Nutritional Assessment
Testing for micronutrient status, inflammation markers, and blood sugar regulation.
- Metabolomic Assessment
Analysis of energy production, oxidative stress, and nutrient demand within the body.
- Targeted Blood Testing
Additional blood investigations where clinically relevant, including review of existing NHS or private results.
All testing options are discussed in advance, with a clear explanation of relevance and cost.
Initial Appointment
£285
- 45 Minute Inital Appointment with our Functional Medicine Practitioner
- Follow up with results 30 mins £195
- simple follow up (no results 15 mins £140
Functional Medicine Clinic – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tests before my appointment?
No. The initial consultation focuses on understanding your symptoms, medical history, and previous investigations. If testing may be helpful, it will be discussed afterwards.
Will I need lots of tests?
Not necessarily. Many patients benefit from limited or no additional testing. The approach is selective and clinically focused rather than exhaustive.
Are tests included in the consultation fee?
No. Testing costs are separate and depend on what is clinically appropriate. You will always have the opportunity to decide before proceeding.
Can you review tests I’ve already had?
Yes. Previous NHS or private investigations can be reviewed during your consultation. Extensive functional medicine test reviews may require additional time, with a separate review fee discussed in advance.
Does this replace NHS care?
No. The Functional Medicine Clinic works alongside NHS and private healthcare services. With your consent, relevant information can be shared with your GP.
What happens after the results appointment?
Functional medicine focuses on long-term health optimisation rather than quick fixes. Many patients benefit from follow-up appointments to review progress, implement changes gradually, and adjust their plan as needed. The number of follow-ups will always be tailored to your individual needs.
