Can a naturopathic doctor in Arizona prescribe thyroid medication?

Yes. In Arizona, naturopathic physicians are licensed to prescribe thyroid medications including levothyroxine (T4) and desiccated thyroid (T3/T4 combinations). Dr. Dawn Bantel assesses the full thyroid picture — including Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies — to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

What is the difference between TSH and Free T3 testing?

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is the standard screening test used by most conventional providers, but it does not always reflect how much active thyroid hormone your cells are actually using. Free T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is often more informative when someone feels symptomatic despite a normal TSH. Dawn Bantel, NMD, evaluates the full thyroid panel to get a complete picture.

What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis and how is it treated naturally?

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. A naturopathic approach addresses the immune system, not just the thyroid — including gut health, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and stress patterns that drive autoimmune activity. Treatment may also include thyroid hormone support when indicated.

Why do I still feel tired if my thyroid labs are normal?

Standard thyroid testing often only measures TSH, which can appear normal even when thyroid function is suboptimal. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and weight gain can persist due to poor T4 to T3 conversion, elevated Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, or nutrient deficiencies like selenium, zinc, and iodine. A functional thyroid evaluation at Integrative Recovery Medicine in Tucson looks beyond TSH to find the actual cause.

Does Integrative Recovery Medicine offer thyroid care via telehealth?

Yes. Dawn Bantel, NMD, offers thyroid consultations both in-person in Tucson and via Zoom for patients anywhere in Arizona. Lab testing can be coordinated through Sonora Quest or functional labs depending on what is clinically indicated.

Thyroid Health

Thyroid Symptoms Are Often Missed, You Deserve a Clear Answer

Thyroid issues can affect metabolism, energy, mood, weight, temperature regulation, digestion, and more. Many patients feel unwell despite “normal” labs. I take a deeper, functional approach to thyroid health to uncover what’s truly going on.

Conditions I Support

Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction
Fatigue and brain fog
Hair loss
Weight changes
Palpitations or temperature sensitivity

A More Complete Thyroid Evaluation

I assess the full thyroid picture, which may include:

TSH
Free T4 and Free T3
Reverse T3
TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies
Thyroid nutrient cofactors
Cortisol patterns
Gut health (which influences autoimmunity)

This helps us avoid the trap of “your labs are normal” when you still feel terrible.

Treatment Approach

Nutrition and lifestyle strategies
Key thyroid nutrients
Reducing inflammation
Supporting autoimmunity
Improving energy and metabolism
Addressing adrenal and stress patterns
Mind–body therapies when stress impacts symptoms

Book a thyroid consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In Arizona, naturopathic physicians are licensed to prescribe thyroid medications including levothyroxine (T4) and desiccated thyroid (T3/T4 combinations). Dr. Dawn assesses the full thyroid picture — which may include Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies — to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the standard screening test used by most conventional providers, but it doesn't always reflect how much active thyroid hormone your cells are actually using. Free T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is often more informative when someone feels symptomatic despite a "normal" TSH. Dr. Dawn evaluates the full thyroid panel to get a complete picture
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. A naturopathic approach addresses the immune system, not just the thyroid — including gut health, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and stress patterns that drive autoimmune activity. Treatment may also include thyroid hormone support when indicated.

Standard thyroid testing often only measures TSH, which can appear normal even when thyroid function is suboptimal. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and weight gain can persist due to poor T4 to T3 conversion, elevated Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, or nutrient deficiencies like selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. A functional thyroid evaluation looks beyond TSH to find the actual cause.
Yes. Dr. Bantel offers thyroid consultations both in-person in Tucson and via Zoom for patients anywhere in Arizona. Lab testing can be coordinated through Sonora Quest or functional labs depending on what is clinically indicated.