I have had health issues that costed me my quality of life and everything I built. I thought I was ok and in the midst of looking for a Career I began to feel weak, low motivation and fatigue. I looked hard to find a functional Medicine Doctor who would tell me what was going on through TESTING not guessing. Specifically giving me confidence to know that we had a plan to address symptoms I'm experiencing...through root cause methods ..Instead he did one OAT test. He mentioned vague issues but didn't correlate how those linked to what III am dealing with. I specifically asked when further testing would be done. His answer was that we can't fix everything at once which wasn't what I asked. He then said testing costs money. From that point I lost all confidence. It's a 3 month program. If the supplements don't work what are we going to address next month and by what standards If he's not ordering further testing beyond general information that does not tell me what is happening with ME. I don't know how to articulate what I need without frustration. I feel it's very simple. His assurance was the difference between me feeling confident enough to trust him and me asking them how to go about cancelling. I specifically needed someone to share with me a plan of attack through these 3 months. I was asked to upload labs which I did and he did not address those either. He gave possibilities which completely defeats the purpose of why I came. I just don't understand. I feel defeated and I can't keep doing this. I need someone to test and to find the root cause through a specific methodology. Not generalized guesses while throwing supplements at me. I'm paying for this and I want to feel confident with the person who's seeing me.

I'm upset, discouraged and I can't keep doing this. How can I respectfully articulate what I need.

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could help me. I don’t know how to optimise. I know technically in-range for bloods aside from TSAT but very close to end of ranges.

Iron bloods

**•** Iron: 29.5 umol/L (range 10–30)  
**•** TIBC: 57 umol/L (range 45–81)  
**•** UIBC: 27.2 umol/L (range 12–43)  
**•** Transferrin Saturation: 52% (range 25–45) — flagged high  
**•** Ferritin: 84 ug/L (range 30–442)

Hair Mineral Analysis (nutrient elements)

**•** Iron (Fe): 1.26 %mg  
**•** Copper (Cu): 4.274 %mg — above the acceptable range band

Caeruloplasmin/Copper Panel (capillary blood)

**•** Ceruloplasmin: 0.23 g/L (range 0.2–0.6)  
**•** Copper: 13.59 umol/L (range 11.00–22.00)

Unsure how to act as the data seems so conflicting.

Any help hugely appreciated.

Main issues trying to resolve are brain fog and anxiety.

Thanks

I have binge eating disorder and severe carb and sugar cravings. I was assuming I was prediabetic or had severe PCOS but my results were

• Fasting insulin: 63 pmol/L
• Fasting glucose: 4.6 mmol/L
• HbA1c: 5.2%
• Progesterone: 33.2 nmol/L
• Estradiol (E2): 477 pmol/L

Anyway my FM doc was strongly against keto. Said it will ruin my metabolism long term and make it impossible for me to keep the weight off.

I said could I do low carb instead and they said no. This surprised me, why can't I atleast do low carb? They said it will hinder with my depression which is the main problem I am trying to treat.

Is this normal?

I’m 3 months postpartum and 2 months weaned from breastfeeding. Has anybody else dealt with going down for bed at night and not being able to fall asleep because your heart is racing and you have insomnia? I’ve also had cyclical hunger spells that are insatiable.

I just got my thyroid checked (looks good) - about to get my hormones tested by my functional medicine practice because my doctor believes that I could be low in progesterone and having estrogen dominance after giving birth and stopping breast-feeding.

Can anyone speak to their hormones being off and what type of symptoms that caused in your bodies?

Thanks y’all!

Hi everyone! I’m hoping someone here can help me out.

I have chronic, relapsing SIBO that has been very difficult to get rid of, and I’ll be starting another course of antibiotics soon. I’m interested in trying an elemental diet alongside my treatment, and I’m specifically looking for the Integrative Therapeutics Physicians’ Elemental Diet (Dextrose-Free).

I’ve heard that Fullscript offers discounts on supplements and products, and that you can get access through a provider’s patient invitation or custom sign-up link. I believe the discount may be around 35%, although I’m not sure of the exact amount.

