If you have been experiencing fatigue, weight fluctuations, brain fog, mood changes, or restless sleep, even when your thyroid labs come back “normal,” your thyroid and immune system may be working harder than you think. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, we take a comprehensive Functional Medicine approach to thyroid health, helping uncover the hidden imbalances that can fuel Hashimoto’s and related thyroid autoimmune issues.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, often simply called Hashimoto’s, is the most common autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and gradual damage. Over time, this process can reduce the thyroid’s ability to make hormones, which are critical for regulating energy, metabolism, mood, and brain function.
One of the most challenging aspects of Hashimoto’s is that symptoms can fluctuate. Some people experience low thyroid activity with fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin, while others may temporarily swing into high thyroid activity with palpitations, anxiety, or insomnia. This “push and pull” can leave patients feeling frustrated, confused, and unheard, especially when routine lab tests do not reflect how poorly they feel.
Why Hashimoto’s Requires a Root Cause Approach
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, and it is driven by the immune system mistakenly targeting the thyroid gland. This process not only affects hormone production, but can also cause widespread inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, and mood disturbances. Conventional medicine often focuses only on thyroid hormone replacement, but many people still struggle with symptoms even when their labs look fine.
Functional Medicine looks deeper. It identifies the immune, nutritional, digestive, and inflammatory triggers that contribute to thyroid dysfunction. This approach, supported by leading Functional Medicine research, allows us to personalize care so patients can begin feeling like themselves again.
How Dr. Shannon O’Keefe Approaches Hashimoto’s
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we understand that no two cases of Hashimoto’s are alike. That is why Dr. Shannon O’Keefe takes an in-depth, whole-body approach that goes far beyond routine lab work. Every patient begins with a comprehensive intake that includes a detailed medical history, a lifestyle review, and a physical examination to identify subtle signs of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity that may be overlooked in conventional care.
Dr. O’Keefe also orders extensive laboratory testing that is tailored to each individual. This may include thyroid antibody panels, complete thyroid hormone profiles, nutrient testing, blood sugar and insulin evaluations, adrenal and cortisol rhythm assessments, gastrointestinal and microbiome analysis, food sensitivity panels, toxin and heavy metal screening, and autoimmune risk markers. By mapping out these interconnected systems, she is able to identify the root causes and triggers unique to each patient.
Once the underlying drivers are clear, Dr. O’Keefe designs a customized care plan that may include:
Personalized Nutrition Plans that use targeted dietary strategies to calm inflammation, reduce autoimmune triggers, and restore balance. This often includes removing sugar and processed foods while emphasizing leafy greens, nutrient rich whole foods, and restorative hydration.
GI and Microbiome Support to repair leaky gut, optimize digestion, and restore healthy microbiome balance, which plays a critical role in immune regulation.
Stress Reduction and Vagus Nerve Support with techniques to regulate cortisol, calm the nervous system, and restore circadian rhythm through therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation, mindfulness strategies, and gentle exercise.
Neurofeedback to improve focus, mood, resilience, and mental clarity while addressing the cognitive effects of thyroid immune stress.
Targeted Supplementation that replenishes deficiencies, supports detoxification pathways, and optimizes thyroid and immune health using evidence based nutraceuticals.
Integrative Hands On Therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, frequency specific microcurrent, cupping, heated stones, and other physical therapies to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve pain, and restore balance throughout the body.
By combining thorough evaluation, advanced testing, and Dr. O’Keefe’s expertise in Functional Medicine, clinical nutrition, and internal diagnosis, every patient receives a plan that is truly individualized. This approach provides a clear path forward for managing Hashimoto’s, supporting thyroid health, and reclaiming energy and vitality.
Hope for Healing
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we believe no one should have to live with constant fatigue, brain fog, or emotional ups and downs. With Dr. Shannon O’Keefe’s expertise in Functional Medicine, clinical nutrition, and internal diagnosis, we provide answers that go beyond surface level lab work. By identifying your unique triggers and designing a personalized care plan, we help restore balance and support thyroid health naturally.
If you are ready to get to the root causes of your symptoms and regain your quality of life, call us at 651-292-8072 or click Book Now above to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you move from frustration to healing and from fatigue to renewed energy.
