Root Cause Hashimoto's Care
Functional Medicine for Hashimoto's: Addressing the Autoimmune Root Cause
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition, yet standard treatment often focuses only on replacing thyroid hormone while the immune attack continues. Functional medicine for Hashimoto’s evaluates the autoimmune activity itself, not just TSH. 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
Treating the Immune System, Not Just the Thyroid
Hashimoto's Care That Looks at Antibodies and Triggers
Levothyroxine replaces hormone but does not calm the autoimmune process attacking your thyroid tissue. Functional medicine for Hashimoto’s tracks TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies, evaluates gut health as a common trigger, and adds genetic testing for autoimmune susceptibility. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- TPO and thyroglobulin antibody testing to track autoimmune activity over time
- Genetic testing for autoimmune susceptibility and methylation pathway function
- Personalized anti-inflammatory protocol built around your labs and genetics
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for Hashimoto's Is for Patients Who Want to Address the Autoimmune Process, Not Just the Hormone Level
Diagnosed With Hashimoto's but Still Symptomatic on Medication
A normal TSH on levothyroxine does not mean the underlying autoimmune activity has resolved.
Fatigue and Brain Fog That Fluctuate
Symptom flares often track with antibody activity and inflammatory triggers, not just hormone dosing.
Hair Loss Alongside Thyroid Symptoms
Autoimmune thyroid disease frequently affects hair growth cycles independent of TSH control.
Digestive Issues Alongside a Thyroid Diagnosis
The gut-thyroid connection is well documented. Persistent digestive symptoms may be part of the same autoimmune picture. See our gut health page.
Family History of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions cluster in families and often share genetic susceptibility markers we can test for directly.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Hashimoto's Care
We offer complete virtual Hashimoto's 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 Hashimoto's at Monarch FM
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition before it is a thyroid condition. Effective care requires identifying what is triggering and sustaining the immune attack, then building a protocol that addresses that process directly.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Antibody and Genetic Testing
We measure TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies alongside genetic testing for autoimmune susceptibility, giving a clear baseline for tracking your immune activity over time.
Identifying Autoimmune Triggers
Common triggers include intestinal permeability, gluten sensitivity, and chronic gut dysbiosis. We evaluate gut barrier function as part of every Hashimoto's workup.
Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-Repair Protocol
Your protocol addresses identified triggers directly, often including targeted nutrients, dietary changes, and gut repair support alongside thyroid hormone management.
Tracking Antibodies Over Time
We retest TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies at key milestones alongside thyroid hormone levels, so you can see whether the autoimmune process is calming, not just whether TSH looks acceptable.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Hashimoto's Is Autoimmune. Your Treatment Should Address That.
Levothyroxine alone treats the hormone deficiency, not the immune process causing it. Functional medicine for Hashimoto’s looks at both. Related pages include thyroid treatment, hypothyroidism, broader autoimmune conditions, and gut health.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hashimoto's disease?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, gradually reducing its ability to produce hormone and leading to hypothyroidism. It is the most common cause of underactive thyroid in the United States. At Monarch Functional Medicine, evaluation includes antibody testing, a full thyroid panel, and genetic analysis, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Can Hashimoto's antibodies be lowered naturally?
For many patients, addressing underlying triggers such as gut permeability, gluten sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies (particularly selenium and vitamin D), and chronic inflammation can support a reduction in antibody levels over time. Functional medicine for Hashimoto’s identifies which factors apply to your case rather than applying a generic protocol, and we track antibody trends through repeat labs.
Is Hashimoto's the same as hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s is the autoimmune cause behind most cases of hypothyroidism in the US, but not all hypothyroidism is autoimmune. Antibody testing is the only reliable way to confirm a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, and it changes the treatment approach because the underlying immune process, not just the hormone level, needs to be addressed.
What is the connection between Hashimoto's and gut health?
The gut and thyroid are closely linked. Intestinal permeability, sometimes called leaky gut, and gut dysbiosis are common contributors to autoimmune activity, including Hashimoto’s. Many patients see meaningful symptom improvement when gut function is addressed alongside thyroid hormone management. See our gut health page for more detail.
Can I get treated for Hashimoto's virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual Hashimoto’s care in Michigan. Lab work, including antibody testing, is coordinated through a draw site near you, with consultations conducted via telehealth.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly, and most patients continue working with their prescribing physician alongside our program.
What does Hashimoto's 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. Antibody and genetic testing may be additional depending on your panel.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat Hashimoto's?
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, with a particular focus on thyroid and autoimmune 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
Hashimoto's Is an Immune Condition. Let's Treat It Like One.
Functional medicine for Hashimoto’s at Monarch FM addresses the autoimmune activity behind your thyroid symptoms, not just the hormone level. 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.
