Root Cause Thyroid Care
Functional Medicine Thyroid Treatment for Energy, Weight, and Mood
Most thyroid problems are caught, or missed, based on a single number: TSH. Functional medicine thyroid treatment looks at the full thyroid cascade, not just one data point, to explain symptoms that a standard panel calls normal. 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
Beyond a Single TSH Number
Thyroid Testing That Looks at the Whole Cascade
TSH alone cannot tell you whether your body is converting thyroid hormone efficiently or whether your immune system is attacking your thyroid. Functional medicine thyroid treatment evaluates Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies together, combined with genetic testing for thyroid hormone conversion. Available at our Marquette, Michigan clinic and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Complete thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, Selenium, Copper and Iodine
- Genetic testing for thyroid hormone conversion and methylation pathways
- Genetic nutrient evaluation for iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D tied to thyroid function
- Personalized protocol addressing thyroid, gut, and adrenal function together
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine Thyroid Treatment Is for People Whose Symptoms Don't Match Their Labs
Normal TSH but Still Exhausted
A TSH result inside the reference range does not rule out a thyroid problem. Free T3, Reverse T3, and antibody testing frequently reveal what a single TSH misses.
Weight That Won't Move
Thyroid hormone regulates metabolic rate. When conversion or cellular uptake is impaired, weight gain or resistance to loss follows even with consistent effort.
Hair Thinning, Dry Skin, or Brittle Nails
These are classic signs of suboptimal thyroid function that are frequently dismissed when TSH alone looks acceptable.
Cold Intolerance and Sluggish Digestion
Feeling cold when others are comfortable, along with constipation, points toward reduced thyroid hormone activity at the tissue level.
Diagnosed With Hashimoto's but Still Symptomatic
Medication that normalizes TSH does not address the underlying autoimmune attack. See our dedicated Hashimoto's page for more.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Thyroid Care
We offer complete virtual thyroid care for patients anywhere in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated locally and all consultations are conducted via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine Thyroid Treatment at Monarch FM
Your thyroid does not operate in isolation. Gut health, adrenal function, nutrient status, and genetics all influence how well thyroid hormone is produced, converted, and used at the cellular level. Our process maps this full picture before building a personalized protocol.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Thyroid and Genetic Testing
We order a full thyroid panel and add genetic testing that reveals how efficiently your body converts T4 into active T3, information a standard panel never provides.
Identifying the Root Cause
Julie McDonald determines whether your thyroid pattern is autoimmune, nutrient-driven, or related to broader immune dysfunction, since Hashimoto's accounts for most underactive thyroid cases in the US.
Personalized Thyroid Protocol
Your protocol may include targeted nutrient support, gut and adrenal repair, and lifestyle adjustments built around your specific labs and genetics, not a standard thyroid supplement stack.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
Thyroid markers are retested at key milestones alongside InBody 570 body composition analysis, so your protocol evolves as your thyroid function improves.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Thyroid Dysfunction Is Common. 'Your Levels Are Fine' Doesn't Have to Be the End of the Conversation.
Most patients who come to Monarch Functional Medicine have already been told their thyroid labs are normal. Functional medicine thyroid treatment tests differently and treats the whole picture. Our approach covers hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, broader autoimmune conditions, low energy in men, and overall hormone health.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is functional medicine thyroid treatment?
Functional medicine thyroid treatment evaluates the complete thyroid cascade, TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, rather than relying on TSH alone. This approach also considers genetic testing for hormone conversion, along with gut, adrenal, and nutrient status that all influence thyroid function. At Monarch Functional Medicine, this evaluation is available through the 12-Week Reset program (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), for in-person patients in Marquette, Michigan and virtual patients in Michigan.
How is this different from standard thyroid testing?
Most conventional thyroid workups test TSH only, and sometimes Free T4. This misses conversion problems, elevated Reverse T3, and autoimmune activity revealed by TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies. Functional medicine thyroid treatment tests all of these together, along with genetic markers affecting thyroid hormone metabolism.
Can functional medicine help if I already have Hashimoto's?
Yes. Many patients arrive already diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and medicated, but still symptomatic. Functional medicine evaluates antibody levels, gut health, and inflammatory triggers that medication alone does not address. See our dedicated Hashimoto’s treatment page for more detail.
Can I get thyroid treatment virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual thyroid care for patients anywhere in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated through a draw site near you, and all consultations, protocol reviews, and follow-ups are conducted via telehealth.
How long does thyroid treatment take to work?
Most patients notice initial improvements in energy and mental clarity within 4 to 8 weeks. Because thyroid hormone has a delayed effect on metabolism, changes in weight and hair or skin symptoms tend to follow more gradually, typically becoming noticeable 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 for thyroid treatment?
No referral is required. Monarch Functional Medicine is a direct-access practice. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly to discuss your symptoms and testing options.
What does functional medicine thyroid treatment cost?
Thyroid evaluation and treatment at Monarch Functional Medicine 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. Lab and genetic testing may be additional depending on your panel.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat thyroid conditions?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), and holds the FMACP designation, with 22 years of clinical experience. Thyroid health is one of her core areas of specialization alongside hormone and gut health. Learn more on the About Us page.
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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 Thyroid Labs Might Be 'Normal.' Your Symptoms Are Still Real.
Functional medicine thyroid treatment at Monarch FM starts by testing the full cascade your standard panel skipped, then builds a protocol specific to your biology. 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.
