When you’re dealing with multiple ongoing symptoms, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s helping—and what’s not. That’s why we ask our patients to keep a symptom and treatment timeline.
This tool is one of the most powerful ways to figure out which treatments are truly moving the needle, and which ones may not be worth continuing.
Why Tracking Matters
Every time we add a medication, supplement, or therapy, we want to know two things:
- Is it tolerated? (Can you take it comfortably, and at what dose?)
- Is it beneficial? (Do your symptoms improve, and in what way?)
Without tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of patterns. With tracking, we can make smarter, faster treatment decisions—together.
How to Create Your Timeline
1. Choose your top symptoms.
Pick 3–5 of the symptoms that impact you the most. These will be your anchors for tracking.
2. Use a calendar or app.
Write down your symptoms alongside any treatment changes. A simple paper calendar works, or you can use a digital option if you prefer.
3. Rate symptoms with numbers.
Use a 0–10 scale to rate intensity (0 = no symptoms, 10 = worst imaginable). You don’t have to log every single day—just make sure to capture days when things noticeably change.
4. Add treatment notes.
On the same calendar, jot down when you start, stop, or adjust a medication, supplement, or therapy. This lets us line up changes in symptoms with changes in treatment.
5. Include lifestyle shifts.
Big changes in diet, exercise, sleep, stress, or environment can all influence symptoms. Note those as well.
6. Update regularly.
Once a week or once a month, pull your notes into a simple timeline. This doesn’t have to be fancy—just clear enough to see patterns over time.
7. Bring it to your appointments.
Having your calendar or timeline on hand allows us to review it together and fine-tune your treatment plan.
The Bigger Picture
Labs and test results are valuable, but the most important data comes from your lived experience—how you feel, day to day, on the treatments we try.
By keeping a clear record of your symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle factors, you give us the roadmap we need to find a plan that is both well-tolerated and truly effective.
✨ Think of your timeline as your personal health journal—it’s the key that helps us unlock what’s working for you.