Depression
BACKGROUND
Millie, a 49 year old attorney, complained of depression and fatigue. She states that she had been managing this way for three years but now things were getting worse and she was losing her ability to perform her job. When questioned about her past Millie stated that she was always a happy kid, outgoing and energetic. As a straight-A student in college she began to notice that she lacked the energy she once had and that it was more difficult to study. She also began experiencing digestive and menstrual irregularities a few years later. At age 45 she had a hysterectomy because of increased pain with her period and hot flashes. She was since prescribed hormone replacements. It was also recommended that she begin thyroid medication based on her symptoms of fatigue. Millie has resisted this since her thyroid numbers are still within the normal limits on the blood test.
LIFESTYLE
Millie ate a good diet except for some sugary snacks in the evening. She often brought food from home that included a fresh fruit, salad or vegetable. She drank coffee in the morning to help her get going. The rest of the day she drank water. Millie exercised regularly on her treadmill (three times a week) and was active in her community and professional association.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Afternoon headaches once or twice a month, occasional calf pain and leg cramps at night; hard to get out of bed in the morning; steady weight gain of five pounds a year for the last five years.
FINDINGS
Nutritional deficiencies associated with hormonal imbalances, structural misalignments, meridian imbalances.
TREATMENT
Structural: Spinal and cranial adjustments.
Chemical: 5-HTP, Calcium and Magnesium Citrate, Black currant seed oil, herbs to aid in liver detoxification, glandular products for the liver and the adrenal glands.
Lifestyle: Switched exclusively to aerobic exercise to promote a fat-burning metabolism and reduce the overall stress on the adrenal gland tissues. Diet changes to increase lean protein at every meal and to decrease refined sugars.
RESULTS
After three weeks Millie began to notice a great change for the better. She stated, “I can’t remember the last time I felt this good.” Millie was seen regularly (one to two times a month) for the next six months. All of her other symptoms were eliminated. She never needed to go on the thyroid medication.
COMMENTS
The patterns seen in Millie are typical of self-induced nutritional depletion over time. The hormonal system is dependent upon adequate numbers of good nutrients in order for proper production and utilization. The great demands Millie placed upon herself both internally and externally, used up much of her nutritional reserves at the cost of her hormonal system. When the hormonal system is negatively affected, any of a hundred symptoms are possible including depression and fatigue. Replenishing her system over time and allowing the body to rest and heal itself worked very well in this and most cases.
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