Root Cause Hypothyroidism Care
Functional Medicine for Hypothyroidism: Treating More Than a TSH Number
An underactive thyroid affects nearly every system in the body, yet many patients are told their levothyroxine dose is correct while symptoms persist. Functional medicine for hypothyroidism looks at why the thyroid is underperforming, not just whether medication normalizes one lab value. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Why Symptoms Persist on Medication
Hypothyroidism Treatment That Looks Past the Prescription
Levothyroxine raises T4, but it does not guarantee your body converts it efficiently into active T3, and it does nothing for the antibodies driving autoimmune thyroid disease in most cases. Functional medicine for hypothyroidism evaluates the full thyroid cascade alongside genetic testing for conversion pathways. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Complete thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO/thyroglobulin antibodies, Selenium, Copper and Iodine
- Genetic testing for T4-to-T3 conversion and methylation pathway function
- Genetic evaluation of iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D status, all required for healthy thyroid function
- Personalized protocol addressing thyroid, gut, and adrenal function together
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for Hypothyroidism Is for Patients Whose Treatment Isn't Fully Working
On Medication but Still Exhausted
Levothyroxine can normalize TSH without resolving fatigue if T4-to-T3 conversion is impaired or antibodies remain elevated.
Weight Gain That Won't Respond to Diet or Exercise
An underactive thyroid slows metabolic rate at the cellular level, a pattern medication alone does not always fully correct.
Constipation, Dry Skin, or Hair Loss
These common hypothyroid symptoms often persist even when TSH looks controlled on paper.
Depression or Low Mood That Started With Thyroid Symptoms
Thyroid hormone directly affects neurotransmitter function. Mood changes are a physiological symptom, not a separate issue.
Diagnosed With Hashimoto's
The majority of hypothyroidism in the US is autoimmune. See our dedicated Hashimoto's page for the autoimmune-specific approach.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Care
We offer complete virtual hypothyroidism care for patients anywhere in Michigan, with labs coordinated locally and consultations via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine for Hypothyroidism at Monarch FM
Effective hypothyroidism treatment requires knowing why the thyroid is underactive, whether the cause is autoimmune, nutrient-related, or a conversion problem, and addressing that cause directly rather than only replacing the hormone.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Thyroid and Genetic Evaluation
We test the full thyroid cascade and add genetic testing for conversion and methylation variants that determine how effectively your body uses thyroid hormone.
Identifying the Underlying Driver
Julie McDonald determines whether your hypothyroidism is autoimmune in origin, related to broader immune dysfunction, or driven by nutrient deficiency, since each requires a different protocol.
Personalized Thyroid Support Protocol
Your protocol may include targeted nutrient repletion, gut support, and lifestyle adjustments alongside your prescribed medication, built around your specific labs and genetics.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
We retest thyroid markers at key milestones and track InBody 570 body composition changes, adjusting your protocol as your thyroid function improves.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Hypothyroidism Is Manageable Beyond a Prescription.
Many patients on thyroid medication still feel far from well. Functional medicine for hypothyroidism looks at the whole picture. Related pages include our thyroid treatment overview, Hashimoto’s, autoimmune conditions, and low energy in men.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce or deliver enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs, slowing metabolism and affecting energy, weight, mood, digestion, and skin and hair health. In the United States, most cases are caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition. At Monarch Functional Medicine, evaluation includes a full thyroid panel and genetic testing, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Is hypothyroidism the same as Hashimoto's?
Not always, but frequently. Hypothyroidism is the broad term for an underactive thyroid, while Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the specific autoimmune condition responsible for most hypothyroid cases in the US. Antibody testing is the only way to confirm whether autoimmunity is the underlying cause, which changes the treatment approach.
Why do I still have symptoms if my levothyroxine dose is correct?
Levothyroxine supplies T4, but your body must convert T4 into active T3 to use it. Genetic variants, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction, and elevated Reverse T3 can all impair this conversion, leaving you symptomatic even with a ‘normal’ TSH. Functional medicine testing evaluates these additional factors directly.
Can I be treated for hypothyroidism virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine provides complete virtual hypothyroidism care in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated near you, and all consultations and protocol adjustments are conducted via telehealth.
How long does functional treatment for hypothyroidism take?
Most patients notice improved energy and mental clarity within 4 to 8 weeks of starting a personalized protocol. Changes in weight, hair, and skin symptoms typically follow more gradually over the course of the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Do I need a referral?
No. Monarch Functional Medicine is a direct-access practice, and you can book a free 15-minute strategy call without a referral. Many patients continue working with their prescribing physician alongside our program.
What does treatment cost?
Hypothyroidism evaluation and treatment begins through the 12-Week Energy, Hormone and Metabolism Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), priced at $849 paid in full or three payments of $297, plus lab testing as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat hypothyroidism?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience, including thyroid-focused functional medicine care. Learn more on the About Us page.
Patient Results
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The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
Your Dose Might Be Correct. Your Treatment Might Still Be Incomplete.
Functional medicine for hypothyroidism at Monarch FM looks beyond medication to the full thyroid cascade and its underlying cause. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
