Trending
A 46-year-old woman achieved complete and sustained migraine remission using a personalized, systems-based naturopathic protocol that addressed hormonal imbalance, gut dysbiosis, and neurological dysregulation.
Migraines are a prevalent and debilitating neurological condition significantly impacting quality of life and healthcare expenditures. In the United States alone, migraines resulted in an estimated annual inpatient healthcare burden of $6.16 billion, underscoring the economic impact and necessity for effective treatment strategies.¹ Conventional treatments frequently offer limited relief and carry potential side effects, highlighting the need for more holistic, sustainable solutions.² This case study explores the efficacy of an integrative naturopathic protocol for chronic migraines, addressing neurological, hormonal, and psychosocial factors.
A 46-year-old female with a 27-year history of chronic migraines experienced migraines 4–5 times weekly, despite pharmacological interventions including CGRP monoclonal antibody injections and serotonin receptor agonists. Contributing factors included poor sleep, hormonal disruption post-hysterectomy, elevated stress, and gastrointestinal dysbiosis.²,³
A personalized, multimodal naturopathic protocol was implemented, including nutritional strategies, botanical medicine, phytohormonal support, adaptogens, magnesium, probiotics, and lifestyle interventions.⁴⁻⁶ Within 6 weeks, migraine frequency reduced to 1–2 per week and eventually resolved. Sleep quality improved and pharmacological treatments were discontinued. Sustained remission was achieved through consistent application of naturopathic principles.
This case highlights the potential of a systems-based naturopathic approach to deliver meaningful outcomes in chronic migraine care and supports broader clinical integration of naturopathic neurology.⁷
Chronic migraines represent a complex neurological condition characterized by significant healthcare utilization and impaired quality of life. Migraine pathophysiology is increasingly understood as an interplay of neurological, hormonal, gastrointestinal, and environmental factors, complicating treatment and necessitating multifaceted interventions.¹⁻³ Despite substantial healthcare spending, estimated at approximately $6.16 billion annually in the United States for inpatient care alone, conventional pharmacological treatments frequently offer limited relief and present notable side effects or financial burdens.¹,²
Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of integrative, naturopathic approaches, which emphasize personalized care targeting root causes of migraine pathology, such as hormonal dysregulation and gut-brain axis disturbances.³,4 Naturopathic medicine, grounded in systems biology and patient-centered strategies, provides a unique, holistic approach that is often underutilized in conventional migraine management but shows significant potential in achieving sustainable symptom resolution.³⁻⁵
This case illustrates the effective resolution of chronic, medication-resistant migraines through a systems-based naturopathic protocol, highlighting the clinical value and reproducibility of integrative naturopathic care in neurological practice.
Patient Profile
A 46-year-old female presented in March 2024 with a 27-year history of migraines, previously managed with a monthly CGRP monoclonal antibody injection (120 mg) and abortive serotonin receptor agonist (100 mg). She reported poor efficacy of these interventions and expressed frustration with side effects and cost. The patient also had a long-standing history of insomnia, endometriosis, and recent onset of postmenopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy in 2021.
Symptoms and Examination
She experienced migraines 4–5 times weekly, often upon waking, with symptoms including aura, photophobia, dizziness, nausea, neck stiffness, and sleep disruption. Triggering factors included cumulative sleep debt, weather changes, and perceived stress. While no physical exam was performed, symptom progression was closely monitored across visits.
Diagnostic Testing
Laboratory testing included a DUTCH Complete hormone panel (April 2024), which revealed postmenopausal levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, with elevated free cortisol and low DHEA. Organic acid analysis showed low glutathione marker (pyroglutamate) and elevated indican, suggesting intestinal dysbiosis. Imaging ruled out structural causes of abdominal pain, such as hernia or kidney stones.
Timeline
Initial visit (March 2024) focused on lifestyle, sleep, and dietary triggers. By Visit 2 (April), DUTCH results guided hormonal support. Visit 3 addressed persistent migraines and hot flashes. Visit 4 targeted new IBS symptoms. By Visit 5 (August), the patient achieved migraine resolution, improved energy, and consistent sleep.
