Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Dr. Harrison's Center of Functional Medicine, the conditions we treat, our process, and what to expect on your journey to health independence.
Getting Started
How do I start the process with Dr. Harrison?
Simply call 720-449-6217 or schedule a free 15-minute discovery call online. During this call, Dr. Harrison will discuss your health goals, learn about what brought you here, and determine if his approach is a good fit for your situation. There's no pressure — just a conversation to see if moving forward makes sense.
What happens after the free discovery call?
If both you and Dr. Harrison agree it's a good fit, the process follows three additional steps:
- Step 2 — Virtual Discovery Session: A comprehensive virtual appointment where Dr. Harrison reviews your detailed health history, past labs, and intake forms to understand your full picture.
- Step 3 — In-Person Investigation: A non-invasive, problem-focused physical exam at the Westminster, CO office to ensure no detail is missed and determine if additional lab testing is needed.
- Step 4 — Lab Review & Clinical Master Plan: Dr. Harrison reviews all findings and creates your personalized care plan — explaining what's happening, what needs to be done, and how long it will take.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Harrison?
No referral is needed. You can reach out directly by booking a free discovery call through the website or by calling 720-449-6217. Dr. Harrison works with patients who are ready to take a proactive approach to their health, regardless of whether they've been referred by another provider.
Do I need any medical tests before my first appointment?
It's helpful to bring any recent lab work or test results you already have, but it's not required before your first call. During the virtual discovery session (Step 2), Dr. Harrison will review any existing labs and determine what additional functional medicine testing may be needed to get a complete picture of your health. He'll guide you through every step.
What should I bring or prepare for my first virtual appointment?
Before your virtual discovery session, you'll be asked to complete detailed intake forms covering your health history, lifestyle, diet, and current symptoms. You should also gather:
- Any recent lab work or test results
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Notes on previous treatments you've tried and their outcomes
- Your top health goals and concerns
The more information you can provide, the more thorough and productive your session will be.
Does Dr. Harrison accept insurance?
Most functional medicine practices, including Dr. Harrison's, operate outside of traditional insurance models. This is because insurance-based practices are often limited in the amount of time they can spend with patients and the types of advanced testing they can order. By operating independently, Dr. Harrison is able to provide the in-depth lab work, extended appointments, and personalized care plans that complex chronic conditions require.
For specific questions about costs and payment options, the best next step is to schedule a free discovery call or contact the office at 720-449-6217.
Is financing available for treatment?
For details about payment plans and financing options, please contact the office directly at 720-449-6217 or discuss during your free discovery call. Dr. Harrison's team is happy to walk you through the investment involved and help you understand what to expect.
About Dr. Glenn Harrison
Who is Dr. Glenn Harrison and what are his qualifications?
Dr. Glenn Harrison is a functional medicine doctor based in Westminster, Colorado (Denver metro area). He holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada.
His extensive post-graduate training covers functional neurology, functional endocrinology, functional blood chemistry, and clinical nutrition. With over a decade of experience focusing exclusively on chronic and autoimmune conditions, Dr. Harrison has helped patients from across the country and around the world regain their health.
What made Dr. Harrison get into functional medicine?
Dr. Harrison's journey into functional medicine is deeply personal. While working as a laborer in a remote mining community in Canada, he suffered a severe back injury at age 19. After months of pain and failed conventional treatments, a single chiropractic visit changed everything and inspired him to pursue healthcare.
During chiropractic school, he was diagnosed first as prediabetic and then as a type II diabetic — a result of chronic stress and poor self-care. An internship with a functional medicine practitioner helped him reverse his own condition and showed him the power of root-cause medicine. That experience became his mission: helping others overcome chronic illness the same way he did.
Where is Dr. Harrison's office located?
Dr. Harrison's Center of Functional Medicine is located at 9035 Wadsworth Pkwy #3300, Westminster, CO 80021 — conveniently situated in the Denver metro area. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 9am to 5pm.
You can reach the office at 720-449-6217 or by emailing info@drgharrison.com.
Does Dr. Harrison see patients from out of state or internationally?
Yes. Dr. Harrison regularly works with patients who travel from out of state and even internationally. Much of the initial process — including the discovery call and virtual health history session — is done remotely. The in-person physical exam and any necessary follow-ups can often be consolidated to minimize travel. If you're considering working with Dr. Harrison from a distance, the free discovery call is the best place to start.
