Root Cause Cholesterol Care
Functional Medicine for High Cholesterol: Looking Past the Lipid Panel
A standard cholesterol panel reports numbers, but it rarely explains why those numbers are elevated. Functional medicine for high cholesterol investigates the underlying drivers, including thyroid function, insulin resistance, and genetics. 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). This approach is designed to complement, not replace, care from your cardiologist or primary care provider, especially if you have known cardiovascular disease.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Understanding Why Your Numbers Are Elevated
Cholesterol Evaluation That Looks for the Cause
Elevated cholesterol is frequently connected to undiagnosed hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, or genetic lipid metabolism variants, all treatable findings a standard panel does not explain. Functional medicine for high cholesterol tests for these drivers directly, combined with genetic testing. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Advanced cardiac panel assessing cardiovascular risk
- Thyroid testing, since hypothyroidism is a well-documented cause of elevated cholesterol
- Fasting insulin and glucose testing to evaluate metabolic contributions to lipid levels
- Genetic testing for lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk variants
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for High Cholesterol Is for People Who Want to Understand the Cause, Not Just Lower a Number
Elevated Cholesterol Despite a Healthy Diet
When lifestyle factors don't explain elevated lipids, an underlying thyroid, insulin, or genetic factor is often the missing piece.
Told Your Only Option Is Medication
Medication may be appropriate in some cases, but the underlying cause is worth identifying and addressing alongside it.
Family History of High Cholesterol or Heart Disease
Genetic testing can clarify whether your risk is primarily inherited, lifestyle-driven, or both.
Diagnosed With Hypothyroidism or Suspect Thyroid Involvement
Underactive thyroid function directly raises LDL cholesterol. See our hypothyroidism page for more.
Cholesterol Trending Up Alongside Blood Sugar or Weight
These markers often move together, pointing to a shared metabolic driver worth investigating directly.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Care
We offer complete virtual cholesterol evaluation 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 High Cholesterol at Monarch FM
Cholesterol numbers are an output, not a root cause. Our process identifies what is driving your specific lipid pattern, whether that is thyroid function, insulin resistance, or genetics, before building a protocol.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Lipid and Genetic Testing
We evaluate advanced lipid markers, thyroid function, and insulin, combined with genetic testing for lipid metabolism variants such as APOE.
Identifying the Underlying Driver
Julie McDonald determines whether thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or genetics is the primary factor behind your cholesterol pattern.
Personalized Lipid Protocol
Your protocol addresses the identified driver directly, combining targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategy, coordinated with any medication your physician has prescribed.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
We retest your lipid panel and related metabolic markers at key milestones to confirm your protocol is working as intended.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Cholesterol Numbers Have a Cause Worth Understanding.
Elevated cholesterol is frequently connected to thyroid or metabolic dysfunction that a standard panel does not explain. Related pages include metabolic health, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes high cholesterol?
Elevated cholesterol can result from genetics, diet, insulin resistance, or undiagnosed hypothyroidism, which is a well-documented and often overlooked cause of elevated LDL. Functional medicine for high cholesterol tests for these underlying drivers rather than treating the number in isolation. At Monarch Functional Medicine, this includes an advanced lipid panel and genetic testing, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Can thyroid problems cause high cholesterol?
Yes. Underactive thyroid function slows the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, and hypothyroidism is a recognized, treatable cause of elevated cholesterol that is often missed when cholesterol is evaluated on its own.
Does functional medicine replace cholesterol medication?
Not necessarily. For some patients, medication remains appropriate, particularly with existing cardiovascular disease or very high genetic risk. Functional medicine identifies and addresses underlying drivers such as thyroid function and insulin resistance, working alongside your prescribing physician rather than replacing necessary treatment.
Can cholesterol evaluation be done virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual cholesterol evaluation in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated through a draw site near you, with consultations conducted via telehealth.
How long does it take to see changes in cholesterol?
Many patients see initial improvements in energy and metabolic markers within 4 to 8 weeks, with lipid panel changes typically becoming measurable by weeks 8 to 12 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 referral is required. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly, and we coordinate with your cardiologist or primary care provider as needed.
What does 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 advanced lipid and genetic testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat high cholesterol?
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 metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors among her areas of focus. 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 Cholesterol Number Has a Story Behind It.
Functional medicine for high cholesterol at Monarch FM identifies the thyroid, metabolic, or genetic driver behind your lipid panel. 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.
