M10: Integrative Approaches to Systemic Conditions: Functional Medicine Testing

Welcome to module 10 focused on integrative approaches to systemic conditions: functional medicine testing!

How to Interpret a Thyroid Panel

This session reviews the role of thyroid testing in dermatology. Thyroid and sex hormones will be discussed along with how to identify subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role thyroid hormone plays in overall health including skin health
• Describe the associations between thyroid hormone and sex hormones
• Recognize the testing patterns that help identify subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism

Functional Medicine Testing: Sex Hormones

Sex hormones can have an impact on several dermatological conditions, therefore it is important to understand how to utilize functional medicine testing, including the advantages and limitations of serum, saliva, and urine testing to assess sex hormones.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Role and Impact of Sex Hormones in Dermatological Health: Review how sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) influence skin health
• Integrate Hormone Testing Insights into Patient Care: Apply insights from functional medicine hormone testing in clinical practice in the context of individual patient presentations and personalized treatment plans
• Explore Functional Medicine Approaches to Hormone Testing: Learn about the various methods and timing of functional medicine testing for sex hormones, including the advantages and limitations of serum, saliva, and urine testing

Functional Medicine Testing: Adrenal

In this session, we will review the HPA axis and it's role in dermatological conditions. How to evaluate adrenal health function using functional testing methods will be discussed.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Comprehend HPA Axis Dysfunction and Its Dermatological Implications: Recognize the signs and implications of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and understand how it can influence various skin conditions
• Evaluate Adrenal Function Using Functional Medicine Tests: Gain basic proficiency in interpreting test results to assess HPA Dysfunction, appreciating their accuracy and application in integrative dermatology
• Integrate Adrenal Health Insights into Dermatological Care: Apply knowledge of adrenal function and testing methods to enhance patient care in integrative dermatology, developing more comprehensive treatment strategies that address both hormonal and skin health aspects

DUTCH Testing and Hormonal Health: A Case Based Approach for Managing Acne in Women

This session will delve into the intricacies of DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) testing, providing a deep dive into how to interpret the DUTCH test and the certain markers that are indicative in the pathogenesis of acne. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of how this testing method can inform treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key hormones involved in women's health and their role in acne development
• Review the principles, methodology, and efficacy of DUTCH testing in the context of hormonal health
• Analyze DUTCH test results using case examples to diagnose hormonal imbalances that may contribute to acne in women

Functional Medicine Testing: Stool Tests and OATs

While dermatological diseases such as eczema have complicated pathologies, there is abundant evidence that part of the underlying root cause of these conditions is connected to gut microbiome dysfunction. This course presents the latest published research on the gut/skin connection including commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, fungal organisms, and intestinal hyperpermeability. It will also review how to use functional medicine tests, like stool tests and organic acid tests, to determine and treat the root cause of dermatological disease.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• List the basic components of a stool test and recognize which specific bacterial strains, markers, and patterns are most helpful for analyzing dermatological problems
• List the basic components of an organic acid test and recognize which specific markers and patterns are most helpful for analyzing dermatological problems
• Summarize research on the changes in the gut microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis compared to healthy controls
• Analyze research on how gut dysbiosis contributes to the pathophysiology of skin diseases

Integrative Approach to Rosacea Treatment: GI Mapping and Laser Management

This lesson will review the importance of intestinal health (dysbiosis/ SIBO), GI mapping study and its relationship with rosacea. A new approach for the treatment of rosacea in combination with Laser protocols will be discussed.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recall the importance of the relationship of intestinal health/SIBO/dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of rosacea
• Analyze how to interpret GI map results and its relationship with rosacea
• Identify the different approaches to treat rosacea successfully
• Develop the best nutritional approach for rosacea patients
• Describe laser protocols for rosacea treatment

Gut Microbiome Testing and Cases: 16s, qPCR, and WholeGenome Sequencing

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Understand the science behind gut microbiome testing
• Compare and contrast each type of microbiome testing technology including, 16s, qPCR, and whole-genome sequencing.
• Review the literature on prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics and evaluate their use for dermatological conditions.

Functional Medicine Testing in Dermatology

With the growth of functional and microbiome based testing, there is growing interest in the use of functional tests. This lecture set will explore the use functional tests to assess for hormones, metabolic health, mitochondrial health, and gut health.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the metabolic pathways involved in mitochondrial health and how to identify mitochondrial function in organic acid testing
• Describe the use of hormone and stress testing
• Discuss the use of microbiome and permeability based testing to assess gut health

A Naturopathic Approach to Common Dermatological Manifestations of Gut Microbiome Imbalances

Naturopathic medicine offers an integrative approach to dermatology by addressing the underlying causes of skin conditions, including the critical connection between gut health and dermatological manifestations. This session will explore the integration of naturopathic principles into dermatologic care, emphasizing the pathophysiological links between gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions. Participants will learn to recognize key dermatologic signs of underlying GI dysfunction, interpret gut microbiome test results, and apply evidence-based integrative strategies—including dietary modifications, probiotics, and herbal therapeutics—to optimize both gut and skin health.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review what Naturopathic Medicine is and how it can be applied to the practice of Dermatology
• Recognize the pathophysiological connectional between gastrointestinal conditions and dermatological manifestations
• Identify various dermatological presentations that may indicate underlying GI disorders such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, H. pylori and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Gain proficiency in evaluating gut microbiome test results to inform treatment decisions
• Explore evidence-based integrative approaches to support both GI and skin health, including dietary modifications, probiotics, and herbal therapeutics

Mycotoxins & Mold Testing

This session explores the role of mycotoxins in dermatological conditions. Participants will gain insights into how exposure to these toxic fungal metabolites can influence skin health, contribute to various skin disorders, and complicate treatment strategies. The session will cover common sources of mycotoxins, their mechanisms of action, and approaches for diagnosis and management in dermatology patients. 

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Define the sources and effects of mold and mold toxins on inflammation
• Discuss clinical signs and symptoms of mold exposure
• Evaluate the use of mold testing to assess for mold exposure

Food Allergy Testing and Heavy Metal Testing

This course reviews the background behind food allergy, heavy metal, organic acid, and cortisol testing. Evaluation of their practical use when treating dermatological conditions will be discussed.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review food allergy testing and its clinical relevance in dermatological conditions.
• Summarize the use of heavy metal testing for dermatological conditions, the prevalence of heavy metals in skincare products, and the use of chelation therapy.
• Review the background and markers involved in organic acid and salivary cortisol testing.

Functional Medicine Approach to Dermatology

This session explores the pathophysiology underlying common dermatologic conditions through a functional medicine lens. The session will also review key functional tests that can be used to assess underlying systemic contributors to dermatologic conditions and develop individualized treatment protocols.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine the holistic pathophysiology of dermatology
• Review functional tests that can be utilized in assessments
• Interpret functional testing to assist in treatment protocol development