Root Cause Autoimmune Care
Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions: Calming the Immune Response at the Source
Autoimmune conditions develop from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and gut health, yet conventional care often manages symptoms without addressing why the immune system is attacking the body. Functional medicine for autoimmune conditions identifies and addresses these triggers directly. 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
Finding the Triggers Behind the Immune Response
Autoimmune Care That Looks at Genetics, Gut, and Environment Together
Autoimmune disease is rarely explained by genetics alone. Functional medicine for autoimmune conditions evaluates intestinal permeability, chronic infections, and inflammatory load alongside genetic testing for autoimmune susceptibility markers. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Comprehensive inflammatory and autoimmune antibody panel specific to your symptoms
- Intestinal permeability testing to evaluate gut barrier function as a driver of immune activity
- Personalized anti-inflammatory and gut-repair protocol
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Conditions Is for Patients Who Want to Find the Trigger, Not Just Manage Symptoms
Diagnosed With an Autoimmune Condition but Still Symptomatic
Medication that controls one marker does not always resolve fatigue, pain, or brain fog tied to ongoing immune activity.
Family History of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions cluster in families and share genetic susceptibility patterns that can be evaluated directly.
Digestive Symptoms Alongside an Autoimmune Diagnosis
Gut permeability is one of the most common and treatable drivers of ongoing autoimmune activity. See our gut health page.
Multiple Autoimmune Diagnoses
Having more than one autoimmune condition often points to a shared underlying trigger worth investigating directly.
Unexplained Fatigue, Joint Pain, or Brain Fog
These symptoms frequently precede a formal autoimmune diagnosis by years and are worth evaluating early.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Autoimmune Care
We offer complete virtual autoimmune 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 Autoimmune Conditions at Monarch FM
Autoimmune disease develops when genetic susceptibility meets a triggering exposure, often involving the gut. Our process identifies which combination applies to you, then builds a protocol to reduce the immune trigger rather than only suppressing the resulting symptoms.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Autoimmune and Genetic Testing
We evaluate relevant antibody panels and add genetic testing for autoimmune susceptibility, giving a clear picture of your specific risk pattern and immune activity.
Identifying the Trigger
Julie McDonald evaluates intestinal permeability, chronic infections, and inflammatory load, the most common and modifiable drivers of ongoing autoimmune activity.
Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-Repair Protocol
Your protocol targets the identified trigger directly, often combining gut repair, targeted nutrients, and dietary changes with any necessary conventional treatment.
Tracking Immune Markers Over Time
We retest relevant antibodies and inflammatory markers at key milestones, so progress is measured, not assumed.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Autoimmune Conditions Have Triggers. Finding Them Changes the Trajectory.
Autoimmune disease is manageable, and in many cases the underlying trigger is treatable. Our most common focus areas include Hashimoto’s, broader thyroid conditions, and the gut health issues, including leaky gut, that frequently drive them.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the functional medicine approach to autoimmune conditions?
Functional medicine for autoimmune conditions identifies the genetic, environmental, and gut-related factors that trigger and sustain immune system activity against the body’s own tissue, rather than only managing the resulting symptoms. At Monarch Functional Medicine, this includes antibody testing, genetic analysis, and evaluation of gut health, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Can autoimmune conditions be reversed?
Outcomes vary by condition and by how early the underlying triggers are addressed. Many patients see meaningful reductions in symptom burden and antibody levels when gut health, nutrient status, and inflammatory triggers are corrected. Functional medicine does not replace necessary conventional treatment, but works alongside it to address root causes.
What is the connection between gut health and autoimmune disease?
A significant portion of immune activity originates in the gut. Intestinal permeability allows partially digested food particles and bacterial components to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can contribute to or worsen autoimmune activity. Addressing gut barrier function is a core part of our autoimmune protocols.
What autoimmune conditions does Monarch FM address?
We frequently work with patients managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and other autoimmune thyroid conditions, as well as broader autoimmune activity connected to gut dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Every evaluation is individualized to your specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Can I be treated for an autoimmune condition virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual autoimmune care in Michigan, with lab work coordinated through a draw site near you and consultations conducted via telehealth.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly, and we typically work alongside your existing specialists rather than replacing them.
What does autoimmune treatment cost?
Care 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, with antibody and genetic testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat autoimmune conditions?
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 across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine, with particular focus on autoimmune thyroid and gut-related immune conditions. 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 Immune System Is Reacting to Something. Let's Find Out What.
Functional medicine for autoimmune conditions at Monarch FM identifies the trigger behind your immune activity, then builds a protocol around it. 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.
