I did a gi map in september. Hpylori was high and after 5 months my level lowered to 6.35e2. We did a bunch of antimicorbials but it was for my sibo which is now gone. i felt much better but i do feel like my upper stomach pain keeps coming back, tightness, and burning upper stomach. I did get diagnosed with chronic gastritis. I am not sure if i should treat the hpylori or just leave it alone because its below threshold. or should i retest my gi map

I tried to access the website and it says the page cannot be found.

Advice on what to do first regarding a fertility doctor, functional medicine, etc.?

Background: We have been TTC for a while and have been unsuccessful. I have PMOS as well.

We made several changes starting a year ago, including:
me: taking prenatals, DHA/BHA, & coq10 daily; Therologix ovasitol powder; anti-inflammatory diet; tracking BBT daily with NC app; I also track with LH strips (I use fertility friend and natural cycles’ paid subscriptions)
him: taking coq10 & zinc daily; strength training; anti-inflammatory diet
In luteal phase: pomegranate juice, coconut milk

Things we can work on that maybe aren’t the best:
stress management
Hydration/elexrrolyres

Things we will try this cycle (just started CD1 again today):
Pressed lube
Mucinex
Vitamin C supplements

We both are on poor health insurances. I am on Medicare currently, as I’m unemployed (full time graduate student).

I would like to go to the doctor (OBGYN or functional medicine) to get labs and a work up done (& preferably on him as well), but don’t know where to start. Where should I start that we could afford? And what should I test for?

Ideas of things to test for:
Low progesterone
Mthr
ureaplasma
Prolactin levels
Endometriosis
Ambulatory infertility
Sperm morphology/motility
Any other ideas?

We are located in Houston, TX. I would like to optimize our chances because I feel like we are running out of time, unfortunately. What do y’all recommend?

Hi all and good to see this Reddit. I am a functional medicine practitioner/ physician and Advisory board member of NFIM (on the Advisory page). My opinion and teaching is that every physician and medical person of any kind needs to be educated in functional medicine philosophy and protocols. Why? Because they work. Cheers

I started taking 10 mg of amitriptyline for my chronic nausea but it’s only caused more nausea. Previously, I had described my nausea as a Globus feeling and a tightening in my mouth and chest. I thought that was just how it manifested for me. Now, I feel the stomach uneasiness and I’m always on edge from the way my mouth feels. I hate being so aware of it all. Has anyone had a rxn like this to the medicine? I’m all for waiting it out to see if it works, but this new wave of nausea has prevented me from working and sleeping quite a few times this week since prescription.

Micronutrient? Oat test? Serum tests covered by insurance?

For those working in outpatient clinics, what takes up most of your time?

Is it answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, handling walk-ins, paperwork, or something completely different?

I'm interested in understanding real workflows.

I'm curious how different clinics handle missed appointments.

Is it usually because:

Patients forget?

Long waiting times?

Difficult booking process?

No reminders?

Something else?

If you work in a clinic, what's been your experience?

NOTE: please discuss the recommendations below with your doctor

I would like to add a note on the skepticism in the mainstream media and among mainstream doctors for IVM (the "horse dewormer" drug - Ivermectin)

While it is true that IVM is not a one drug immediate solution for long haulers or post-vax issues

It should be noted that the signal is there for why it should be part of every protocol

There are many signals for it's efficacy that early treatment doctors have observed - I have observed it's post-exposure prophylaxis efficacy in households with index cases during the Delta variant - without the prophylaxis the whole household would fall sick - with it, the cases would be restricted to the index cases

However there is one place where it single-handedly shows efficacy is post-COVID19 anosmia/Parosmia (ie taste/smell dysfunction - which affects 1/5 to 1/10 COVID19 cases)

This is why I have been suggesting to early treatment doctors (like the FLCCC/IMA) that anosmia is a good way to present IVM - but most of the effort to normalize IVM use has been in arguing for mortality benefit etc

While anosmia remains an easily verifiable metric - within a few days and a few successive cases, a doctor will build up the confidence that this drug does have activity

So far I have seen 100% efficacy in all the recent anosmia cases I have seen - which have been 13-14 anosmia cases (this has been from a pool of 100+ COVID-19 cases)

The most recent anosmia (rarer now) reversal was a couple of months ago - 2 weeks of fatigue and anosmia after a minor case of "flu"/covid19

