Case Study: How Susan overcame eczema, acid reflux, osteopenia, and a weight-loss plateau
This case study highlights Susan’s inspiring health journey—my first-ever functional coaching client. Susan reached out about a year ago, seeking someone to order specific lab tests recommended by a well-known chiropractor after her recent osteopenia diagnosis. She wasn’t looking for a coaching relationship; she simply wanted those labs ordered.
At the time, I was just starting my practice and hadn’t fully established my processes. Still, I saw this as an opportunity to dive in. I agreed to order the labs on one condition: that Susan participate in a formal health interview first. Reluctantly, she agreed.
Understanding Susan's Bigger Picture
“This is the year that everything is falling apart…” Susan shared during our first meeting.
I wanted to uncover why Susan’s bones were weakening, so I asked about her broader health concerns. She was three years into menopause and struggling with multiple issues:
Skin issues: An eczema-like rash around her eyes.
Digestive symptoms: Severe heartburn and gas.
Menopausal symptoms: waking up at night to pee, hot flashes, and PM anxiety.
Weight-loss plateau: A goal to lose 15 pounds but feeling stuck.
This was far from a simple case, but I was eager to help Susan uncover the root causes of her struggles.
Initial Assessment
We proceeded with a conversation about basic metabolic markers. While Susan was sleeping okay, she frequently woke up to use the bathroom and often felt “wired but tired” during the day. Her mood was erratic, with episodes of brain fog, anxiety, and low energy. Despite “eating well,” she skipped meals, restricted calories, and engaged in intense “bootcamp” workouts. She also had cravings for wine and chocolate, which hinted at deeper imbalances.
The First Steps: Functional Blood Testing
I suspected that Susan’s gut and bone health issues were interconnected—poor digestion can deplete the nutrients needed for bone strength. Decreases in hormones during menopause are also linked to decreased bone health. Although skeptical, Susan agreed to work together and ordered a comprehensive blood panel, including lipids, metabolic markers, inflammatory markers, sex hormones, and more. Functional optimal ranges are quite different than conventional normal ranges. While almost zero markers were flagged by the lab save for a low positive ANA, I was able uncover some significant concerns with Susan’s labs.
Findings:
Low androgen levels: DHEA < 50, testosterone < 3, free testosterone 0.4.
Thyroid markers: Free T3 low at 2.2, hinting at subclinical hypothyroidism.
Nutritional deficiencies: Ferritin (34), B12, and vitamin D were below optimal levels.
Immune stress: Positive ANA, elevated eosinophils (5.0), and low white blood cell count.
Additionally, markers like CD-57 and Complement C4 indicated possible mold toxicity. To investigate further, we ordered a Mycotox Profile from Mosaic, which confirmed the presence of mycotoxins.
Creating the Initial Plan
We focused on improving Susan’s metabolic flexibility and sense of wellbeing. Key recommendations included:
Exercise: Swapping intense bootcamps for weight training, walking, yoga.
Nutrition: Prioritizing protein, fiber, and sufficient calories to support recovery.
Spiritual: Exploring the emotional transitions of menopause and an empty nest.
Detoxification: sauna sweat time, hot baths and hot yoga
Supplements recommended included
DHEA
Magnesium Glycinate
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin D
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Sun Chlorella
Susan also hired a mold remediation company to address the contamination in her home.
Progress ChecK: Improvements + Gut Stuff
“I’m feeling so much better,” Susan shared.
Susan’s results were encouraging:
Increased energy and libido.
Rash around her eyes disappeared.
Mold was remediated, with follow-up tests showing no remaining toxicity.
However, persistent gut symptoms and an admission of periodic crash dieting raised new concerns. We discussed how undereating affects digestion and set some nutrition goals. We ordered a GI Map from Diagnostic Solutions to dig deeper.
GI Map Results
The GI Map revealed two significant infections: H. pylori and candida overgrowth, along with signs of low stomach acid and a compromised gut barrier.
Gut Health Plan:
H. pylori: Completed standard antibiotic therapy.
Candida: Two months of rotating herbal antimicrobials (berberine, pau d’arco, grapefruit seed extract) and microbiome support (saccharomyces boulardii, butyrate, and detox support).
Progress Check 2: Post Gut Plan
Susan said “I think back to when I started with you and my mood; I was just so sluggish. It’s really a difference. That rash around my eyes is 98.9% healed. I’ve lost five pounds and I feel like I’m doing it the right way. Those cravings I think I told you about are way down. I can see the difference in my abs.”
She reported that she only felt heartburn occasionally and she could now see a clear pattern of trigger foods. We ran an Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Mosaic to confirm that our microbiome was in good shape and yeast/fungal markers back to normal.
The OAT is a very comprehensive overview of metabolism, providing panels on the above as well as neurotransmitters and mitochondrial markers. Deficiency patterns are common in both of these panels after gut infections and crash dieting. Signs of mitochondrial retraction - aka less mitochondria to make energy for the body - were observed. Susan reported feeling like her mood was “a little down” but better after exercise. So we moved to our final phase of support to boost those systems and support cellular repair.
Final Phase: Repair and Revitalize
To rebuild her energy and mood, we focused on mitochondrial support and cellular repair with targeted supplements like
Tyrosine
Phosphatidylcholine
NAC
Free-form amino acids
Reflecting on Susan’s Success
Susan’s journey highlights the power of curiosity, commitment, and individualized care. By addressing underlying causes and making meaningful lifestyle changes, she transformed not just her health but her outlook on life.
At our last check-in, she said “I only wanted to do the retest so I could see what I already know. I’ve felt the changes physically and mentally. I’ve lost ten pounds. Even my yoga instructor can see the difference in how I carry myself. She said she can tell I’ve let a lot of things go. Even my skin looks better from when we started.”
Despite Susan’s numerous wins, her bone density scans are still not where she’d like them to be. So she was referred to Raena for additional hrt support. I hope to update this case study when she reports back in a few months. .
**Disclaimer:** Ashleigh is not a medical professional, and the information in this case study is not intended as medical advice.