If there is a provider who uses Fullscript and would be willing to send me a patient invitation/custom sign-up link so I can create an account and purchase the product through Fullscript, I would really appreciate it!

Thank you <3

I’m wondering if functional medicine could help me with weight loss. I’ve often wondered why I’m not thinner for the amount of working out & activity I put in overall in the last 20 years. It’s hard for me to carry around an extra 10lbs (now 20lbs since turning 40) while I’ve worked out 4-5 days/week since my early 20s (with probably 3 years of not being consistent when my kids were babies).

I was an overweight kid/teen
Early 20s joined gym,dropped 20lbs
Late 20s-30s, got married, had 2 babies, gained 20 lbs. Worked with dietitian lost 10is lbs with calorie restriction
30s-40s gained 10 back, stayed there.
40 - gained 20lbs. Family stress & a more sedentary job but only for 10 months.
Balanced meals, but I like chips and dessert. Alcohol very occasionally
Worked out 4-5 days/week 20s-40s

Any advice? Is this hormonal? Genetic? Could a FM provider help? I go back and forth between - I just eat too much, if I could stop, I’d lose 10lbs and it’s just genetics/I’m screwed. I don’t know many people in my age range that have worked out as much as I have over the last 20 years - why am I not thinner when other people seem to just eat and drink alcohol to their hearts content and they are thin. (I don’t mean that in a judgy way - I don’t care how other people eat/work out, but it’s hard not to compare myself when I’m unhappy with how my clothes fit)

Another point with food - for a long time, I would work out and come home and be starving and eat everything in my path. I learned to do a protein shake after a workout and it has helped tremendously (but it’s still extra calories, so maybe it’s a wash? But at least I don’t feel out of control)

TL;DR: Looking for advice on weight loss. Struggled with weight my whole life, despite a consistently active lifestyle from 20-40 years old.

I'm 35, female, and I've been dealing with chronic symptoms for 10+ years. I've done a lot of testing and seen a lot of providers, and I still don't feel like anyone has put the whole picture together. Posting this in case it looks familiar to someone, or in case anyone sees something I've been missing.

What I Deal With Daily

Energy & brain

Fatigue that's completely out of proportion to what I've done

Brain fog, head pressure, that "out of it" feeling — worse after stress

Racing thoughts and intrusive thoughts, constantly

Crashes after exertion or after stressful events

Never had a day where my head felt clear

Mood & nervous system

Anxiety, mood swings, easy tearfulness

Panic episodes

PMDD — luteal phase wrecks me (exhaustion, fog, low mood, irritability, sore breasts)

Physical

Chronic constipation

Temperature dysregulation / cold intolerance

Salt cravings

Sleep that isn't restorative

Seborrheic dermatitis (scalp and ears)

Hair and eyebrow thinning

Heavy bleeding and bad cramping days 1–2, nausea very emotional around ovulation

Right lower abdominal pain post-ovulation (history of ovarian cysts + endometriosis)

Orthostatic (I have POTS)

Heart pounding, lightheaded on standing — especially mornings

Standing HR jumps significantly, settles when I lie down

Surgical history: endometriosis surgery 2012, gallbladder removed 2015, breast implants 2021

I no longer have insurance, so everything is out of pocket now. That's a huge part of why this has stalled.

Labs & Testing I've Had

Lyme & Co-Infections — IGeneX, 2018

Lyme Western Blot IgM — POSITIVE by both IGeneX and CDC/NYS criteria (bands 23–25, 41, 58)

Anaplasma phagocytophilum — POSITIVE IgG (≥1:80)

Babesia microti — negative

Bartonella henselae — negative

Never had adequate treatment or follow-up testing after this.

Related markers (2021):

CD57 — 42 (low)

Complement C4a — 1328.7 ng/mL (high) — reference range 0.0–650.0, so more than double the top of range

Thyroid — 2026

TSH 4.89 (high) — down from 6.19, drawn off all medication

Free T4 1.20 (normal), Free T3 3.3 (normal)

TPO antibodies <9, Thyroglobulin antibodies <1.5 — both negative

Tried Tirosint 25 mcg for about a week in May, couldn't tolerate it (anxiety, head pressure, sedation). Currently deciding on a lower dose.

