Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the answer to your question, feel free to contact our new patient coordinator via email, or set up a FREE discovery consultation.
What is functional medicine, and how is it different from seeing a dietitian?
Functional medicine is an evidence-based approach that looks for the root cause of your symptoms rather than managing them one by one. A dietitian typically builds a meal plan around a diagnosed condition. We start further back, using your full health history and functional lab testing to work out why the imbalance developed, then build your plan from there.
Can you help if my lab results came back "normal" but I still don't feel well?
Yes. This is one of the most common reasons patients come to us. Standard lab ranges are built to catch disease, not to identify early imbalance. We use functional testing with narrower optimal ranges, and we look at patterns, trends, and results in the context of how you feel. We also review your full health history alongside your results to find what standard panels miss.
How did you become a Functional Nutritionist?
I am a wounded healer. At a young age my health was impacted by the Standard American Diet and this went on for several years. When it became clear to me that the doctors I sought out for healing were unable to heal, but were able to prescribe meds that didn’t work and came with many unwanted side effects. This started my journey towards understanding how the body works and what the body needs to heal and maintain optimal health. My health was restored and now I spend my life helping others get there health back.
Where is Connor Wellness Clinic located, and which areas do you serve?
Our clinic is at 1891 E. Roseville Parkway, Suite 170, Roseville, CA 95661. We see patients in person from Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, and the greater Sacramento area. You can reach us at (916) 721-2551.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. Most patients begin with a free discovery call so we can learn more about what you are dealing with, answer your questions, and determine whether our approach is a good fit for your needs.
Do I have to purchase supplements or lab testing to work with you?
No. Supplements and lab testing are recommended only when they may add value to your care. We review what you are already taking and any recent testing you have completed before recommending anything new. We also explain the purpose and cost of each recommendation so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
What is the difference between practitioner-grade supplements and supplements sold in an online/store?
There is a pretty big difference. The supplement industry is unregulated so anyone can package anything and sell it with a claim, meanwhile it may not have the stated ingredients in the package at all. Practitioners use manufacturers that provide us with lab assays that verify the potency, purity, and efficacy of the product. This is valued in my industry since practitioners are in the business of helping their patients bring the health back in to balance or assisting in the healing process.
Will I have to follow a highly restrictive diet?
Not necessarily. Your nutrition plan is based on your symptoms, health history, lab results, and goals. We do not remove foods without a reason, and we try to make every plan practical enough to follow in real life. Some short-term food changes may be helpful, but the goal is not to keep you on a highly restrictive diet forever.
How long before I see results?
Many patients notice changes within the first few weeks, though meaningful progress usually takes several months. Follow-up visits are scheduled more frequently at first, then spaced out as you stabilize, with progress reviewed each time. This approach works best for people ready to make lasting changes. It is not a quick fix, and patients looking for a crash diet or a single supplement protocol generally do not see good results.
What conditions do you treat at Connor Wellness Clinic?
We work with chronic conditions that often go unresolved in conventional care: digestive disorders, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, adrenal dysfunction, hormone imbalance, perimenopause and menopause, gluten sensitivity, breast implant illness, and weight loss resistance.
What types of functional lab testing do you offer?
We use functional lab testing when it can help us better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. Depending on your needs, testing may look at gut health, hormones, thyroid function, nutrient levels, inflammation, blood sugar, or metabolism. We review your health history, symptoms, and any recent lab work first, then recommend only the testing that may provide useful information and help guide your care.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. We offer telehealth appointments by phone or video across the United States and Canada, alongside in-clinic visits at our Roseville office. If lab work is needed, it can be completed near you and the results sent directly to us for review.
What can I expect when I start with you?
Most patients begin with a free discovery call, a no-cost phone conversation with our patient coordinator to discuss what you are dealing with and assess whether we are the right fit. If you move forward, you complete a comprehensive health history form and send any existing labs beforehand, so Pamela can review them in advance of your first full appointment.
Do you take insurance, and what does treatment cost?
Insurance does not currently cover nutritionists in private practice, so our services are self-pay. We accept HSA and FSA funds, and many of the lab tests we order are covered by insurance. Supplements are a separate cost. We use practitioner-grade brands that provide lab assays verifying potency and purity, which drugstore supplements generally do not. The full breakdown of these costs is covered during your discovery call.
Can you work with my doctor or other healthcare providers?
Yes. We are happy to work alongside your doctor or other healthcare providers when appropriate. Functional medicine does not have to replace the care you are already receiving. Our goal is to give you a more complete picture of your health and help make sure the different parts of your care work together.
Do you prescribe medications?
Yes. Prescription medications are available when they are appropriate for your care, including bioidentical hormone therapy. Prescriptions are reviewed and managed by one of our licensed medical providers, while your functional medicine plan brings together your symptoms, lab results, nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and medications.
Do you offer bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT)?
Yes. We offer personalized bioidentical hormone therapy for perimenopause, menopause, andropause, and general hormone imbalance, using bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid support where needed. Hormones are delivered by cream, gel, or oral capsule. Full details and pricing are on our hormone therapy page.
What are Pamela Connor's qualifications?
Pamela holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition from American Health Sciences University and is trained through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).