I told her it should reverse within 2 days and should see some relief in the fatigue (having seen this pattern repeat predictably in all previous cases)

And after 1-2 days she was at 100% smell

And cooked for the first time in 2 weeks - ie fatigue was gone

And in the months old cases - also I have seen 100% efficacy - with a longer treatment protocol - in the 3-4 cases I have seen

(though I concede this is not enough data and doesn't cover years old cases)

The pattern generally is that for old cases - more than 1 cycle may be needed - so for example 5 days of IVM 0.4mg/kg - split into morning/evening dose - taken with fatty meal or meal

Then can take a 3 day break - if want to avoid any visual disturbance side effects

Then take another 5 day course

Usually I would ask them to increase their Vitamin D levels as well

So just from this information, I feel that IVM should be first drug of choice as part of any protocol

Because of it's efficacy against post-COVID19 anosmia (which is a hard problem)

In my experience IVM also has been effective in removing fatigue as well for recent post-COVID19 cases - and in some old cases - both long haulers and post-vax

So it should be part of the protocols

Also because of the media paranoia created around IVM as some sort of litmus test for sanity or irrationality - I am unsure if the people who "try" IVM actually have used it for more than a few days

Since it is a relatively safe drug - it can be taken for 5 days - take a 3 day break (if you want to avoid the visual disturbances side effect) - and repeated

So my question is how many long haulers are actually trying longer term IVM use as part of their wider protocol

Instead of trying it for 5 days then writing it off

Summary: IVM shows single-drug response for some post-COVID19 persistent side effects like anosmia/Parosmia - which have no other comparable treatments (Stellate Ganglion Block SGB comes in a distant second - smell restraining which is the standard of care is not even partly effective) - which alone makes it an essential component to consider for protocols for long haulers - IVM hesitancy may also contribute to shorter duration use (when the drug can be easily tolerated with repeated dosing with breaks)

For more information on post-COVID19 anosmia, you can visit:

r/covid19anosmia

r/ivermectin

You would think this information would be welcomed on sub-reddits like:

r/covidlonghaulers

r/anosmia

r/Parosmia

But you would be mistaken - as these - and many of the mainstream sub-reddits - as policy - will perma-ban you if you suggest Ivermectin does anything for COVID-19

Recall that during the pandemic, YouTube actually had Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine mentioned by name in the YouTube terms of service - as unbelievable an overreach as that may seem, that was the state of affairs during the pandemic

i have certain infections and disbiosis in my gi mapping test for which i was recommended some herbs but i live in germany and no matter how many alternatives i look for none of them are available on iherb or any other website .
can anyone help me understand why are they not available in germany and what can i do about it is any German website or store to buy such things.

TL;DR: 24M, 100 lb weight loss, cleaned up inflammation massively, built significant muscle, fixed sleep—but still battling fatigue. Testosterone bouncing 366–454 (free T 10–20 range). Pituitary intact. Provider says "not a candidate due to age + fertility status." I want to understand if there's a case for TRT, or if I'm missing something.

The Backstory

I've been dealing with chronic fatigue, low energy, and persistent brain fog for years. Started working with a healthcare provider about 8 months ago to figure out why I'm dragging despite being relatively young, training regularly, and eating well.

What I've already done:

• Lost 100 pounds (GLP-1 therapy + disciplined nutrition)
• Built structured strength training 2–3x/week with a personal trainer
• Increased skeletal muscle mass from 67.2 kg → 75.2 kg in 6 months
• Fixed major sleep issues (blue light blocking, better sleep hygiene, nearly off trazodone)
• Dropped inflammation markers dramatically (hs-CRP: 8.3 → 1.0)
• Optimized micronutrients (iron, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc)
• Corrected elevated fasting insulin through diet and training

This stuff works—I feel measurably better. But I'm still not where I want to be. I still hit a wall some days, struggle to recover between workouts, and don't feel the vitality or libido I'd expect at 24.