Does Dr. Harrison offer virtual or telehealth appointments?
Yes. The initial discovery call and the comprehensive health history session are both conducted virtually, making it accessible for patients anywhere. The in-person physical examination takes place at the Westminster, CO office. The process is designed to minimize the number of in-person visits while still delivering thorough, personalized care.
Who is the best functional medicine doctor in Denver for chronic illness?
Dr. Glenn Harrison at Dr. Harrison's Center of Functional Medicine in Westminster, CO (Denver metro area) is widely recognized for his specialized focus on chronic and autoimmune conditions. With over a decade of experience dedicated exclusively to chronic illness, advanced post-graduate training in functional neurology, endocrinology, blood chemistry, and clinical nutrition, and patients who travel nationally and internationally for his care — Dr. Harrison has built a strong reputation as a leading functional medicine practitioner in the Denver area.
Book a free discovery call to see if he's the right fit for your needs.
Understanding Functional Medicine
What is functional medicine and how is it different from regular medicine?
Functional medicine is a science-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and correcting the root causes of disease rather than just managing symptoms with medications. While conventional medicine often asks "What disease do you have and what drug treats it?", functional medicine asks "Why are you sick in the first place and how do we fix the underlying problem?"
At Dr. Harrison's practice, this means comprehensive lab testing, detailed health histories, and personalized care plans that address your unique biochemistry — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What are the six pillars of health that Dr. Harrison focuses on?
Dr. Harrison's approach is built around six foundational pillars of health:
- Physical Fitness — movement and exercise tailored to your condition
- Nervous System Balance — optimizing brain and nerve function
- Detoxification — supporting your body's ability to eliminate toxins
- Hormonal Health — restoring balance to your endocrine system
- Emotional Well-Being — addressing stress, anxiety, and mental health
- Nutrition — fueling your body with the right foods and nutrients
When these pillars are in balance, your body has the foundation it needs to heal. When they're out of balance, chronic illness can develop and persist.
What is the difference between functional medicine and naturopathic medicine?
While both approaches aim to treat the whole person, functional medicine is rooted in systems biology and uses advanced lab testing to identify specific biochemical imbalances. Dr. Harrison uses comprehensive functional medicine lab panels, physical examinations, and detailed health histories to create a data-driven picture of what's happening in your body.
Naturopathic medicine may incorporate herbal remedies, homeopathy, and other alternative therapies. Dr. Harrison's approach integrates clinical nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-based protocols to correct the underlying mechanisms driving chronic illness.
Is functional medicine the same as holistic medicine?
Functional medicine is holistic in the sense that it looks at the whole person — body, mind, and lifestyle — rather than isolating individual symptoms. However, it goes beyond what many people think of as "holistic medicine" by using cutting-edge laboratory testing and evidence-based science to precisely identify biochemical imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, and immune system problems.
Dr. Harrison combines this scientific approach with personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and patient education to create lasting results.
Is functional medicine better than seeing a regular doctor?
Functional medicine isn't about replacing your regular doctor — it's about filling the gaps that conventional medicine often leaves, especially when it comes to chronic and complex conditions. Conventional medicine excels at acute care, emergencies, and infections. But for conditions like autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, gut problems, and hormonal imbalances, the conventional model of prescribing medications to manage symptoms often falls short of addressing the root cause.
Functional medicine asks why those symptoms are happening and works to correct the underlying problem. Many of Dr. Harrison's patients continue to see their primary care doctor while working with him for their chronic health issues.
Does functional medicine actually work? Is there evidence behind it?
Yes. Functional medicine is grounded in peer-reviewed science, systems biology, and advanced diagnostic testing. It uses the same biochemistry and physiology taught in medical schools but applies it differently — focusing on restoring optimal function rather than just managing disease.
Research continues to validate the role of nutrition, gut health, inflammation, and metabolic function in chronic disease. Major academic institutions including the Cleveland Clinic, IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine), and others have embraced functional medicine approaches. Dr. Harrison has personally witnessed transformative results with his patients over his decade-plus career.
What kind of lab tests does Dr. Harrison use?