Relevant History and Contributing Factors The patient was monitored across five visits spanning March to August 2024, with progressive improvement in symptoms and adherence to the plan. Relevant contributing factors included:
1. Hormonal Migraine
Supported by symptom onset post-hysterectomy, poor sleep, and hot flashes. Confirmed by low estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels on DUTCH panel.
2. Chronic Migraine Without Aura
Patient reported classic migraine features with and without aura. Chronicity confirmed by duration (>15 days/month for >3 months). Aura was intermittent.
3. Vestibular Migraine
Considered due to dizziness and visual disturbances, but ruled out as symptoms were not strongly linked to positional changes or vertigo-like episodes.
4. Cervicogenic Headache
Considered due to occipital pain and neck stiffness. Ruled out as the primary cause based on patient history and symptom patterns, without physical exam findings to support it.
5. Tension-Type Headache
Ruled out due to presence of photophobia, aura, and moderate to severe pain impacting daily function.
6. Secondary Headache (Structural or Infectious)
Ruled out via lack of red flag symptoms (e.g., fever, sudden onset, neurological deficit).
Treatment Overview
The patient was prescribed a multimodal naturopathic regimen (Figure 2) that included magnesium glycinate (360 mg at bedtime), activated B-complex with L-5-MTHF, Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily), and a multistrain probiotic containing approximately 22 billion CFUs daily at peak dose.⁴⁻⁶ Botanicals included adaptogenic agents such as Rhodiola, Magnolia, and L-theanine to regulate HPA-axis dysregulation.⁵ Topical wild yam cream was used twice daily for hormone support. The dietary plan emphasized protein- and fiber-rich meals, matcha for L-theanine, and probiotic foods such as sauerkraut and kombucha. Sleep and hydration protocols were integrated into the daily plan.
Rationale
Magnesium and B-vitamins were used to support mitochondrial function and neurological stability.²,⁴ Adaptogens were included to moderate cortisol levels and support emotional resilience.⁵ Probiotics and probiotic foods were prescribed to address intestinal dysbiosis.³ Phytohormone support was introduced due to low postmenopausal sex hormones,⁸ while matcha and evening snacks helped regulate energy and sleep-wake cycles.⁹
Adjustments
Supplement protocols were titrated over time based on tolerance and response. Cortisol-regulating botanicals were increased gradually. As symptoms of constipation and IBS emerged, digestive enzymes and probiotic timing were adjusted. Castor oil was added topically for both abdominal pain and muscle tension. The patient independently chose to discontinue pharmaceutical treatments and maintained adherence to the naturopathic protocol throughout the intervention window.
Within six weeks of initiating the naturopathic protocol, the patient experienced approximately a 75% reduction in migraine frequency, decreasing from 4–5 episodes weekly to 1–2 (Figure 1). By the fifth visit, the patient reported complete resolution of migraines (100% reduction in frequency), with no recurrence through follow-up (Figure 3). This resolution coincided with improved sleep quality, reduced stress perception, and better energy regulation. Subjectively, the patient reported feeling “more herself,” noted less puffiness, and required no abortive or prophylactic medications.
Hormonal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats became infrequent and manageable, and sleep maintenance improved significantly with magnesium, dietary adjustments, and evening routine support. The patient also reported improved digestion and resolution of sugar cravings.
While IBS symptoms emerged mid-treatment and required plan adjustments, they were well-managed by the final visit and did not interfere with migraine outcomes. The patient continued to follow her meal plan, probiotic protocol, and adaptogen support consistently through to the final visit.
At the time of the last follow-up in August 2024, the patient had not experienced a migraine in over six weeks and was maintaining her progress without pharmacological support.
This case contributes to the growing literature on naturopathic neurology and the role of integrative care in chronic migraine management. Migraines, particularly in postmenopausal women, often result from complex interactions involving neuroendocrine disruption, stress physiology, and digestive system imbalances.²,³,⁸
Traditional migraine treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief, which may overlook underlying systemic contributors to migraine pathology. In contrast, the naturopathic model emphasizes the resolution of systemic dysfunctions by addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.⁶ The success observed in this case, particularly the medication-free resolution of chronic migraines, reinforces the effectiveness and potential of naturopathic approaches to deliver lasting results where conventional approaches have limited efficacy or tolerance issues.
