CASE STUDY: Hormones, Skin, Energy & Weight Retention
Do you want to improve your hormone health and experience more vitality in your skin and body?
If so, you'll want to check out one of our latest client case reviews!
After reading through this case study, you'll get a much better idea of how YOU can start healing and get a glimpse into how our process works in helping you find breakthrough.
Let's dive in--
Client background
Hannah, 29 years old
mom of 2, ~8months post partum
history of BC, antidepressants, complex trauma
sleep & energy issues
emotional eating cycle
painful and heavy periods + PMS symptoms
weight retention
Desired goals: lose weight, have more energy, improve skin & gut health
Our process
1) Nourish: we focused on Hannah's foundational health the first 4 weeks together >> addressing nutritional gaps and working on building a healthier relationship with food using biblical direction & healing her mindset around food + setting up better systems at home.
2) Refine: we spent at least 4 weeks working on gentle detoxing and opening her drainage pathways, which would help alleviate the 'congestion' she was experiencing in her body and manifesting as acne breakouts, fatigue, retention...
We also ordered a GI stool test + hormone panel to take a look at some of the potential imbalances in the gut, as well as reassess her hormone levels after her PP testing. In this stage, we also began a gentle, yet targeted healing protocol based off these results--something safe even for breastfeeding.
3) Surrender: after receiving her supplements and resources for implementing her healing protocol, we spent the last several weeks together really shifting our focus from being symptom-focused to being faith-focused. We worked on limiting beliefs (creating a Kingdom mindset for success), fine tuning her self narrative, and processing difficult emotions and trauma attached to her physical experience.
Some of Hannah's biggest breakthrough's came from surrendering her desires to the Lord and acknowledging the authority that God had over her healing.
before: stressed, colorless skin with breakouts
now: more vibrant, clear, and healthy skin!
In the first photo, you can see Hannah's skin was stressed, lacked color (circulation), and was breaking out frequently.
In the second photo, updated after working together, Hannah's skin looks much more vibrant, clear, and healthier.
Lab findings
GI Stool Test
generally low beneficial microbes
slight elevations in opportunistic bacteria: E. Coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and E. Flexneri–may cause GI inflammation, disrupt microbiome balance, and lower immunity (allergies/skin sensitivities)
overabundant species: Bacteroides–causes mucus degradation & inflammation
elevated mucus degradation- indicating potential for leaky gut & GI inflammation–causes nutritional deficiencies, allergies, food sensitivities
good starch digestion, but elevated GI protein breakdown and low short chain fatty acid production-need for more fiber from vegetables and fruits
Hormone Test
estrogen is LOW, leading to fatigue/low energy, irritability, insomnia, headaches
progesterone is ok but Pg/E2 ratio is LOW--indicating estrogen dominance symptoms like PMS, painful periods, cramping, acne breakouts
flattened cortisol pattern–indicating irregular adrenal gland output, distress> low morning cortisol + slight rebound pattern- may cause that morning fatigue, blood sugar imbalances, carb/sugar cravings, anxiety
irregular cortisol output may also indicate DHEAimbalances (adrenal production) and other hormone conversion issues (thyroid)--leading to weight gain and resistance esp around abdomen
erratic cortisol levels point to stress, esp psychological/emotional stress, which increases cortisol for a time until it depletes and the body feels like running off empty >>priority area
Protocol recommendations
Notes: production of prolactin (from breastfeeding) also naturally reduces progesterone & estrogen
-symptoms deriving from mainly a cortisol/adrenal issue >> need for GI & nervous
Nutrition
Foods to reduce/remove (14-21 days): alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, gluten, processed food
*ok to have saturated fats–beneficial for hormone conversion
Focus foods for Estrogen balance: broccoli sprouts, organic red grapes, oranges, organic berries, organic tofu, flaxseeds, legumes, raw carrots, radish, peaches, cherries, dark chocolate, whole grains