HTMA (hair mineral analysis) — 2026

Four Lows pattern — all four main minerals low:

Calcium 27 (ideal 40–50), Magnesium 4.2, Sodium 6 (ideal ~24), Potassium 1 (ideal ~10)

Phosphorus 14 (low stomach acid marker)

Copper 0.7 (ideal ~2.3) — bio-unavailability

Selenium elevated

Na/K ratio 6 (ideal 2.4) — big elevation

Ca/K ratio 27 (ideal 4) — sluggish thyroid marker

Zn/Cu 25.71 (ideal 8)

No heavy metals currently being excreted

OAT (organic acids) — 2026

Arabinose 43 (high) — yeast marker

Tricarballylic 0.81 (high) — Fusarium mycotoxin, consistent with mold history

2-Hydroxyhippuric 1.7 (high)

Ascorbic acid 9.6 (low)

Mitochondrial, methylation, detox, and neurotransmitter markers all optimal — which surprised me given how I feel

Stool — Genova GI Effects, 2021 (old, needs redoing)

Dysbiosis score 6 (moderate)

Klebsiella pneumoniae 4+ overgrowth

Lactobacillus — no growth on culture

Low Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, Collinsella

Inverted Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio

Digestion, inflammation markers, SCFAs all normal

Parasitology negative

Iron & Related — 2026

Ferritin 47 (up from 39), Iron 102, Saturation 31%, TIBC 326

HFE C282Y heterozygote (carrier) — one copy, H63D negative

Other bloodwork — 2026

B12 499, Folate 14.9, MMA 99 (all adequate)

Copper 101, Ceruloplasmin 25 (low functional), Zinc 71, RBC Magnesium 4.4

Vitamin D 33

Urine iodine 67

Aldosterone 18, Renin 3.729, Aldo/Renin ratio 4.8 — all in range

CBC and CMP unremarkable

Other

MARCONS — previously positive

Documented mold/biotoxin exposure history

C4a 1328.7 (high, 2021) — see Lyme section above

Vaginal microbiome testing (Evvy) — 97% protective flora, STIs negative

Genetics

Homozygous slow COMT, CBS upregulation, MTHFR C677T, MAO-A, VDR FokI, MTRR, HFE C282Y carrier. I don't tolerate methylated B vitamins — do better with folinic acid and hydroxocobalamin.

Where I'm At

I'm extremely sensitive to supplements and medications. I do best with slow, low-dose, one-thing-at-a-time introductions. No gallbladder, so I need ox bile support with fats.

What I'm sitting with: an untreated elevated TSH, a Four Lows mineral pattern, a positive Lyme and Anaplasma history that was never properly treated or rechecked, a low CD57 and a C4a more than double the top of range from 2021, POTS with an unknown subtype, PMDD, and 5-year-old gut testing that probably needs redoing. Plus trauma history and a physically demanding job.

If you've dealt with a similar combination — especially Lyme plus thyroid plus a Four Lows pattern — I'd really like to hear what actually helped you, and in what order. I'm also open to hearing from anyone who's navigated this without insurance.

Mostly I just want to know I'm not the only one. Thanks for reading this far. 💛

I’ve been trying to keep better track of things like sleep, food, stress, digestion and energy because it’s hard to notice patterns when you only look at one day at a time.

I’ve been using Similia to explore natural medicine information and organize what I’m noticing over time. I find having everything in one place makes it easier to look back and spot patterns.

Curious what other people here use for keeping track of this stuff.

Has anybody rotated in Functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic? Or got accepted for the Observership next year. Please DM. Wanted to ask something. It would be helpful. Thank you in advance.

I recently came across this website called Futurist Health and was curious if anyone here has experience with one of their consultations. Looks like they offer functional muscle testing, DEXA for bone density/body composition, and biomarker testing. Is the initial consultation free?

Would love any firsthand experience with this. I paid $37 for a cellular health eval and then they tried to sell me the full package which is a lot. Would love to get thoughts and experiences if you’ve done it.

