View source for PANDAS - Female

== What Does It Mean? ==
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks neural tissues following a streptococcal infection. This leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, tics, and mood dysregulation. In females, hormonal fluctuations may further influence the severity and presentation of symptoms. Functional medicine focuses on addressing immune dysfunction, reducing neuroinflammation, and restoring gut-brain balance.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes ===

* Autoimmune Response – Molecular mimicry leads to immune cells attacking neural tissues.
* Chronic Inflammation & Neuroinflammation – Persistent inflammation exacerbates neurological symptoms.
* Gut Dysbiosis – An imbalanced microbiome contributes to immune dysfunction and neurotransmitter imbalances.
* Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction – Increased permeability allows immune complexes to enter the brain, worsening symptoms.
* Post-Infectious Immune Dysregulation – Persistent or recurrent streptococcal infections keep the immune system in an overactive state.
* Hormonal Fluctuations – Estrogen and progesterone levels can modulate immune response, impacting symptom severity in females.

=== Signs & Symptoms ===

* Sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety
* Motor and vocal tics
* Emotional instability, irritability, and mood swings
* Cognitive difficulties, including memory and attention deficits
* Sleep disturbances and fatigue
* Urinary frequency or regression in toileting habits
* Increased severity of symptoms during menstrual cycles

=== Diagnostic Criteria ===
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms.

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach ===
The treatment approach focuses on modulating the immune response, reducing neuroinflammation, restoring gut health, and supporting neurotransmitter function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Advanced Vita-Biotic R
|Provides probiotic strains to restore gut microbiome balance and enhance immune modulation.
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Endura
|Supports hydration and electrolyte balance to aid nervous system regulation.
|1 packet with or without food, three times daily
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Prevents bacterial adhesion and supports immune defense against streptococcal infections.
|1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita Microbe
|Enhances microbial balance to reduce gut-derived immune dysfunction.
|3  capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Reduces oxidative stress and supports immune function.
|¼  scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|Supports neurological and immune resilience through essential micronutrients.
|4 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Candid
|Helps regulate gut microbiota and reduce immune activation from dysbiosis.
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily
|-
|Vita-Digestyzyme
|Aids digestion and nutrient absorption to support neurotransmitter function.
|2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily 
|-
|V-Pax
|Supports mitochondrial energy production and immune resilience.
|2  capsules without food, twice daily 
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Provides methylated B vitamins for neurotransmitter production and immune modulation.
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Magnesium
|Supports neuromuscular relaxation and nervous system function.
|2 capsule with or without food, daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic and neuroinflammation to support cognitive and emotional stability.
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|-
|Vita Defense
|Strengthens immune function to help manage recurrent streptococcal infections.
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Glutathione
|Acts as a master antioxidant to reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
|1 capsule with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Supports immune modulation and hormonal balance, particularly beneficial for females.
|2 capsules with or without food,  daily
|-
|SBI Powder
|Strengthens gut barrier function to prevent immune hyperreactivity.
|1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily 
|-
|Gluta Protect
|Provides antioxidant protection to support immune and nervous system function.
|1 scoop of powder without food,  daily
|-
|V-Collagen
|Supports gut and brain barrier integrity for improved immune resilience.
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Flux
|Enhances circulation and oxygenation to support brain function and recovery.
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes  prior to food, twice  daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Neurological & Cognitive Support – Implement mindfulness techniques, breathwork, and relaxation exercises to regulate stress responses.
* Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Encourage whole foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and gut-healing nutrients while avoiding gluten, dairy, and processed sugars.
* Hydration & Detox Support – Ensure proper hydration and use gentle detoxifiers like glutathione to assist in immune system regulation.
* Hormonal Balance Support – Monitor menstrual cycle-related symptom fluctuations and implement estrogen-modulating interventions.
* Immune System Monitoring – Track strep exposure, manage infections promptly, and maintain good hygiene to prevent reactivation.