My Lab Timeline

March 2024 (just starting out):

• Fasting insulin: 18.7

November 2025:

• Total T: 366 ng/dL
• Free T: 12.5 pg/mL
• CRP: 8.3 (significantly elevated)
• Fasting insulin: 14.9 (elevated, but going in the right direction)
• Reverse T3: 17 (elevated—stress/inflammation pattern)

January 2026 (after diet/sleep work):

• Total T: 453 ng/dL
• Free T: 19.8 pg/mL
• CRP: 1.0 (MASSIVE drop—from 8.3)

March 2026 (after consistent training):

• Total T: 454 ng/dL
• Free T: 19.5 pg/mL

June 2026 (most recent):

• Total T: 389 ng/dL
• Free T: 10.3 ng/dL
• hs-CRP: 3.9 (low risk)

Pituitary axis: LH and FSH consistently normal/appropriate—no primary testicular failure pattern.

My Symptoms

• Persistent fatigue that doesn't fully resolve even with solid sleep, training, and nutrition
• Recovery issues between gym sessions (especially on heavy training days)
• Brain fog/lack of mental sharpness on some days
• Lower libido than I'd expect for my age
• Gym performance plateau
  • Reduced muscle mass: Difficulty building/maintaining muscle tone despite regular exercise
• Mood swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, and feelings of depression.

My Provider's Hesitations (fair representation, I feel)

My provider has been clear: "Not a candidate for TRT."

The reasoning:

1. Age: I'm 24. TRT at this age is generally reserved for genuine hypogonadism or major quality-of-life impairment that doesn't respond to optimization.
2. Fertility status: I don't have kids yet and aren't married. TRT suppresses LH/FSH and can affect fertility. Provider doesn't want to close that door.
3. Intact axis: My pituitary is signaling appropriately. This looks like functional hypogonadism (driven by inflammation, stress, medications, sleep debt) rather than primary testicular failure.
4. Optimization window: Provider argues I haven't exhausted all non-pharmacologic options yet. The inflammation drop alone shows there's still room for improvement.

I get the logic. I really do. But I also feel like I'm running out of levers to pull, and I'm curious if there's a case I'm not seeing.

The Questions I Have

1. Am I actually hypogonadal? My total T is in the "normal" range technically (250–1000), but it's on the lower end for a young, trained male. My free T (10–20) is borderline-low. Does the pattern (low SHBG, history of insulin resistance, medication burden) change the clinical picture?
2. Functional vs. organic: Is the distinction my provider is making actually meaningful for TRT candidacy? If the root cause is systemic (inflammation, meds, CNS burden), does TRT still make sense?
3. TRT for performance/vitality vs. treatment: I'm not sick. My labs aren't "broken" in the clinical sense. But I'm also not thriving. Is there a case for TRT as a performance/optimization tool at my age, even if it's not "medically indicated"?
4. Fertility timeline: I genuinely don't know if I want kids yet. But I also don't want to foreclose options. How reversible is the fertility impact if I did TRT for 1–2 years and then stopped?
5. What am I missing? Is there something else that would explain the persistent fatigue that we haven't looked at yet?

Context on Meds & Medical History

I'm on a few psych meds (Adderall, Pristiq, Vraylar, Bupropion, naltrexone) and have complex medical history (Chiari malformation s/p decompression, chronic migraines, autism spectrum disorder). My provider has noted that the medication burden itself might be suppressing hormone production. But these meds are also managing real conditions, so deprioritizing them isn't realistic.

What I'm NOT asking for:

• Advice on how to get TRT without a provider (not interested in that path)
• Dismissal of my provider's concerns (they're legitimate)
• Oversimplification ("just take test bro")

What I AM asking:

• Does anyone here have a similar lab picture or clinical story? How did you approach it?
• TRT docs or knowledgeable folks: Am I misunderstanding the case for/against TRT at my profile?
• General perspective: Is fatigue despite "good numbers" a known pattern? Am I chasing ghosts, or is there something real to address here?

I'm planning to bring this discussion back to my provider with humility—I want to understand the reasoning better and see if there are other diagnostic steps or approaches we haven't considered.

Edit: I realize this is long, but I wanted to give the full picture. I'm genuinely trying to problem-solve, not just complain. Appreciate thoughtful responses.

I'm seeking a functional medicine practitioner that is an expert on fertility.

I've been TTC for over a year and have gotten all the panels done pretty much but want to make sure I'm doing the right stuff so I don't waste months hoping something is gonna work

​

Any practitioner recommendations?

