Isle of Wight · Southampton
Doctor-Led Functional Medicine for Gut and Hormone Health
For people with ongoing symptoms who are ready to find out what's really driving them, and feel like themselves again.
Meet your doctor
Real answers for ongoing symptoms
After more than a decade in NHS general practice, I saw too many people with ongoing symptoms offered quick fixes instead of real answers, while their list of medications grew longer.
When I became a patient myself, functional medicine changed the way I practise. It looks at how your hormones, gut, metabolism and lifestyle work together, to find what is really driving your symptoms.
Today, I combine my extensive experience as a GP with the expertise of functional medicine: nutrition, lifestyle, botanicals, supplements and, above all, personalised ongoing support.
Not just an appointment and a prescription, but a partnership to help you feel like yourself again.
Dr Margarita Kitova-JohnGP (MRCGP) · Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner · Founder, Lantern Clinic
Patient reviews
In Our Patients' Own Words
Independent reviews on Google and Doctify from people who came to us with ongoing symptoms.
Begin Your Journey With Us
We recommend starting here to get the most from your care.
Clarity and support at every step.
Book A Free
Discovery Call
Free consultation with a Doctor to identify your concerns and goals.
Comprehensive
Assessment
An initial consultation and physical assessment to map your current health needs
Personalised
Health Plan
Receive a clear, medical plan designed around you. Your biology, your lifestyle, and your unique circumstances.
Ongoing
Support
Continue your journey with regular follow-ups and flexible membership options that provide guidance and support.
Our approach
What Makes Functional Medicine Different?
From symptom management to root-cause care.
| Conventional medicine | Functional medicine | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Identifying and treating specific symptoms | Finding the root cause, and how body systems affect each other |
| Appointment | 10–15 minutes, on the immediate complaint | 60–90 minutes, covering your history, lifestyle and triggers |
| Testing | Standard bloods and scans to rule out disease | Specialised tests, such as gut and hormones, to spot early imbalances |
| Treatment | Medicines, surgery and standard protocols | A personal plan: nutrition, supplements, stress and lifestyle support |
| Best for | Emergencies and acute illness | Ongoing symptoms that haven't been fully explained |
Focus
Treating specific symptoms
Finding the root cause, and how body systems connect
Appointment
10–15 minutes, on the immediate complaint
60–90 minutes: history, lifestyle and triggers
Testing
Standard bloods and scans to rule out disease
Specialised gut and hormone tests to spot early imbalances
Treatment
Medicines, surgery and standard protocols
A personal plan: nutrition, supplements, stress and lifestyle
Best for
Emergencies and acute illness
Ongoing symptoms that haven't been fully explained
At Lantern Clinic, your care is led by a GP, so you get the best of both.
What Makes Us Different
-
Instead of just managing symptoms, we ask why they’re happening. Root-cause medicine looks beneath the surface—exploring how your hormones, gut, stress, lifestyle, and environment are all connected. This allows us to create a personalised plan that supports lasting healing, not just quick fixes.
-
We use food as medicine, alongside herbal remedies and lifestyle interventions to gently restore balance. From supporting blood sugar and inflammation to nourishing your hormones and gut, every recommendation is grounded in science—and tailored to you.
-
We take time to listen, understand your story, and walk alongside you. You’ll receive ongoing support from a compassionate team who blends clinical expertise with real human connection—because healing happens best when you feel safe, seen, and supported.
-
We believe knowledge is power. You’ll gain a clear understanding of your hormones and how your body works, so you can make informed choices with confidence. No generic advice—just tailored guidance that puts you back in control of your health.
Our Areas of Expertise
Healthcare designed for those seeking answers, not assumptions.
Autoimmune & Inflammatory
Hashimoto’s, Grave's Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eczma
Learn more →Cardiovascular & Brain Health
Blood Pressure, Iregular Heart Cholesterol, Dementia Risk
Learn more →
Start Your Journey to Better Health
Take the first step towards lasting health. At Lantern Clinic, you’ll find clarity, care, and structured path forward.
Book your consultation today and receive personalised care that addresses your body's unique needs.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
-
Functional medicine, or intergrative medicine, is a personalised approach to healthcare that looks at why you’re unwell, not just what your symptoms are.
By exploring how your genetics, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle interact, our doctors uncover the root causes of illness and create a clear plan for lasting health.It highlights how the body’s biological systems are interdependent and how genetics, environment, and lifestyle impact overall health. By applying evidence-based principles and interventions, it aims to restore balance and support optimal vitality and well-being.
-
Traditional medicine focuses on treating immediate symptoms. Functional Medicine looks deeper identifying the underlying imbalances that cause them.
At Lantern Clinic, our doctors combine both conventional medical & functional medicine training with advanced diagnostics and integrative treatments to help you recover and stay well. -
At Lantern Clinic, our doctors help uncover and address the root causes behind a wide range of health concerns.
Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at how your body’s systems connect, using advanced testing and personalised care to restore balance and long-term wellbeing.We commonly support patients experiencing:
Digestive & Gut Health
IBS · IBD · SIBO · Reflux (GERD) · Food sensitivities · Bloating · Gut microbiome imbalanceWomen’s Health & Hormones
Perimenopause · Menopause · PMS · PCOS · Endometriosis · Fertility challenges · Thyroid conditionsMen’s Health & Vitality
Low testosterone · Fatigue · Libido concerns · Prostate health · Weight and energy balanceAutoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
Hashimoto’s · Psoriasis · Rheumatoid Arthritis · Asthma · Chronic inflammationMetabolic & Cardiovascular Health
Type 2 Diabetes · Insulin resistance · High cholesterol · Blood pressure · Liver health · Healthy weight metabolismSkin, Energy & Sleep
Acne · Eczema · Rosacea · Fatigue · Chronic tiredness · Sleep issues · FibromyalgiaBrain & Mood
Anxiety · Low mood · Brain fog · Migraines · ADHD/ADD · Cognitive decline -
Your first appointment is a detailed, hour-long consultation where your doctor takes time to understand your full health story, from symptoms and lifestyle to any previous test results.
If needed, we may recommend advanced diagnostics to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms.
You’ll leave with a clear, personalised plan focused on lasting improvement, not just short-term relief. -
Yes, our doctors are fully qualified UK medical professionals (MRCGP, MSc, IFMCP) with specialist training in Functional and Integrative Medicine.
You’ll receive expert, evidence-based care from experienced clinicians who take time to understand you. -
We currently don’t accept private medical insurance. Some insurance policies cover functional tests such as GI effects from Genova Diagnostics.
-
Yes, Lantern Clinic provides care for both adults and children.
Our doctors take a gentle, family-focused approach and can support a range of childhood health concerns, from digestive and hormonal issues to skin and immune conditions.
Appointments for children are always tailored to their age and comfort level.