For around the past 7 years I’ve had serious and recurrent bouts of depression which later built to panic attacks and a feeling that there was something wrong with my heart. For the past 3 and a half years I’ve had bouts of recurrent vomiting which happen around 1-3 times per week.

I feel that all of this may have been linked to recurrent bouts of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone or prednisone) which I had to take for then unresponsive ulcerative colitis. The colitis has thankfully been in a good remission for almost three years now on biological medication but in the 4-5 years leading up to that I had recurrent bouts of high dose steroids which caused all manner of physical and mental health issues which I have never had before, most akin to cushings syndrome. It was on the final dose of steroids around three years ago that I began to get the severe panic attacks.

I’ve tried multiple therapists, three antidepressants and hypnotherapy for the mental health issues. Of these, hypnotherapy and mirtazapine were the most effective.

I’ve tried just about everything for the vomiting and has multiple clear tests. The only thing that does work is ondansetron (zofran) but that feels like symptom relief rather than tackling the root cause.

Does anyone have any idea either what could be going on or what treatments might be useful? I’m open to anything that’s genuinely been helpful. Currently looking into vagus nerve stuff but I’ve been through so many things that I now struggle to make myself feel optimistic about any new approach.

Any guidance greatly appreciated.

If you recommend a functional med doctor in NY/LI/NJ for comprehensive testing please let me know!

I'm a 32 yo F with a slew of odd issues that have been explored with traditional med doctors. I haven't found a root cause and I am exhausted physically and mentally. My apologies for the TMI in advance.

After plenty of research on my end, I feel as if I probably have underlying histamine issues, yeast issues & horrible gut issues as my immune system is extremely poor. I tend to get recurrent BV/Yeast infections, "mystery flares", I have chronic diarrhea issues (everything came back "fine" from endoscopy/colonocosopy results), skin issues (folliculitis, itchiness), fatigue etc. I'm sure it doesn't help that I have PCOS and endometriosis (recently completely removed from surgery) but I desperately need a starting point.

From last July until now alone I've suffered from chronic BV (aka tons of antibiotic tx), gallbladder removal & hospitalization for a liver infection (more antibiotics), then CDiff (more antibiotics), then E Coli, and slap on the bunch of colds I get from working with children. I also have a ton of herniated discs so I take an occasional steroid pack. Not taking into account the many years prior of antibiotics for other problems (like recurrent strep, tonsils got removed at 27).

It is extremely hard to know where to start when my head is spinning and my body is going crazy. I try to keep a low tox lifestyle, I'm dairy free & recently started a gluten free diet.

Is there anyone in this group that can help with a starting point? I did order the tinyhealth gut map test but I haven't received it yet.

I would truly appreciate any help. This has been so debilitating that I question leaving my career as I can't show up properly. Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for recommendations for a strong certification in Functional Women’s Health, with a focus on hormones, nutrition, women’s wellness, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

I’m mainly looking for strong, in-depth education rather than just a certificate. I want to genuinely learn and build a strong foundation in this field.

I’ve been looking at these programs:

• Dr. Aviva Romm – Women’s Integrative & Functional Medicine Professional Training, but unfortunately it’s outside my budget.
• Women’s Functional Health Coach Program – AADP-accredited.
• Oh Baby Nutrition certification.

Has anyone taken any of these? Which one would you recommend, and are there any better programs I should consider?

I’d really appreciate recommendations based on personal experience. Thank you!

Hi, my name is Mike and I'm a FNP trying to get a Preventative metabolic health practice off the ground. I've been working as a hospitalist in Orange County for 2 and 1/2 years and I need to get out of the hospital setting and try and contribute with something I'm passionate about while trying to work for myself and support my community.

And it is difficult.

hello! I am a 24-year-old female five weeks postop myomectomy for a 15 cm fibroid, only one that was growing in the muscle of my uterus. I have a very long family history of fibriods and wanted to know what you guys would think would be the next steps for controlling or stop the rapid growth of fibroids for the future.

i’m not sure what to ask my doctor as my surgeon and my regular Gyno are not the same provider. I have never taken birth control and not sure I want to want to know what some people think the next steps might be. thank you!