The utilization of botanical adaptogens to regulate cortisol and stress responses,⁵ mitochondrial nutrients to improve neurological stability,⁴ and probiotics to balance the gut microbiome³ represents an integrative, multifaceted approach well supported by current evidence but remains underutilized in conventional neurological practice. Additionally, dietary changes, particularly the removal of artificial sweeteners, significantly contributed to the patient’s improvement, aligning with research linking dietary triggers to migraine exacerbation.¹⁰
This case study thus provides valuable insight and a replicable model for clinical naturopathic intervention in chronic migraines, highlighting the importance of personalized, systems-based treatment protocols in achieving sustained remission and improving overall patient health.
This case study illustrates how individualized naturopathic care can lead to the resolution of chronic, medication-resistant migraines. By identifying and addressing the underlying neuroendocrine, digestive, and lifestyle contributors, the patient achieved complete and sustained migraine remission. Her outcomes—improved sleep, stabilized hormonal patterns, and reduced stress response—reflect the effectiveness of a systems-based, patient-centered approach. These findings support the increasing clinical relevance of naturopathic physicians in managing chronic neurological conditions and underscore the importance of expanding integrative care models within the broader healthcare landscape.
Moreover, this case contributes to the growing body of clinical knowledge supporting naturopathic neurology and offers a replicable treatment framework for similarly complex presentations. It reinforces the value of multidisciplinary, systems-informed strategies and highlights a need for broader inclusion of naturopathic perspectives in academic research and clinical guideline development.
Dr. Anna Kolomitseva, ND (CT-Licensed) is a naturopathic doctor with over a decade of clinical experience in chronic and complex conditions. She is a 2015 graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the founder of Independently Healthy Wellness & Coaching (IHWC), with locations in Connecticut and Georgia. She received the State of Georgia Power Women Award in 2022 and was named a “Best of Georgia” 2024 winner in both the Specialty Healthcare Providers and Holistic & Naturopathic Practices categories. Dr. Kolomitseva is committed to advancing naturopathic neurology through clinical innovation and scholarly contribution.
A 46-year-old woman achieved complete and sustained migraine remission using a personalized, systems-based naturopathic protocol that addressed hormonal imbalance, gut dysbiosis, and neurological dysregulation.
Migraines are a prevalent and debilitating neurological condition significantly impacting quality of life and healthcare expenditures. In the United States alone, migraines resulted in an estimated annual inpatient healthcare burden of $6.16 billion, underscoring the economic impact and necessity for effective treatment strategies.¹ Conventional treatments frequently offer limited relief and carry potential side effects, highlighting the need for more holistic, sustainable solutions.² This case study explores the efficacy of an integrative naturopathic protocol for chronic migraines, addressing neurological, hormonal, and psychosocial factors.
A 46-year-old female with a 27-year history of chronic migraines experienced migraines 4–5 times weekly, despite pharmacological interventions including CGRP monoclonal antibody injections and serotonin receptor agonists. Contributing factors included poor sleep, hormonal disruption post-hysterectomy, elevated stress, and gastrointestinal dysbiosis.²,³
A personalized, multimodal naturopathic protocol was implemented, including nutritional strategies, botanical medicine, phytohormonal support, adaptogens, magnesium, probiotics, and lifestyle interventions.⁴⁻⁶ Within 6 weeks, migraine frequency reduced to 1–2 per week and eventually resolved. Sleep quality improved and pharmacological treatments were discontinued. Sustained remission was achieved through consistent application of naturopathic principles.
This case highlights the potential of a systems-based naturopathic approach to deliver meaningful outcomes in chronic migraine care and supports broader clinical integration of naturopathic neurology.⁷
Chronic migraines represent a complex neurological condition characterized by significant healthcare utilization and impaired quality of life. Migraine pathophysiology is increasingly understood as an interplay of neurological, hormonal, gastrointestinal, and environmental factors, complicating treatment and necessitating multifaceted interventions.¹⁻³ Despite substantial healthcare spending, estimated at approximately $6.16 billion annually in the United States for inpatient care alone, conventional pharmacological treatments frequently offer limited relief and present notable side effects or financial burdens.¹,²
Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of integrative, naturopathic approaches, which emphasize personalized care targeting root causes of migraine pathology, such as hormonal dysregulation and gut-brain axis disturbances.³,4 Naturopathic medicine, grounded in systems biology and patient-centered strategies, provides a unique, holistic approach that is often underutilized in conventional migraine management but shows significant potential in achieving sustainable symptom resolution.³⁻⁵
This case illustrates the effective resolution of chronic, medication-resistant migraines through a systems-based naturopathic protocol, highlighting the clinical value and reproducibility of integrative naturopathic care in neurological practice.