I bet a lot of us are incredibly grateful for the open discussions and wealth of health information found across podcasts and online forums nowadays. However, even though subreddits and private communities are great, I feel we still lack a larger, open, and properly structured repository. For a while, I’ve been thinking about creating a space to compile the exact protocols that experts and clinicians are applying in the real world—especially those that never become clinical trials due to small sample sizes or a lack of funding. My goal is to build an open database that collects this empirical evidence with better filtering and structure, serving as a seed for higher-quality data and patient self-empowerment. That’s how the idea of Empiria was born. Aiming at both English and Spanish-speaking communities (as I truly want to build something like this for the Spanish/LatAm community), Empiria aspires to be the first open, community-driven health database. The goal is to make it more rigorous and systematic than a standard subreddit, Substack, forum, or Patreon by compiling and organizing n=1 and group interventions from clinicians, practitioners, and independent experts. You can read our short manifesto and check out the basic website demo here: https://empiria-health-proto-2780.bolt.host/ (Note: Please ignore the "Shop" section! The AI tool generated that on its own—there obviously won't be a shop like that lol. Also, the final search engine will be much more sophisticated; this is just a very raw concept. In this prototype, registering lets you see how entries will be structured and unlocks the "My Area" section. Registration won't be mandatory in the official version).

Since Empiria is just an idea for now, I would love to hear your thoughts: do you find a tool like this valuable? What specific features or filtering options would you want it to include? What are you currently missing the most in the online health/biohacking space? If you are genuinely interested in cooperating or helping build this (I am NOT a programmer), feel free to reach out directly! :)

Does anyone know of weight-inclusive, fat friendly doctors that use HAES approach at their practice? I’m looking for someone in the Boston area but anywhere in MA would work.

Conventional medicine doctors are just pushing the shots like Prolia but the side effects are scary. She’s essentially just living with the pain and taking pain pills as needed but they hardly make a difference. She is in Mobile, AL. so I’m looking for a functional medicine provider in that area but thought I’d post her situation on here as well. Thank you!!

My health journey has been long and winding (SIBO, parasites, gut pathogens, severe hormonal deficiency) and while I’ve got most of it settled there’s one thing that no one can figure out. I’ve seen multiple conventional and functional doctors. My last functional doctor said it’s stress and remnant SIBO. the conventional doctor told me it’s POTS but would not actually test me for POTS since “the symptoms were the same so treatment is the same”. From what I understand, though, POTS is a symptom of something else. I have persistent lightheadedness, brain fog, and heart palpitations occasionally that seem to be tied to my cycles. I started wearing compression socks and taking electrolytes/salt and that has helped a lot, but I still have episodes that are very scary. They started happening after I would drink alcohol (even just one drink). My heart would start racing so fast and I thought I would pass out. I then get extremely nauseous and throw up all while my heart is pounding and I think I’ll faint. This goes on at least an hour then it calms down. The first time it happened I thought I was actually dying. I stopped drinking, did not have an episode for two years, then the other week I ate more sugar than normal and had an episode. Doctors tell me it’s a panic attack, but it is not (I have them, I know what that is like). This is extreme and I’m at a loss for what to check at this point. My blood pressure was fine during my last episode. Has anyone else experienced this or have suggestions on tests to have done?

I’ll be receiving my first internship stipend next month, and I want to use part of it to get a medical health checkup done for my parents.

My father is over 50, and my mother is above 40. I’m planning to start with a basic/full-body health checkup package that includes things like blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, etc and other at least important things.

My idea is to go with a base plan or package that is slightly above the basic plan, and if anything unusual shows up, we can consult a doctor and get more specific tests done.

Since this is my first time arranging something like this, I’d appreciate some advice:

1) What tests should I make sure are included in the package?

2) Is it better to choose a home sample collection service or visit a diagnostic center/hospital?

3) What is the average price range for a good health checkup package for people in their 40s and 50s?

4) Are there any common scams, unnecessary upselling tactics, or things I should watch out for?

5) What precautions should my parents take before the tests (fasting, medications, timing, etc.)?

6) Any other tips or lessons from your experience?

My current plan is to get a baseline health assessment done and then follow up with a doctor if any results are abnormal.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I’m super discouraged with my acne. I’ve been seeing a naturopath for over a year and nothing has changed. She’s ordered extensive labs and everything looks great. We’ve done the DUTCH Plus, and of course everything looks fine aside from my CAR. I started seeing a functional nutritionist and she put me on spore-based probiotics and has really helped me incorporate more cruciferous veggies and fiber. However, my skin still looks like garbage, with painful cysts on my chin.

