From Exhausted, Gaining Weight, and Sleep-Disturbed by Hot Flushes: A Transformation to Energised, Thriving, and Reduced Inflammation
TL;DR
This case study shares how a client in her 50s went from frustrated and burnt out to energised and thriving by uncovering the root cause of her symptoms — hidden thyroid autoimmunity missed by standard blood tests. Through targeted nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and naturopathic support, she regained energy, reduced hot flushes, and finally started feeling like herself again.
When "Doing Everything Right" Still Doesn’t Work
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking,
"I’m eating healthy and exercising regularly… but I’m still exhausted, gaining weight, and nothing changes" — you’re not alone.
That’s exactly how my client felt when she first came to see me. She was at her wits’ end, doing all the “right” things yet seeing no results.
She was:
Sleeping up to 10 hours yet still waking up exhausted
Experiencing daily hot flushes that disrupted her sleep
Gaining weight despite regular exercise and balanced meals
Struggling with overwhelming tiredness that would hit like a wall mid-day
Dealing with bloating, sugar cravings, and frustrating hip pain
Managing chronic stress and drinking most nights to unwind
On paper, her routine looked healthy. But her body was telling a different story.
The Missing Clues Conventional Testing Missed
Her initial blood work showed a “normal” thyroid reading (TSH 2.5) — which most doctors wouldn’t flag. But according to emerging research, TSH above 2.5 can signal early thyroid dysfunction, particularly when symptoms are present.
We dug deeper with additional thyroid antibody testing — something that’s rarely ordered unless you know to ask for it.
The results?
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOabs) >1300 (extremely elevated)
Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (aTGII) were significantly elevated
This pointed clearly to potential Hashimoto’s thyroiditis developing in the background — an autoimmune process that can drive inflammation, weight changes, fatigue, and hormone imbalance long before conventional tests show anything “wrong.”
Other markers that arose were elevated cholesterol, elevated fasting insulin, and increased waist circumference — clear signs of metabolic dysfunction driving her symptoms. This combination of thyroid autoimmunity and poor metabolic health was keeping her body in a state of inflammation, making weight loss and energy restoration nearly impossible.
The Naturopathic Approach: Addressing the Root Cause
We focused on supporting her body from multiple angles:
1. Nutrition for Thyroid & Hormonal Balance
Adequate protein and fibre daily for stable blood sugar and hormone support
Gluten-free to reduce inflammation associated with elevated antibodies (GF diet immediately eliminated her hip pain)
Added antioxidant-rich foods, SMASH fish, brazil nuts, pepitas, and bone broth
Increased hydration with filtered water, reducing fluoride exposure
2. Lifestyle Shifts
Strength training for metabolism and bone health
Mind-body practices: relaxation, nature walks, deep breathing
Reduced alcohol — from nightly to occasional social drinking
3. Targeted Supplementation
B vitamins, magnesium, trace minerals
Myo-inositol and antioxidants for insulin sensitivity
Herbal medicine for hot flushes and sleep support
The Results
After just a few months, her results spoke for themselves:
Energy increased to 8/10
Lost 3kg with ease after years of struggling to shift weight
Hot flushes reduced in severity and frequency
Better sleep, no more overwhelming daytime crashes
Noticeable reduction in hip pain and fluid retention
Felt empowered and healthier with achievable nutrition strategies
Inflammation lowered, creating a foundation for long-term wellness
Why This Matters
This case highlights why “normal” test results don’t always mean there’s nothing wrong. A naturopathic perspective can help identify hidden imbalances — allowing us to act before disease arises.
For anyone experiencing fatigue, weight gain, hot flushes, or stubborn symptoms despite a healthy lifestyle, it’s worth looking deeper at thyroid function, autoimmunity, and inflammation.
Related Resources:
Ready to Get to the Root Cause of Your Symptoms?
If you’ve been told “everything is normal” but you know something isn’t right, let’s work together to uncover the real drivers of your symptoms.
I offer personalised, evidence-informed naturopathic support to help you feel energised, balanced, and in control of your health.
You deserve more than “everything looks fine.” Let’s find what’s really going on and start healing from within.
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Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting new treatments or supplements.
This case study is based on one individual’s personal health journey under my clinical guidance and is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Outcomes may vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed. Naturopathic care is highly individualised and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Your health concerns deserve a personalised assessment and tailored plan that considers your unique needs, history, and goals.