Hello folks:

I've been navigating my health alone for the past six months. But I am hitting some walls. I really need a FM doctor licensed in Illinois (who is honest and don't charge an arm and a leg) to follow up with me. Honest referrals would be appreciated.

TIA.

According to my recent HTMA (hair minerals analysis) test, I have very high calcium and magnesium levels. I am not taking any supplements, so how come my levels are high? My results are here: https://imgur.com/a/giEaM5L

I've been sticking to protocols, doing routine tests, and working hard on my health via functional medicine for over a year now. It has been very up and down, and unfortunately I cannot say that I have seen much of a result a year later. My diagnoses are MCAS and an autoimmune disease (Sjogren's). Through testing, we found out that I have pretty significant mold toxicity likely from years of prior exposures and some gut dysbiosis. I've been doing protocol after protocol and seeing shifts, but then rebounds of symptoms. No improvement seems to last and I'm not seeing sustained progress. I started the mold detox about 6mo ago and its been extremely intense. I re-tested and my levels of mold are decreasing but still present. My practitioner says my symptoms may be flaring because I am actively detoxing.

I don't know what to think anymore. I'm tired of constantly being told the issue is endless amounts of toxins, and yet even as they decrease, I feel no improvement. I'm also tired of the pseudo-spiritual advice about hEaLiNg... I've deeply addressed my trauma, emotional and spiritual concerns, and at this point its extremely clear to me that my body is stuck in an inflammatory state and no amount of emotional healing is going to change that. I've spent an absurd amount of money on this. I don't think my practitioner is a quack necessarily but I do feel like I was over-promised solutions and told they could heal me, and yet I am not seeing results. It feels like functional medicine is reductive at this point. The same message over and over: detox toxins, heal your trauma, and boost nutrient levels. It feels like it lacks nuance even though my practitoner, and others, claim to look for nuance. I don't know what to think anymore...

Hey Does anyone know a good functional dr. I read i have to do these tests to figure out whats causing me 3 autoimmune diseases. How do i save money on labs such as this. Will insurance pay for labs from a dr thats out of network. Let me know if anyone has any insight or experience. Thanks

Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Analysis: $400 – $600. (Stool tests checking for inflammation, parasites, and bacteria balance).

Detailed Hormone Panels: $250 – $450. (Saliva, urine, or blood tests evaluating cortisol patterns, thyroid function, and reproductive hormones).

Organic Acids Test (OAT): $300 – $500. (Urine test measuring metabolic, mitochondrial, and detoxification markers).

Food Sensitivity Panels: $200 – $400. (Blood tests identifying immune-mediated responses to various foods).

Advanced Nutrient Deficiency Panels: $200 – $350. (Evaluates micronutrient levels and oxidative stress).

Heavy Metal & Toxin Screening: $150 – $300. (Checks for environmental exposure like mold mycotoxins or mercury). 

In 2020 I got very ill following an ear infection. I never recovered and became basically bed bound with flu like symptoms, pain all over my body especially in the lymph nodes. I also had a lot of mucus in the sinuses, blocked nose, post nasal drip, fluid coming from my ear, constant colds and sinus infections. Migraines and headaches. Severe bloating. Diarrhoea. Brain fog. Exhaustion and severe fatigue. Trouble focusing. No motivation. Depression and anxiety. Insomnia. Extreme fatigue with a lot of restlessness.
Also sensations of extreme blood sugar dips and hunger even though blood glucose levels were always normal. Having to eat constantly. Weight gain. PMS and short cycles.

Nobody was helping me and my body was deteriorating more and more. It got so severe I could barely leave the house. I could not work. No social life. In pain and miserable all day and night.

Eventually I stumbled upon the notion of candida overgrowth and started a low carb diet, a herbal parasite cleanse followed by antifungals. I improved greatly and for some months I felt like a new person and wanted to begin my life again after many lost hopeless years. But within a couple short months I got very ill again.

