Asheville Thyroid Doctor for Hypothyroidism

Asheville Thyroid Doctor for Hypothyroidism

If you're struggling with stubborn fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or mood swings—and your labs keep coming back “normal”—you’re not alone.

At Caring for the Body, we understand how disheartening it can be to feel like something is off in your body, yet your concerns are brushed aside or dismissed by conventional medicine. Many of our patients come to us after years of being told their thyroid is “fine,” despite living in a constant state of exhaustion, frustration, and confusion.

Dr. Cynthia Libert, M.D., a board-certified family physician and certified functional medicine expert in Asheville, takes a radically different approach. She listens closely, digs deeper, and partners with you to uncover the true root causes of your thyroid dysfunction. Whether it’s Hashimoto’s disease, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or hidden inflammation, we look at the whole picture—not just your TSH levels.

Through a thoughtful blend of advanced testing, integrative therapies, lifestyle medicine, and compassionate support, Dr. Libert helps patients not just manage hypothyroidism—but actually heal and feel like themselves again.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism—also known as an underactive thyroid—is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. These hormones are vital for regulating your metabolism, energy levels, brain function, digestion, temperature control, fertility, and more.

When your thyroid is sluggish, every system in your body can feel like it’s running on low battery. That’s why hypothyroidism can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, constipation, dry skin, depression, and irregular menstrual cycles.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Unfortunately, this root cause is often missed or overlooked in standard care.

Conventional testing often relies on just one marker—TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)—which doesn’t give a complete picture of thyroid health. At Caring for the Body, we go beyond TSH to look at thyroid antibodies, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and more. This comprehensive view helps us identify dysfunction early and tailor your treatment precisely.

Certain factors may increase your risk for hypothyroidism, including:

  • Being female (especially during perimenopause or after childbirth)
  • Family history of thyroid or autoimmune disease
  • Exposure to chronic stress or environmental toxins
  • Nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, zinc, B12)
  • Having other autoimmune conditions

Untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism can profoundly impact your quality of life. But with a holistic, functional medicine approach, it’s possible to restore balance, support your thyroid naturally, and feel vibrant again.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Fatigue
Constant tiredness, even after a full night's sleep

Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
Slowed metabolism despite healthy eating and exercise

Cold Hands and Feet
Sensitivity to cold temperatures and poor circulation

Hair Loss or Thinning Eyebrows
Especially thinning of the outer third of the brows

Constipation
Sluggish digestion or infrequent bowel movements

Depression or Anxiety Mood changes, irritability, or lack of motivation

Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or mental sluggishness

Irregular or Heavy Periods
Hormonal imbalances that disrupt the menstrual cycle

Dry Skin and Brittle Nails
Changes in skin texture and nail strength

Root Causes of Hypothyroidism We Investigate

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Autoimmune)

The most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and reduced hormone production.

Estrogen Dominance / Adrenal Dysfunction

Hormonal imbalances, such as too much estrogen or insufficient adrenal function (often caused by chronic stress), can disrupt thyroid function. Estrogen dominance, in particular, can interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism.

Gut Health and Intestinal Permeability

Leaky gut and dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) are often overlooked but can directly affect thyroid function. Inflammation and immune system activity in the gut can disrupt thyroid hormone conversion and utilization.

Nutrient Depletions

Certain nutrients are critical for thyroid function. Deficiencies in iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 can impair the production of thyroid hormones and lead to hypothyroidism.

Epstein-Barr Virus, Mold/Mycotoxins

Chronic infections like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and exposure to mold/mycotoxins can trigger autoimmune responses and damage thyroid tissue, leading to long-term thyroid issues.

Environmental Toxins and Heavy Metals

Toxins in our environment—such as pesticides, BPA, and heavy metals like mercury—can disrupt thyroid hormone production and function, making it harder for your thyroid to do its job.

Chronic Stress and HPA Axis Dysregulation

When you’re under prolonged stress, your body’s hormonal balance (HPA axis) can become dysregulated, which impacts not just your thyroid but other hormones like cortisol and sex hormones, exacerbating hypothyroid symptoms.

Our Comprehensive Healing Approach

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We utilize cutting-edge lab testing to uncover what standard panels often miss, including:

  • DUTCH Hormone Testing – for a complete view of cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and their metabolites
  • GI-MAP (Gut Testing) – identifies gut imbalances, infections, and inflammation that impact thyroid health
  • Micronutrient & Antibody Panels – to detect deficiencies in key nutrients like selenium, iodine, zinc, and to screen for autoimmune thyroid markers
  • Environmental & Toxin Screening – including heavy metals, mold/mycotoxins, and endocrine disruptors

Customized Protocols

Once we understand your unique biochemistry, we design a personalized healing plan that may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory, thyroid-supportive nutrition guidance
  • Targeted supplementation to correct deficiencies and support hormone balance
  • Herbal medicine and adaptogens to support the immune system and adrenal glands
  • Bioidentical hormone therapy (when appropriate) to restore balance
  • Advanced treatments like peptides and geroprotective strategies to enhance regeneration and vitality

Whole-Person Care Team

Our integrative team supports you every step of the way:

  • Functional health coaching to help implement lifestyle changes with accountability
  • Personalized guidance on stress resilience, movement, and sleep hygiene
  • Support for faith, mindset, and emotional wellbeing, if desired
  • Coordinated care between Dr. Libert, our nurse practitioner, and our certified functional medicine pharmacist

The Caring for the Body Difference

We believe healing happens when science meets soul. At our Asheville clinic, you’ll find:

  • Faith-informed care that honors your values and beliefs
  • Compassionate listening—your story matters, and you’ll never feel rushed
  • Continuity of care through coaching, group mentorship, and optional membership plans
  • A community of like-minded individuals committed to healing and flourishing

Who We Help

Adults Age 40–65+
High-achieving, health-conscious professionals who are ready to invest in their health and longevity. Many are in a season of transition—approaching retirement or reassessing their priorities—and want to feel energized, clear-minded, and balanced again.

Women in Perimenopause or Postmenopause
If you're struggling with weight gain, brain fog, mood changes, fatigue, or irregular periods, your thyroid and hormones could be playing a major role. We specialize in helping women restore balance naturally during these pivotal life stages.

People with “Normal Labs” but Ongoing Symptoms
You’ve been told your labs are fine, but you still feel exhausted, foggy, or “off.” We hear this all the time—and we know how to dig deeper to uncover hidden imbalances and autoimmune patterns that standard tests miss.

Those with a Personal or Family History of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
If Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions run in your family, we can help you identify early warning signs, prevent progression, and support your body through precision, root-cause care.

Patients Seeking Natural Alternatives to Lifelong Medication
Whether you're already on thyroid meds or hoping to avoid them, we support your body’s ability to heal and rebalance using lifestyle, nutrition, and integrative therapies. Our goal is always to reduce dependency on medications when safe and appropriate.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you’re tired of feeling dismissed, tired of feeling tired—and ready to take back control of your health—it’s time for a different approach. At Caring for the Body, we believe you deserve answers, support, and a path forward that honors your unique story.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your symptoms or you've been managing hypothyroidism for years without relief, we’re here to help.

Your next step is simple. Choose one of the options below to begin:

Book Your Free 15-Minute Strategy Session
Meet with a member of our care team to explore whether our personalized, root-cause approach is right for you.

👉 Schedule Now

Call Our Office at (828) 490-1545 Prefer to speak with someone directly? We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions.

Get Root-Cause Testing and a Personalized Healing Plan
Ready to dig deep and finally understand what’s really going on? Our advanced testing and functional medicine assessments reveal what standard labs often miss—and give you the clarity you’ve been searching for.