Patient Profile
A 46-year-old female presented in March 2024 with a 27-year history of migraines, previously managed with a monthly CGRP monoclonal antibody injection (120 mg) and abortive serotonin receptor agonist (100 mg). She reported poor efficacy of these interventions and expressed frustration with side effects and cost. The patient also had a long-standing history of insomnia, endometriosis, and recent onset of postmenopausal symptoms following a hysterectomy in 2021.
Symptoms and Examination
She experienced migraines 4–5 times weekly, often upon waking, with symptoms including aura, photophobia, dizziness, nausea, neck stiffness, and sleep disruption. Triggering factors included cumulative sleep debt, weather changes, and perceived stress. While no physical exam was performed, symptom progression was closely monitored across visits.
Diagnostic Testing
Laboratory testing included a DUTCH Complete hormone panel (April 2024), which revealed postmenopausal levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, with elevated free cortisol and low DHEA. Organic acid analysis showed low glutathione marker (pyroglutamate) and elevated indican, suggesting intestinal dysbiosis. Imaging ruled out structural causes of abdominal pain, such as hernia or kidney stones.
Timeline
Initial visit (March 2024) focused on lifestyle, sleep, and dietary triggers. By Visit 2 (April), DUTCH results guided hormonal support. Visit 3 addressed persistent migraines and hot flashes. Visit 4 targeted new IBS symptoms. By Visit 5 (August), the patient achieved migraine resolution, improved energy, and consistent sleep.
Relevant History and Contributing Factors The patient was monitored across five visits spanning March to August 2024, with progressive improvement in symptoms and adherence to the plan. Relevant contributing factors included:
1. Hormonal Migraine
Supported by symptom onset post-hysterectomy, poor sleep, and hot flashes. Confirmed by low estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels on DUTCH panel.
2. Chronic Migraine Without Aura
Patient reported classic migraine features with and without aura. Chronicity confirmed by duration (>15 days/month for >3 months). Aura was intermittent.
3. Vestibular Migraine
Considered due to dizziness and visual disturbances, but ruled out as symptoms were not strongly linked to positional changes or vertigo-like episodes.
4. Cervicogenic Headache
Considered due to occipital pain and neck stiffness. Ruled out as the primary cause based on patient history and symptom patterns, without physical exam findings to support it.
5. Tension-Type Headache
Ruled out due to presence of photophobia, aura, and moderate to severe pain impacting daily function.
6. Secondary Headache (Structural or Infectious)
Ruled out via lack of red flag symptoms (e.g., fever, sudden onset, neurological deficit).
Treatment Overview
The patient was prescribed a multimodal naturopathic regimen (Figure 2) that included magnesium glycinate (360 mg at bedtime), activated B-complex with L-5-MTHF, Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily), and a multistrain probiotic containing approximately 22 billion CFUs daily at peak dose.⁴⁻⁶ Botanicals included adaptogenic agents such as Rhodiola, Magnolia, and L-theanine to regulate HPA-axis dysregulation.⁵ Topical wild yam cream was used twice daily for hormone support. The dietary plan emphasized protein- and fiber-rich meals, matcha for L-theanine, and probiotic foods such as sauerkraut and kombucha. Sleep and hydration protocols were integrated into the daily plan.
Rationale
Magnesium and B-vitamins were used to support mitochondrial function and neurological stability.²,⁴ Adaptogens were included to moderate cortisol levels and support emotional resilience.⁵ Probiotics and probiotic foods were prescribed to address intestinal dysbiosis.³ Phytohormone support was introduced due to low postmenopausal sex hormones,⁸ while matcha and evening snacks helped regulate energy and sleep-wake cycles.⁹
Adjustments
Supplement protocols were titrated over time based on tolerance and response. Cortisol-regulating botanicals were increased gradually. As symptoms of constipation and IBS emerged, digestive enzymes and probiotic timing were adjusted. Castor oil was added topically for both abdominal pain and muscle tension. The patient independently chose to discontinue pharmaceutical treatments and maintained adherence to the naturopathic protocol throughout the intervention window.
