If you told me a few years ago I’d be geeking out over blood panels, I might’ve shrugged and said, “Sounds intense.” But after doing two full rounds of Function’s lab testing, I’m here to confess: it was way more enlightening (and way less intimidating) than I expected.

Before I dive into my personal takeaways, let me explain exactly how Function works, then I’ll walk you through what I discovered and why I believe knowledge truly is power. (And yes, if you’re curious to try it yourself, my referral code Ecarlile10 gets you a discount.)

What is Function, and how does it really work?

Here’s the nuts and bolts, straight from Function’s site:

Function is a membership model (about $499/year), and with that you get 100+ lab tests up front.
Then, 3–6 months later, you have the ability to run 60+ follow-up tests to explore different aspects of your health.
Scheduling is simple, you choose from over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide.
The in-lab visit takes about 15 minutes.
After your draw, results come with a Clinician’s Summary, where their clinical team highlights patterns and even calls if something urgent pops up.
All your results live in one secure dashboard so you can track changes and trends over time.
Function doesn’t bill insurance (no deductibles or co-pays)—everything is transparent.

One of the most eye-opening stats I learned from their site: 70% of medical decisions depend on lab tests, but the average physical only checks about 19 markers. Function starts with 100+ so you’re not missing the big picture.

What I discovered

Here’s what stood out most for me:

Vitamin D wasn’t where I thought it would be
I spend time outside, but my levels were lower than ideal. That gave me context for energy dips and mood shifts.
Iron and ferritin revealed why I sometimes dragged
These explained the occasional workout fatigue or afternoon slump.
Hormone balance wasn’t “bad,” but it was eye-opening
The subtle shifts helped me understand how stress and sleep cycles ripple through my system.
Cholesterol and inflammation markers added nuance
Even with clean eating, lifestyle and genetics clearly play a role.
Round two expanded the story
The second set of tests explored different markers, things like immune resilience and toxin exposure that I’d never considered before. It definitely deepened my awareness.

The process felt surprisingly smooth

Scheduling: Easy. Just picked a local Quest lab online.
Lab visit: In and out in about 15 minutes.
Results: Delivered in a clean, visual dashboard.
Clinician support: My summary explained the markers in plain English. Nothing scary or overwhelming, just context.

And honestly? It felt more empowering than intimidating.

Why this kind of testing matters

I’m not a doctor, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But here’s why I think this is worth doing:

Most of us don’t see detailed labs unless something’s wrong. Function flips that, giving you proactive visibility.
Having a baseline is huge. Even if round two doesn’t “compare” directly, you start building a library of your health story.
It’s empowering to know (not guess) what’s happening inside.

For me, it wasn’t about chasing perfection. It was about curiosity, self-awareness, and learning to take better care of myself.

My biggest takeaway

Doing two rounds bloodwork showed me something simple but profound: Health isn’t about chasing numbers, it’s about having information to make better choices.

And Function makes that information available in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

If you’re curious, use my referral code Ecarlile10 when you sign up. It’s a great way to get started without second-guessing the cost.

A gentle reminder

Function is a health technology company, not a replacement for your primary doctor. Labs are done through Quest, reviewed by clinicians, and meant to complement (not replace) your ongoing care. If something comes up in your results, always talk to your physician.

Final thoughts

I went into Function thinking I’d get a few numbers. Instead, I walked away with a fuller understanding of my body and a deeper sense of responsibility for my health.

Round one gave me a broad baseline. Round two layered in new dimensions. And both rounds gave me peace of mind.

So if you’ve been curious about what’s happening inside your body, I can’t recommend it enough. Use code Ecarlile10 to start your journey, and let your curiosity lead the way.

Because at the end of the day, I’ve found this to be true: knowledge is power and the more of it you have, the better you can care for yourself.