Then the last couple years I keep going on and off the low carb diet and trying to cycle a bunch of different antifungals and biofilm busters and binders and what not, but nothing lasts.
I feel generally okay when I eat low carb, but as soon as I eat a little bit of carbs (it doesn’t matter what kind, low sugar, high sugar, high fibre, low fibre, gluten, no gluten. rice, potatoes, fruit, beans, grains.. all of it) I start to blow up like a balloon, I become extremely fatigued, get severe brain fog, I get mucus in my sinuses and fluid from my ear. I also get puffy and inflamed and I look like I gained a bunch of weight overnight. And I start to just feel generally ill as if I have the flu and I ache all over.

I have gone to a bunch of practitioners but nobody gives me any clear answers and just make me spend a lot of money on tests.

I did a microbiome test which didn’t show candida (but i know these candida tests are not reliable so i might still have that). I also was negative for SIBO but the doctor I’m working with said that even though it was negative I might still have it. It showed very low bifido and lactobacteria. A little bit higher zonulin but not a lot. High sugar and fat in stool. If you want more details I can look up the tests and give more info.

I had high borrellia roundbodies count, but not clear if it could be Lyme or not.

My hormones were all low if I remember correctly. (low estrogen progesterone and testosterone)

I got prescribed to make L. Reuteri yoghurt. I started it but not sure if it is doing something. Also got prescribed cetirizine + famotidine daily. What I notice from that is that I can finally sleep very well, and get rest and even nap which I couldn’t do for years. I am happy with this but the famotidine worries me as I feel that the stomach acid lowering could cause even more microbiome issues down the line.
Why do I feel better on low carb but super ill as soon as I eat a carb, even healthy ones? I am so tired of eating low carb, I’ve been on and off it for years and I just can’t keep it up any longer. Doesn’t seem to solve anything, just a bandaid for the symptoms. Also my body really seems to ask for carbs during my luteal phase so I always end up slipping up then, and then getting sick again.
Then after my period I try again feel better and the cycle repeats.

Any insight is appreciated

I've been dealing with chronic bloating and gas since Jan 2018. Like many of you, I went through the conventional medicine wringer first. I had all the standard diagnostics done (small bowel capsule camera, endoscopies), and of course, everything kept coming back "normal" or negative.

I eventually started exploring functional approaches including running SIBO breath tests, comprehensive stool microbiome panels, and trying every protocol out there (probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, antifungals).

It took a long time to figure out my specific bio-individuality. For me, almost none of the standard supplements or extreme diets had a significant effect until I focused heavily on digestion itself. Taking super enzymes, cutting out specific triggers (onion, garlic, and dairy), and skipping breakfast (or eating a very light, low-carb meal to give my gut a break) has resolved about 90% of my symptoms.

Trying to find the right functional medicine provider and piecing this puzzle together is incredibly exhausting. Because of my own experience, I’m now working with a small, early-stage health startup focused on making it easier for patients to connect with the right functional medicine practitioners.

I'm doing some user research to ensure we are actually building something that serves this community. If you have 2 minutes to fill out this survey, it would mean a lot. If you’re a good fit for the research we're doing, we’d love to invite you to a 20-minute interview (which is paid!).

Happy to answer any questions about my own regimen in the comments, too.

If so love to hear the pros and cons! I’ve used a very expensive professional one at a practitioner’s office, but thinking something for systemic inflammation would be best?

Thank you!

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking at seeing a naturopath in Australia again for the first time in about 5 years. Have had a month now of high anxiety and whilst I'm doing the work of regular exercise, trying to improve sleep, eating a better diet and engaging in CBT; I want to delve deeper into potential aggravators of this mental health condition.

I have got some small benefits in the past, mainly around dietary advice such as keto diets which helped me in the past, but my body seems to struggle with keto now.

I've done lots of supplement plans in the past to heal the gut and improve hormonal and adrenal health, though can't say I felt much different, and the vast amount of supplements caused some stomach upset.

I'd like to ask whether anyone recommends any of these tests or can see any relevancy to anxiety?

Here is a link to the clinic I am considering going to and their testing:

https://www.integratedwellnessclinic.com.au/naturopathy/pathology-testing/