Dr. Harrison uses comprehensive functional medicine lab testing that goes well beyond standard blood work. Depending on your case, this may include:
- Full thyroid panels (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies)
- Complete metabolic and inflammatory markers
- Advanced hormone testing
- Functional blood chemistry analysis
- Gut health assessments (stool testing, SIBO breath tests)
- Food sensitivity testing
- Nutrient deficiency panels
- Adrenal function testing
- Markers for oxidative stress and immune function
The goal is to build a detailed, data-driven picture of your body's biochemistry so the care plan is precise and targeted — not based on guesswork.
Conditions Treated
What conditions does Dr. Harrison treat at his functional medicine clinic?
Dr. Harrison specializes in chronic and complex health conditions, including:
- Thyroid disorders — Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
- Autoimmune diseases — lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, psoriasis, and more
- Adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysfunction
- Gut health issues — IBS, SIBO, leaky gut, food sensitivities, Crohn's, colitis
- Allergies — environmental and food-related
- Brain health — brain fog, cognitive decline, anxiety, depression
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Hormone imbalances — estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol
- Cardiovascular health — high blood pressure, cholesterol, metabolic syndrome
If you're struggling with a chronic condition and haven't found answers through conventional medicine, schedule a free discovery call to discuss your situation.
Can functional medicine help with autoimmune disease?
Yes. Autoimmune conditions are one of Dr. Harrison's primary areas of focus. Rather than simply suppressing the immune system with medications, functional medicine seeks to understand what is triggering the autoimmune response — whether it's gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, chronic infections, environmental toxins, or hormonal imbalances.
By identifying and addressing these underlying triggers, many patients experience significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. Dr. Harrison works with patients who have conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, and many other autoimmune disorders.
Can functional medicine help with thyroid problems like Hashimoto's?
Absolutely. Thyroid disorders — especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis — are among the most common conditions Dr. Harrison works with. Standard medical care often focuses only on TSH levels and thyroid medication, but functional medicine looks at the full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies), nutrient deficiencies (selenium, zinc, vitamin D, iron), gut health, and immune system triggers.
By addressing the underlying autoimmune and inflammatory drivers, many patients see significant improvements in energy, weight, mood, hair loss, and overall thyroid function — often achieving results they couldn't get with medication alone.
Can functional medicine reverse type 2 diabetes naturally?
Functional medicine has shown significant promise in helping patients manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes by addressing the underlying metabolic dysfunction — not just blood sugar numbers. Dr. Harrison has personal experience with this, having reversed his own type 2 diabetes through functional medicine principles during chiropractic school.
The approach focuses on correcting insulin resistance, optimizing nutrition, reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and supporting healthy metabolic function. Every patient's plan is individualized based on their lab results, health history, and specific needs.
I have brain fog, fatigue, and digestive issues — could functional medicine help me?
Yes, and this combination of symptoms is something Dr. Harrison sees regularly. Brain fog, chronic fatigue, and digestive problems are often interconnected — they can stem from gut dysfunction, blood sugar imbalances, hormonal disruption, adrenal fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic inflammation.
Rather than treating each symptom in isolation with separate specialists, Dr. Harrison's approach looks at how these systems interact and works to identify the common root cause. Through detailed lab testing, a thorough health history, and a personalized care plan, many patients find resolution for symptoms they've been dealing with for years.
Can functional medicine help with gut problems like IBS, SIBO, or leaky gut?
Yes. Gut health is foundational to overall health, and it's a major focus of Dr. Harrison's practice. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut (intestinal permeability), food sensitivities, and inflammatory bowel conditions are all addressed through a root-cause approach.
This may include specialized gut testing, dietary protocols, targeted supplementation, and strategies to repair the gut lining and restore a healthy microbiome. Many patients with chronic gut issues find lasting relief through this approach after years of failed conventional treatments.
Can functional medicine help with anxiety and depression?
Many cases of anxiety and depression have underlying physiological drivers that conventional psychiatry doesn't address — things like gut-brain axis dysfunction, chronic inflammation, blood sugar instability, nutrient deficiencies (B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s), hormonal imbalances, and adrenal dysfunction.