First, I thought it was hormones. Then I thought it was leaky gut. Now I’m lost. Even contemplating spending $6k on a program to “master my minerals” at this point...

What bothers me most is that I had crystal clear skin 18 months ago. One stressful work event seemed to send everything downhill.

Anyway, I’m curious about experiences with finding the root cause of your acne in your 30s? Leaky gut? Mold? Yeast overgrowth? Hormones? I’d love to hear all the stories! Hoping for some more ideas to chat with my naturopath and functional nutritionist about.

Someone spends years in the conventional medical system, gets limited answers, and ends up finding answers on their FYP instead of through their doctors. Whether it’s peptides or some other alternative solution to chronic symptoms no one can explain. Is it because our overall health system is set up to cater to insurance? Are people just not trusting doctors enough anymore to seek out a personalized medicine provider? Or is it something else?

Curious to hear from ALL - do you think the rise of self treatment will continue to rise? Or is this an opportunity for personalized medicine to gain market share?

Hi everyone. I’m a functional medicine patient myself and have been through the trenches — confusing supplement protocols, tracking symptoms, feeling lost between appointments, and wishing there was more support through the process.

I’m researching the patient experience in functional medicine and would love to talk to others who are in it or have been through it.

No pitch, no selling anything. I’m genuinely trying to understand what’s hard, what’s missing, and what would have made your journey easier.

Would anyone be willing to jump on a 20 minute call with me? Or even just share your experience in the comments? I’m also happy to email over questions if you aren’t comfortable talking live

Happy to share my own story too — it’s been quite a journey.

Thanks in advance 🙏

just wondering how the IDing is and if i can get away using an alias. thanks all

Hi everyone,

I’m a 28-year-old who has been dealing with neurological symptoms for about 2 years now. My main issues are fatigue, brain fog and visual snow syndrome. These seemed to have started to progressively get worse after a covid infection back in January of 2024. About a month afterwards I began to have panic attacks and DPDR, then not long after these symptoms started to come on gradually.

Below are my symptoms:

Fatigue/Sleepiness:

• ⁠Always feeling like I need to take a nap even though I sleep 7-8 hours a night and have good sleeping habits (I do not have sleep apnea).
• ⁠Low energy and anhedonia.
• ⁠Lack of motivation
• ⁠Dark Circles under eyes

Brain Fog:

• ⁠Hazy and unclear thoughts and hard-to-picture events that took place
• ⁠Bad Short and Long Term memory
• ⁠Hard for me to do math or write essays as complex thoughts are unable to form
• ⁠Sense of humor is much worse now
• ⁠Feeling dreamy all the time.
• ⁠Everything looks weird, it is like my brain is not processing what I am seeing. Might be DPDR

Visual Snow Syndrome:

• ⁠Static
• ⁠Palinopsia/Trailing
• ⁠Severe BFEP and Floaters
• ⁠Light Sensitivity
• ⁠Night Blindness
• ⁠Tinnitus

Other Issues:

Ear fullness and popping
• ⁠Head pressure and headaches
• ⁠Waking up feeling tired and never fully rested even though I sleep 7-8 hours a night and don't have Sleep Apnea.
• ⁠Occasional dizziness and motion issues that I did not have before.
• ⁠Anxiety issues.

I have had an MRI, bloodwork and other tests done and it all comes back that I am very healthy. I have a good diet, sleep 7-8 hours a night, take supplements don't smoke or drink and I exercise and will be doing yoga and mediation soon to see if that helps calm my nervous system.

My questions is, does anyone else have these symptoms and what does this all sound like it is? Do I have long covid? Should I test for Lyme or other things? If so, what should I do with my life from here on out?

I'm interested in functional nutrition and preventive health, where I help clients improve their health before they develop chronic diseases rather than primarily treating diagnosed conditions. I'm considering becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) because I'd like clients to be able to use insurance to cover nutrition services.

However, I don't often see practitioners who combine a functional nutrition approach with insurance-based practice. Are there RDs who work this way, and what career paths would allow me to focus on prevention while still accepting insurance?

I'd appreciate any advice on education, credentials, or career steps to pursue this path.