Functional medicine care
Thyroid & Hashimoto’s
What is thyroid & hashimoto's care with Dr. Christine Maren?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition and the most common cause of hypothyroidism in women. Dr. Christine Maren treats thyroid disease by running a complete thyroid panel, prescribing and fine-tuning thyroid medication when needed, and addressing the gut, nutrient and immune drivers behind Hashimoto's, so you feel well, not just have a normal TSH.
Many women with Hashimoto's are told to wait until the thyroid fails or are kept on a dose that leaves them exhausted. Our approach treats the thyroid and the immune system together, with a physician who can prescribe and dig deeper.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's?
- Fatigue that sleep does not fix
- Weight gain or trouble losing weight
- Feeling cold, dry skin and thinning hair
- Brain fog and low mood
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Trouble getting or staying pregnant
- Normal labs but still feeling unwell
Recognize yourself here? These symptoms are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with.
How does Dr. Maren treat Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism?
Run a complete thyroid panel
TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies, plus iron, vitamin D, selenium and other nutrients the thyroid depends on.
Optimize medication
When medication is needed we choose and dose it to your symptoms and labs, including T4, T3 or desiccated thyroid options.
Calm the immune system
We look for triggers such as gut imbalances, food sensitivities, stress and blood sugar swings that can drive autoimmunity.
Plan for life stages
Thyroid needs change with fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause, and your plan changes with them.
Learn more about thyroid & hashimoto's
Dr. Maren has written and spoken extensively on this topic. Start with these articles, guides and podcasts.
- A functional medicine approach to Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism
- Thyroid lab guide: which tests you really need
- The thyroid gut connection
- Tips for taking your thyroid medication
- Thyroid, fertility and pregnancy
- Thyroid vs. perimenopause
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Thyroid & Hashimoto's FAQs
What is the difference between Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid makes too little hormone. Hashimoto's is the autoimmune disease that causes most hypothyroidism in women, where the immune system attacks the thyroid. You can have Hashimoto's antibodies years before thyroid hormone levels fall.
Which thyroid labs should I ask for?
A complete panel includes TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies. TSH alone can miss early Hashimoto's and poor conversion of T4 to active T3.
Why do I still feel tired on thyroid medication?
Common reasons include a dose that is not optimized, poor conversion to T3, low iron or vitamin D, taking medication with food or supplements, and untreated gut or adrenal issues. Each can be tested and addressed.
Can gut health affect my thyroid?
Yes. The gut influences immune balance, nutrient absorption and conversion of thyroid hormone. Gut imbalances and increased intestinal permeability are common in Hashimoto's and are part of Dr. Maren's treatment plan.
Can Hashimoto's be reversed?
Hashimoto's is a lifelong condition, but many people lower antibodies, reduce symptoms and protect thyroid function by treating triggers such as gut imbalances, nutrient gaps, blood sugar and stress.
Do you treat thyroid patients virtually?
Yes. Dr. Christine Maren's practice cares for thyroid patients via telehealth in California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Texas, with lab testing arranged near you.
The path to vibrant health starts here
We see patients virtually in California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Start with a brief application so we can understand your goals.