Dr. Harrison's approach investigates these root causes through comprehensive lab testing and works to correct the biochemical imbalances that may be contributing to your mental health symptoms. This approach can work alongside conventional mental health care.
Does Dr. Harrison help with hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance or low testosterone?
Yes. Hormonal health is one of the six pillars of health that Dr. Harrison focuses on. Whether you're dealing with estrogen dominance, low testosterone, progesterone imbalances, cortisol dysregulation, or other endocrine issues, the functional medicine approach uses advanced hormone testing to understand the full picture — not just individual hormone levels, but how they interact with each other and with your metabolism, gut health, and stress response.
Treatment plans may include targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, stress management, detoxification support, and other evidence-based protocols to restore hormonal balance naturally.
Can functional medicine help with adrenal fatigue?
Yes. What's commonly called "adrenal fatigue" — more accurately described as HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis dysfunction — is a condition Dr. Harrison frequently addresses. Chronic stress, poor sleep, overwork, and underlying health conditions can dysregulate your cortisol rhythm, leading to persistent fatigue, difficulty waking up, afternoon crashes, anxiety, and poor stress tolerance.
Through adrenal function testing and a thorough health assessment, Dr. Harrison identifies where your stress response has broken down and creates a targeted plan to restore healthy adrenal function.
Can functional medicine help with allergies?
Yes. Chronic allergies — whether environmental, food-related, or both — often point to an underlying immune system imbalance, gut dysfunction, or chronic inflammation. Rather than simply prescribing antihistamines, Dr. Harrison works to understand why your immune system is overreacting and addresses the root triggers.
This may involve gut healing protocols, food sensitivity testing, immune modulation strategies, and addressing underlying factors like leaky gut or hidden infections that are keeping your immune system on high alert.
Is functional medicine good for cardiovascular health and high cholesterol?
Yes. Dr. Harrison takes a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health that goes beyond simply looking at total cholesterol. Functional medicine evaluates advanced cardiovascular markers including particle size, inflammatory markers (like hs-CRP), insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome indicators.
By addressing the metabolic and inflammatory drivers of cardiovascular risk — through nutrition, lifestyle optimization, and targeted interventions — many patients are able to significantly improve their heart health and reduce their risk factors.
Treatment & Results
How long does it take to see results with functional medicine?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your condition and how long you've been dealing with it. Some patients notice improvements within the first few weeks, while more complex cases may take several months of consistent work.
Dr. Harrison takes a step-by-step approach — building your health one layer at a time, like constructing a house brick by brick. Regular check-ins and follow-up lab testing help track progress and make adjustments along the way. The focus is always on sustainable, lasting results — not quick fixes.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends on your individual situation. Chronic conditions that have developed over years don't resolve overnight. Dr. Harrison's process includes an initial investigation phase (Steps 1–4), followed by an active care phase where your clinical master plan is implemented, and then periodic follow-ups to track progress through lab testing and adjustments.
Some patients work with Dr. Harrison for several months, while others with more complex cases may benefit from a longer relationship. Your care plan and expected timeline will be clearly outlined during the Lab Review & Clinical Master Plan appointment.
Will I need to change my diet?
In most cases, nutrition is a key component of your care plan — but Dr. Harrison doesn't believe in crash diets or extreme protocols. Instead, changes are introduced gradually and sustainably, designed to fit your actual life and preferences. The goal is to build eating habits that support your healing and that you can maintain long-term.
Specific dietary recommendations will be based on your lab results, symptoms, and health goals. For example, some patients may need to address food sensitivities, blood sugar regulation, or gut healing through targeted dietary adjustments.
Will I need to take supplements?
Supplementation may be part of your care plan depending on your lab results. Functional medicine uses targeted, evidence-based supplementation to correct specific deficiencies and support healing — not a shotgun approach of taking dozens of random vitamins.
If supplements are recommended, Dr. Harrison will explain exactly why each one is needed, what it does, and how long you'll likely need it. The goal is always to address the underlying issue so that long-term supplementation is minimized.
Does Dr. Harrison prescribe medications?
Dr. Harrison is a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in functional medicine, and his approach focuses on correcting root causes through nutrition, lifestyle, and evidence-based natural interventions. He does not prescribe pharmaceutical medications. However, he works collaboratively alongside your existing medical doctors when needed, and if outside expertise is required (which is rare), he will collaborate with specialists to ensure seamless care.
