Symptoms of Pyroluria

Do You Recognize Colleen’s Symptoms?

Colleen came to see me because she was interested in losing weight in a healthful way. She had read a lot about functional medicine and really liked the comprehensive root cause approach. Nearing 50 she wanted a reset in her life. The past 5 years or so had been very difficult and stressful for her. One of her multiple stressors was her difficulty finding a satisfying job even though she was an accountant. She experienced depressive symptoms and mood swing although that was not her main concern.

What stood out about Colleen was how unpleasant she was. She was especially abrupt and sharp with our staff. When she spoke to me she was deferential and very appropriate, however, her level of anxiety and irritability was easy to see. If she took a phone call her angry tone and contempt were clearly evident. Worst of all Colleen did not seem to notice this or acknowledge it when gently asked about it.

After an extensive gathering of her medical history, family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures history we obtained bloodwork. I almost always request a kryptopyrrole urine test in new clients with any mood or anxiety symptoms as well.

When we got the results back we knew how to help her! Her Kryptopyrroles were quite elevated. Her plasma zinc was low as well. I recommended zinc, vitamin B6 as well as some other supplements for her as the first step for her. In her next appointment 3 weeks later, Colleen’s ‘difficult personality’ wasn’t present. She reported her roommate commented that she seemed happier. She reported she felt much calmer internally and she was much nicer to my staff.

Do you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one? It may be Pyroluria.