Within six weeks of initiating the naturopathic protocol, the patient experienced approximately a 75% reduction in migraine frequency, decreasing from 4–5 episodes weekly to 1–2 (Figure 1). By the fifth visit, the patient reported complete resolution of migraines (100% reduction in frequency), with no recurrence through follow-up (Figure 3). This resolution coincided with improved sleep quality, reduced stress perception, and better energy regulation. Subjectively, the patient reported feeling “more herself,” noted less puffiness, and required no abortive or prophylactic medications.
Hormonal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats became infrequent and manageable, and sleep maintenance improved significantly with magnesium, dietary adjustments, and evening routine support. The patient also reported improved digestion and resolution of sugar cravings.
While IBS symptoms emerged mid-treatment and required plan adjustments, they were well-managed by the final visit and did not interfere with migraine outcomes. The patient continued to follow her meal plan, probiotic protocol, and adaptogen support consistently through to the final visit.
At the time of the last follow-up in August 2024, the patient had not experienced a migraine in over six weeks and was maintaining her progress without pharmacological support.
This case contributes to the growing literature on naturopathic neurology and the role of integrative care in chronic migraine management. Migraines, particularly in postmenopausal women, often result from complex interactions involving neuroendocrine disruption, stress physiology, and digestive system imbalances.²,³,⁸
Traditional migraine treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief, which may overlook underlying systemic contributors to migraine pathology. In contrast, the naturopathic model emphasizes the resolution of systemic dysfunctions by addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.⁶ The success observed in this case, particularly the medication-free resolution of chronic migraines, reinforces the effectiveness and potential of naturopathic approaches to deliver lasting results where conventional approaches have limited efficacy or tolerance issues.
The utilization of botanical adaptogens to regulate cortisol and stress responses,⁵ mitochondrial nutrients to improve neurological stability,⁴ and probiotics to balance the gut microbiome³ represents an integrative, multifaceted approach well supported by current evidence but remains underutilized in conventional neurological practice. Additionally, dietary changes, particularly the removal of artificial sweeteners, significantly contributed to the patient’s improvement, aligning with research linking dietary triggers to migraine exacerbation.¹⁰
This case study thus provides valuable insight and a replicable model for clinical naturopathic intervention in chronic migraines, highlighting the importance of personalized, systems-based treatment protocols in achieving sustained remission and improving overall patient health.
This case study illustrates how individualized naturopathic care can lead to the resolution of chronic, medication-resistant migraines. By identifying and addressing the underlying neuroendocrine, digestive, and lifestyle contributors, the patient achieved complete and sustained migraine remission. Her outcomes—improved sleep, stabilized hormonal patterns, and reduced stress response—reflect the effectiveness of a systems-based, patient-centered approach. These findings support the increasing clinical relevance of naturopathic physicians in managing chronic neurological conditions and underscore the importance of expanding integrative care models within the broader healthcare landscape.
Moreover, this case contributes to the growing body of clinical knowledge supporting naturopathic neurology and offers a replicable treatment framework for similarly complex presentations. It reinforces the value of multidisciplinary, systems-informed strategies and highlights a need for broader inclusion of naturopathic perspectives in academic research and clinical guideline development.
Dr. Anna Kolomitseva, ND (CT-Licensed) is a naturopathic doctor with over a decade of clinical experience in chronic and complex conditions. She is a 2015 graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and the founder of Independently Healthy Wellness & Coaching (IHWC), with locations in Connecticut and Georgia. She received the State of Georgia Power Women Award in 2022 and was named a “Best of Georgia” 2024 winner in both the Specialty Healthcare Providers and Holistic & Naturopathic Practices categories. Dr. Kolomitseva is committed to advancing naturopathic neurology through clinical innovation and scholarly contribution.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution
Copyright BlazeThemes. 2023
