What Doctor Specializes in Thyroid Health? How to Find the Best Provider Near You
You are exhausted. Your weight keeps creeping up. Your energy is gone, your brain feels foggy, and your doctor keeps telling you everything is fine because your thyroid labs look "normal."
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many women spend years bouncing between primary care doctors, specialists, and health blogs trying to figure out what is actually going on with their thyroid.
So, what doctor specializes in thyroid health—and how do you find the one who can actually help you feel like yourself again?
In case you’re new here… We’re Dr. Erin Hendriks and Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie, founders ofElle MD, a functional medicine and weight loss clinic based in Royal Oak, Michigan. We specialize in helping women—especially in midlife—get to the root of chronic thyroid symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and unexplained weight gain throughcomprehensive thyroid care that blends science with strategy.
If you’re looking for answers that go beyond “your labs look fine,” you’re in the right place.
What kind of doctor do you see for thyroid issues?
When it comes to thyroid concerns, most people start with a primary care physician. They are great for ordering basic labs and making an initial diagnosis, and often act as the first stop on your healthcare journey. But for many, that is where the support ends—especially if symptoms persist even after labs come back "normal."
That is where endocrinologists come in. These specialists focus on hormones, including thyroid function, and are well-equipped to handle complex or treatment-resistant thyroid conditions. If your case is more advanced or is not responding to standard medication, an endocrinologist can dig deeper with more specialized testing and protocols.
Then there are functional medicine doctors, who take a different approach. They focus on uncovering the root causes of symptoms, not just managing them. If you are tired of being told everything looks fine while still feeling off, this type of doctor might be your best bet. Functional medicine is especially helpful for patients with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or thyroid-related weight challenges—offering a more personalized, whole-body path to healing.
Why functional medicine is a game-changer for thyroid disorders
Functional medicine is especially effective for thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and stubborn weight gain because it focuses on why the thyroid is struggling—not just how to suppress symptoms with medication. Rather than stopping at "your TSH looks fine," functional medicine doctors look at the full thyroid panel, gut health, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and even stress or toxin exposure.
This deeper, root-cause approach can uncover issues that traditional care often overlooks. That said, it is not either or. Many patients get the best results by combining both approaches. An endocrinologist can monitor medications and manage more advanced thyroid dysfunction, while a functional medicine doctor supports whole-body healing and long-term symptom relief.
Together, they can provide the comprehensive care your thyroid actually needs.
When should a woman see an endocrinologist?
Common reasons to seek one:
- Hashimoto’s or autoimmune thyroid disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid nodules or goiter
What an endocrinologist does (and does not) do
Endocrinologists typically manage medication and monitor lab values. Their focus is on adjusting dosage to maintain levels within conventional ranges. They often do not address nutrition, supplements, or stress management.
When it might be time for a functional medicine approach
If your symptoms are not improving with medication alone, or if you want support beyond prescriptions, functional medicine can provide answers and tools that traditional care may miss.
What tests can help check your thyroid?
Standard labs from your PCP
Most primary care providers test for TSH, and sometimes free T4. This gives a limited snapshot of thyroid function.
Full thyroid panels from functional medicine
At Elle MD, we look at:
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Reverse T3
- TPO and TG antibodies
- Nutrient levels like vitamin D, selenium, iron, and B12
The problem with “normal” lab ranges
Many women fall into the "normal" lab range but still feel awful. Functional medicine uses optimal ranges, not just reference ranges, to evaluate whether your thyroid is truly working well. (American Thyroid Association on thyroid testing)
How functional medicine doctors at Elle MD approach thyroid health
Personalized lab testing
We go beyond standard tests to uncover what is really going on inside your body.
Holistic treatment plans
Our approach blends nutrition, supplements, stress support, sleep, and medications when needed. We focus on what works best for your individual body.
Root cause strategy for long-term relief
Many of our patients are women in their 40s and 50s navigating midlife hormone shifts. Functional medicine gives you tools to feel clear, energized, and in control again.
Where to find a thyroid doctor near you
Looking for more support? Try these national directories to find functional and conventional providers:
- Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner Directory - A comprehensive database of over 3,000 practitioners globally who are IFM-trained (including those who specialize in women’s hormonal health and thyroid care). You can filter by location and level of training.
- Endocrine Society – Find an Endocrinologist Directory - This directory lists more than 6,500 endocrinologists trained in thyroid and other hormonal health. You can search by specialty (e.g. thyroid), location, and practice type.
- Michigan State University Health Care - Part of MSU's network, this center treats a wide range of endocrine disorders—including thyroid hormone imbalances—with a multidisciplinary faculty of board-certified providers.
Ready to find a thyroid doctor in Michigan who truly listens?
At Elle MD, we help women uncover the root cause of their thyroid symptoms and finally feel seen, supported, and energized again. If you are looking for a doctor who does more than adjust medication, we are here for you.
Explore our thyroid services in Michigan and book your consultation today. Let’s get to the bottom of your symptoms—together.
*AI Disclosure:
This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.
* Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on www.elle-md.com may contain affiliate links meaning that we will get a commission for recommending products at no extra cost to you.
*Blog Disclaimer: Please note that reading our blog does not replace any health or medical advice consultation. Read our blog disclaimer here.
Meet the Drs.
Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.
Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!
We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.
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