My Honest Function Health Review (an what it flagged)

My family has a crazy health history – every single one of my five brothers has an autoimmune disease and one of them has multiple, and of my extended family, multiple cousins have autoimmune diseases. We’re talking Crohns, Type 1 diabetes, alopecia, celiac, multiple sclerosis, vitiligo, lupus and more. So, I feel a little bit like a ticking time bomb and that it’s only a matter of time until my autoimmune disease shows up.

After having my second son, I started having some major health issues with severe joint pain and swelling, so I had some bloodwork done that flagged autoimmune markers. But nothing came back with conclusive answers, even after getting more bloodwork and seeing a rheumatologist. After cutting out gluten, my joint issues have almost entirely gone away, but I do still want to be proactive about monitoring my health, so when Function Health reached out and offered me free testing, I was very eager to try it out. I had previously tried InsideTracker, but I found that Function Health was much more relevant to my needs in my current stage of life. I care less about athletic performance (which is what InsideTracker focuses on, primarily) and more about overall health.

While I received free testing from Function Health, I was NOT required to post about it. The fact that I’m writing an entire blog post (which is the most time-intensive of all my channels) should tell you how strongly I feel about it. In short, I love it and would absolutely spend my own money on it. I’ve been telling everyone in my life how much I love it and want them to do the testing, too. It’s invaluable.

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty review. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer.

My Honest Function Health Review

Getting bloodwork with Function Health is easy—they partner with Quest Diagnostics, so you just make a lab appointment near you, check in with a code that Function gives you, and then a week or so later, you’ll start getting results in a beautifully organized, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate dashboard.

I also appreciate that Function Health includes follow-up testing baked into the initial result period, so you have two data points initially. They also have you get additional bloodwork later in the year, which is incredibly helpful for seeing trends and making more informed health decisions over time.

Pros

1. Comprehensive Biomarker Testing

Function Health offers an extensive range of tests, including crucial markers for immune regulation, kidney and liver function, hormone balance, and more. This level of detail is priceless for someone concerned about aging and overall health.

2. Better Dashboard & Insights

The Function Health dashboard is incredibly user-friendly. Each biomarker includes clear explanations, reference ranges, and tailored recommendations. I also like that it explains why something may be happening and associated symptoms. The desktop and app versions are both laid out beautifully, making it simple to understand your next steps.

3. More Relevant to My Concerns at age 40

Biometric services I’ve used in the past focus heavily on athletic performance, which isn’t my main priority these days. Function Health, on the other hand, aligns with my current concerns—hormonal health, autoimmune health, and preventative care. The only marathons I’m running these days are chasing after my two young boys, and I want to optimize my health for that. However, if you are doing endurance training or working towards big PRs, you may be happier with InsideTracker, which I’ve reviewed in detail here.

4. Includes AMH Testing

Since I had fertility issues, I’m extremely passionate about this. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a hormone that indicates ovarian reserve (aka egg supply). Higher levels suggest more eggs, while lower levels indicate a decline, which happens with age or conditions like diminished ovarian reserve — or, in my case, premature ovarian failure (POF). It’s commonly tested for fertility assessment, but it’s not regularly tested unless you are having problems getting pregnant. And by then, it may be too late because once your eggs are gone, they’re gone.

When I found out at age 35 that I had an AMH of 0.8 (a level typically only seen in menopausal women, who are much older than me) and received my POF diagnosis, I told all my friends who wanted kids (or even those who weren’t sure!) to ask their doctors to test their AMH. It’s a simple test – just a blood draw — and could help so many women make more informed decisions about their family planning. I firmly believe it should be offered as part of routine care, so I was elated to see AMH included in Function Health’s basic labs.

5. Easy Access & Affordable Compared to Traditional Testing

While at-home lab testing services can be expensive, Function Health is reasonably priced ($499 for the year), especially considering the breadth of testing. Plus, you can use HSA/FSA funds to cover the cost. Considering my co-pay is $150 even before labs, Function makes more financial sense in my case.