Is functional medicine safe? Are there any risks?
Yes, functional medicine is very safe. The approach focuses on natural, evidence-based interventions — optimizing nutrition, correcting deficiencies, improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and supporting your body's own healing mechanisms. There are no invasive procedures involved.
Dr. Harrison's care is guided by thorough lab testing and clinical assessment, ensuring that every recommendation is tailored to your unique physiology. He monitors your progress through regular follow-ups and adjusts your plan as needed.
Can I continue seeing my regular doctor while working with Dr. Harrison?
Absolutely. Many of Dr. Harrison's patients continue to work with their primary care physicians, endocrinologists, or other specialists while receiving functional medicine care. The approaches complement each other — Dr. Harrison focuses on identifying and addressing root causes, while your conventional doctors manage acute care and medications as needed.
Why Choose Dr. Harrison
What makes Dr. Harrison's approach different from other functional medicine doctors?
Several things set Dr. Harrison apart:
- He only takes patients he's confident he can help — your success is his success.
- His approach is methodical and step-by-step — like building a house brick by brick, not chasing health fads or quick fixes.
- Health independence is the goal — he doesn't just treat you; he teaches you to understand your own body so you can maintain your health long-term.
- He provides mentorship and accountability — not just information, but the coaching and follow-through needed for real transformation.
- Personal experience — having overcome his own chronic health challenges (including type 2 diabetes) through functional medicine, he brings deep empathy and understanding to his patients.
I've tried everything for my chronic illness and nothing has worked — can Dr. Harrison still help?
Many of Dr. Harrison's patients come to him after feeling lost, overwhelmed, and defeated — having seen multiple doctors without getting real answers. His practice is specifically designed for people in this situation.
Functional medicine takes a completely different approach than conventional care. By conducting a thorough clinical investigation — including advanced lab testing that most conventional doctors don't run, a detailed health history, and a comprehensive physical exam — Dr. Harrison looks for the underlying biochemical imbalances that other providers may have missed. His step-by-step process is built to uncover every detail and create a precise, personalized plan.
The first step is a free discovery call to discuss your situation and see if his approach is right for you.
How is Dr. Harrison's clinic different from a typical doctor's office?
At a typical doctor's office, you might get 10–15 minutes, basic lab work, and a prescription. At Dr. Harrison's Center of Functional Medicine, you get a comprehensive health investigation that includes detailed history reviews, advanced functional lab testing, a physical exam, and a personalized clinical master plan.
The focus is on understanding your health — not just managing symptoms. Dr. Harrison takes the time to explain what's happening in your body, why, and exactly what steps need to be taken. You leave with education, a plan, and ongoing support — not just a prescription.
What does "health independence" mean at Dr. Harrison's practice?
Health independence is Dr. Harrison's core philosophy. It means empowering you with the knowledge, tools, and understanding to take control of your own health — so you're not dependent on anyone, including him, for the rest of your life.
Through education, mentorship, and coaching, Dr. Harrison teaches his patients to understand their own bodies so well that if a problem arises in the future, they know exactly how to respond. The goal isn't just to get you feeling better today — it's to give you the confidence and capability to maintain vibrant health for years to come.
Does Dr. Harrison only work with people who are already very sick?
While Dr. Harrison specializes in chronic and complex conditions, functional medicine can also benefit people who aren't necessarily "sick" but want to optimize their health, prevent future disease, or understand why they don't feel as good as they think they should. If you feel like something is off but your regular doctor says everything looks "normal," functional medicine often uncovers imbalances that standard testing misses.
What results have Dr. Harrison's patients experienced?
Dr. Harrison has helped patients from across the country and around the world achieve life-changing results — from resolving chronic fatigue and brain fog, to managing autoimmune conditions, reversing metabolic disorders, restoring hormonal balance, and healing gut dysfunction. Many patients describe their experience as transformative, having regained energy, mental clarity, and quality of life they thought was gone forever.
You can read patient stories on the Testimonials page.
Still Have Questions?
Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Harrison. He'll answer your questions, discuss your health goals, and help you determine if functional medicine is the right path for you.
Book Your Free Discovery CallOr call directly: 720-449-6217