Case 1
Chronic depression and anxiety
Traditional medical approach
An adult woman with chronic depression and anxiety for 8 years had seen a variety of primary doctors and psychiatrists. Standard blood tests and a depression screening showed no pathology. Treatment included Zoloft 200 mg daily for 2 years, fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 3 years, Wellbutrin 100 mg three times daily for 3 years, Lexapro 20 mg daily for one year, and 12 hours of psychotherapy.
The result was poor and not satisfactory.
Functional medicine approach
After an extensive medical history, Dr. Mitra ordered an advanced food sensitivity test and a comprehensive blood panel to identify nutritional deficiencies. The results showed a strong sensitivity to oats and gluten and marked deficiencies in vitamin B1 and magnesium.
She eliminated gluten and oats and was given essential nutraceutical support to help her body build its own natural “happy” hormones.
After 3 weeks she was free of symptoms and remained that way for the next 3 years.
Case 2
Erectile dysfunction, low libido and anxiety
Traditional medical approach
A 38-year-old man had experienced erectile dysfunction, no desire for sexual activity and occasional panic attacks for 2 years. He had consulted 3 physicians. Standard blood work showed low testosterone with other markers normal. Treatment was weekly testosterone injections (200 mg) and Xanax 0.5 mg three times daily.
The results were poor.
Functional medicine approach
After an extensive health history and lifestyle review, Dr. Mitra ordered a comprehensive hormone panel along with food intolerance and sensitivity testing.
He followed a 2-week detox and was given Healthy Man Libido, Healthy Vitamin D3+K and Healthy Gut Probiotic.
After one month he felt normal again, with no signs of anxiety or erectile dysfunction.
Case 3
Erectile dysfunction and low libido
Traditional medical approach
A 74-year-old man with erectile dysfunction, low libido, low energy and poor cognition had seen several physicians who performed no medical testing. Treatment was Viagra and an antidepressant.
The results were not satisfactory.
Functional medicine approach
After a comprehensive medical history and lifestyle assessment, Dr. Mitra ordered a complete men’s hormone panel. It showed high estradiol and low testosterone.
A tailored lifestyle plan and nutraceutical support addressed his deficiencies, helping him produce healthier testosterone levels and bring estradiol back to normal.
He became symptom free and lost 12 pounds in 2 months.
Case 4
Menopausal syndrome
Traditional medical approach
A 56-year-old woman had hot flashes, especially at night, insomnia, weight gain over 3 years, joint pain and forgetfulness. She had seen one physician, who performed no testing. Treatment was a prescription for Estrace.
Results were reasonable, but she was concerned about the drug’s potential side effects.
Functional medicine approach
After an extensive history and review of her medical records, Dr. Mitra ordered a women’s hormone panel. The results showed a significant imbalance, with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone, which was the main driver of her weight gain, insomnia and other symptoms.
After a proper balance of estrogen and progesterone was prescribed, she became symptom free, with more energy, and lost 46 pounds in 7 months.
Case 5
Hypertension
Traditional medical approach
A 64-year-old woman had high blood pressure for over 6 months. Her primary doctor performed a basic blood test. Treatment was Captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
The result was a temporary fix.
Functional medicine approach
After an extensive health assessment, Dr. Mitra ordered a heavy metal test. It found cadmium and a high level of mercury, which were contributing to her high blood pressure. A comprehensive blood panel also showed vitamin D and B12 deficiencies.
After 6 weeks her blood pressure stabilized and stayed that way for the next three years.
As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Mitra knows that different people can have different causes for the same condition. Everyone is different, which is why each plan starts with a comprehensive look at how your body is functioning. Unlike conventional testing that looks for end-stage disease, functional testing can help identify unusual physiological processes before a condition becomes symptomatic.
These case studies are de-identified and shared for education. They describe individual experiences, and results vary. They are not medical advice, and no one should start or stop any medication without talking to their own licensed provider.
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