6. Follow-Up Testing Included

One of the key standout features is that Function Health includes follow-up testing during the initial result period and again later in the year. This means you get multiple data points rather than just a one-time snapshot, helping to track progress and make more informed health decisions. I love that this is included with your initial purchase since follow-up testing is so crucial.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive biomarker testing covering a wide range of health concerns
• User-friendly dashboard with clear insights and recommendations
• More relevant for individuals focused on hormone and autoimmune health
• Convenient blood draw locations through Quest Diagnostics
• Affordable compared to traditional functional medicine testing
• Clinician notes included to help draw conclusions and identify things to pay attention to
• HSA/FSA eligible
• Follow-up testing included, providing two data points for better tracking

Cons

• Requires a blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location (not an at-home test)
• May be expensive for those who only need basic testing
• No direct one-on-one consultation with a healthcare provider included
• I didn’t feel like the clinician notes were that different than the explanations on each biomarker
• Some advanced add-on tests come at an extra cost
• The add-on tests add up VERY quickly

Who Is Function Best For?

Function Health is ideal for:

• Individuals in their 30s and 40s and beyond, focused on preventative care
• Those with concerns about hormone balance, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic health
• People who want an in-depth look at their health beyond standard primary care blood tests
• Anyone who values clear, actionable insights rather than just raw data
• Those who don’t feel like they’re getting the testing and answers they want from other doctors. This can provide information to help start a data-driven conversation.

How much does Function Health Cost?

The $499 per year Function membership includes:

• 100+ lab tests to start each year of membership. No insurance is involved.
• 60+ lab tests 3-6 months later to see what’s changed, if anything
• Insights from top doctors based on your results.
• Access to re-test as needed.
• Access to purchase non-routine tests (e.g. Lyme, STDs, allergies), as needed (I shared some of those add-ons below).

Yes, Function Health is an investment but it’s worth it if you care about being proactive with your health or you feel like you aren’t getting the answers you’ve been looking for with traditional healthcare. Many standard healthcare providers don’t run such extensive lab panels unless a specific issue arises. With Function Health, you get access to crucial markers that could help prevent issues before they start. This is an invaluable tool if you want to take control of your health proactively.

Tests Included in Function Health

Here’s some of what their testing includes:

• Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, AMH
• Metabolic Health: Glucose, insulin, A1C, cholesterol (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
• Autoimmune Markers: ANA, inflammatory markers, immune regulation tests
• Liver & Kidney Function: AST, ALT, creatinine, BUN, eGFR
• Nutrient Levels: Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate
• Protein & Enzymes: Total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase
• Heavy Metals & Toxins: Lead, mercury, arsenic levels

Example Add-On Tests

Like I mentioned, you can also add on other tests:

• Extended Hormone Health
• MTHFR Gene Analysis
• Extended Heavy Metals
• Extended Autoimmunity
• Food Sensitivities
• Extended Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients
• Extended Heart and Metabolic
• Genetic Heart Risks
• Extended Thyroid Health
• Forever Chemicals (PFAS) Exposure
• Extended Immune Regulation
• Bone Health (Osteoporosis, Hyperparathyroidism, Myeloma)
• Brain Injury and Degeneration
• Chronic Inflammatory Response
• BPA (Bisphenol A) Exposure
• Alzheimer’s Early Detection
• Lyme Antibodies
• Viral Antibodies
• Comprehensive Thyroid Panel (including reverse T3)
• Advanced Autoimmune Testing (for deeper insights into immune function)
• Gut Health Markers (to assess digestion and absorption)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Panel (including ApoB, Lp(a), and inflammation markers)
• Heavy Metal Testing (expanded screening for additional toxic metals)
• Micronutrient Panel (to evaluate levels of essential vitamins and minerals)
• Comprehensive Hormone Panel (for a more detailed view of endocrine function)
• Inflammation & Oxidative Stress Markers (to measure chronic inflammation levels)
• Metabolic Function Testing (additional markers for insulin resistance and metabolic health)

More Insights

What sets Function Health apart is the depth of insights you receive. Unlike traditional lab tests that simply show whether a marker is in range, Function Health explains what each result means in the context of your overall health, which is important. It also provides recommendations for diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve your numbers.

How Function Health Works

1. Sign Up & Order Your Tests – Choose from their comprehensive panels.
2. Schedule a Blood Draw – Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics location.
3. Get Your Results – View them in the user-friendly dashboard.
4. Follow Recommendations – Implement changes based on expert insights.
5. Monitor Progress Over Time – Retest periodically to track improvements.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a functional medicine approach to lab testing, Function Health is an incredible resource. It offers deeper insights into your well-being, as well as actionable recommendations. Whether you’re concerned about hormones, autoimmunity, or general wellness, I can’t recommend it enough.