Herbs to balance estrogen symptoms: red raspberry leaf, schisandra, curcumin, maca, stinging nettle
Focus foods for Progesterone support: organic bell peppers, oranges, cherries, sweet potatoes, pasture eggs, sardines, other fatty fish (salmon), liver, leafy greens, olive oil, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts
Herbs to support progesterone: maca, chasteberry
Focus foods for Gut health: carrots, organic apples with skin, kiwis with the skin, gelatin, bone broth, sprouted legumes, leeks, onions (test), fermented veggies (sauerkraut), kefir, unripe bananas, dandelion greens, beet greens or beets, artichoke
Herbs to support liver & gut: cilantro, oregano, dandelion, ginger, fennel, marshmallow root, thyme, aloe vera
*Aim to get 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (1-2 servings per meal) to hit fiber needs
*Aim to get 20-30g of protein per meal + 2-3tbsp of healthy fat per meal
Gut Healing Protocol (3 months):
1) NAC [antioxidant & detox support, works to break down bacterial biofilm]
2) Proflora 4R Probiotic [targeted probiotic support with anti-inflammation nutrients]
3) *Perfect Supplements Bovine Gelatin (use KELSEY10 for 10% off) AND/OR L-Glutamine [for leaky gut]
4) *Daily Nutritional Support Shake (recommended to meet nutritional goals, but optional)
Hormone Support (ongoing as needed):
1) *Activated B Complex [for energy metabolism + mood & supports progesterone production]
2) Maca [for nervous system support, regulates cortisol levels, supports endocrine balance]
**consider supplementing or increasing your diet with iodine, zinc, and vitamin D for thyroid health (to support natural weight loss)
>>to purchase these supplements from my Practitioner dispensary, click here.
Lifestyle
Aim to get quality sleep by lowering cortisol levels and sympathetic stimuli in the evening + gentle exercise in the morning to stimulate cortisol production (can gradually increase)
Prioritize whole foods first (work on Fully Nourished habits/preparation)
Nervous system regulation (embracing and releasing emotions, co-regulating with family, somatic practice/EFT tapping, time with God..)
Castor oil packs for detox & cramps (use during luteal phase but not during menstruation) + ginger soaks for cramping/pain/fatigue
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day with electrolytes/sea salt
Mindful eating to support digestion (deep breaths, not eating-on-the-go, sitting down..)
For Topical Skin Support
oil cleansing instead of exfoliants and harsh face cleansers (castor oil, jojoba oil are good options)
aloe vera gel on clean skin every night, let it absorb and leave it overnight
face cleansing only at night, not in the morning to retain moisture and oil/ph balance
use essential oils like tea tree oil for acne breakouts (use a carrier oil like jojoba as mentioned)
Client love + results
After dedicating a few months towards her personalized wellness plan, Hannah has been able to experience an improvement in her energy levels, her skin has turned a new leaf, her weight has gone down, and overall is feeling so much more aligned in her purpose and walk with the Lord.
"This was such a beautiful, encouraging, healing experience and I loved that I got to be in the process with other women. I feel like the healing journey I’m on now is so much more hopeful, and I’ve gained new perspective and appreciation for my body, as well as strengthened my faith by inviting God into my healing process more deeply. I’ve also lost 5 pounds (but I feel so much lighter internally)!" -Hannah
I hope this gives you some hope and encouragement that healing IS possible for you!
When we combine the best elements of functional medicine with biblical truths and Spirit-led coaching, nothing is impossible for us!
If you have any questions about how to begin your healing journey, what labs to run, or how to discern the right program for you, you can email me here at kc@kelseychen.com. I look forward to connecting with you!
To your healing and beyond,
Kelsey
P.S. I have ONE spot open this month for private coaching if you're ready to step it up and get personalized + targeted healing before the year ends. This is high-level coaching & hands on support for ALL of your health and wellness needs--I literally become your go-to person to help you heal + feel confident again. Think this spot is yours? Apply and claim it here.