Rooted Health
Dr. Matt Altman
Most doctors look at one number—your TSH—and call it good. Meanwhile, you're exhausted, can't lose weight, your mood is all over the place, and sex is the last thing on your mind.
We dig deeper. We test your full hormone panel—thyroid (T3, T4, reverse T3, antibodies), sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), cortisol, DHEA, and more. Then we build a personalized plan that fixes what's broken.
WHAT WE TREAT
• Menopause & Perimenopause — Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, low libido, weight gain
• Andropause (Male Hormone Decline) — Fatigue, brain fog, muscle loss, weight gain, low libido, depression
• Thyroid Dysfunction — Hashimoto's, hypothyroid, subclinical thyroid (we test the FULL panel, not just TSH)
• Adrenal Fatigue / HPA Axis Dysfunction — Wired but tired, morning crashes, cortisol dysregulation
• PCOS — Insulin resistance, irregular periods, weight gain, acne
• Postpartum Hormone Issues — Depression, thyroid dysfunction, low libido
• Estrogen Dominance — Heavy periods, PMS, weight gain, mood swings
• Low Testosterone (Women) — Fatigue, low libido, difficulty building muscle
OUR APPROACH
...Step 1: Comprehensive Hormone Testing
Thyroid: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO/TG antibodies
Sex Hormones: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone (total + free), DHEA-S, SHBG
Metabolic: Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c
Cortisol (if needed): 4-point salivary cortisol
Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium
Optional: DUTCH test, organic acids test
Testing costs: $200-600 depending on panel. Cash-pay labs through LabCorp.
Step 2: Address Root Causes
Gut Health — Leaky gut wrecks thyroid and sex hormone function. Estrogen is metabolized in the gut. We start:
• Elimination diet (gluten, dairy, sugar)
• Probiotics, gut-healing nutrients
Inflammation — Blocks hormone receptors. Omega-3s, curcumin, vitamin D.
Nutrient Deficiencies — Thyroid needs selenium, iodine, zinc. Sex hormones need vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins.
Toxins — Endocrine disruptors (BPA, phthalates, mold). Filter water, avoid plastics, liver support (DIM, calcium-d-glucarate).
Stress & Sleep — Chronic stress = high cortisol = suppressed sex hormones.
Step 3: Personalized Hormone Optimization
BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE PELLETS (Our Preferred Method)
Women: Estradiol + testosterone pellets inserted under the skin (quick office procedure)
• Duration: 3-4 months per insertion
• Cost: $100 per insertion
Men: Testosterone pellets
• Duration: 4-6 months per insertion
• Cost: $150 per insertion
Why pellets?
• Steady hormone levels (no peaks/crashes like creams or injections)
• No daily application needed
• Better absorption than oral
• Most patients feel best on pellets
Other BHRT Options:
• Topical creams (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
• Oral micronized progesterone (best for sleep, anxiety)
• Vaginal estrogen (for dryness/atrophy)
THYROID MEDICATION
• T4 only (levothyroxine): Works for some
• T3 + T4 combination: Better for many (Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, compounded)
• T3 only (liothyronine): For reverse T3 issues or conversion problems
We titrate based on symptoms and Free T3, not just TSH.
ADRENAL SUPPORT
• Adaptogens: Ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil
• Phosphatidylserine (lowers elevated cortisol)
• DHEA supplementation if low
• Licorice root if morning cortisol low
ESTROGEN METABOLISM SUPPORT
• DIM (helps liver metabolize estrogen)
• Calcium-d-glucarate (binds estrogen in gut)
• Liver support: milk thistle, NAC, B vitamins
INSULIN SENSITIZATION (PCOS/insulin resistance)
• Metformin or berberine
• Low-carb diet
• Omega-3s, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid
TARGETED SUPPLEMENTATION
• Vitamin D 5,000-10,000 IU/day
• Magnesium glycinate 300-600mg/day
• Zinc 30-50mg/day
• Selenium 200mcg/day
• Omega-3s 2-4g/day
• B-complex (methylated forms)
WHAT TO EXPECT
First Visit (60-90 minutes): Full history, symptoms, previous labs, medications, diet, stress, sleep. Order comprehensive hormone testing. Start foundational support immediately.
Follow-Up (2-3 weeks after labs): Review results, start BHRT pellets/thyroid medication, create full treatment plan.
Ongoing: Every 8-12 weeks initially to monitor and adjust. Usually 2-3 months to dial in doses, 4-6 months for full benefits.
Membership Pricing:
• Pediatric (0-17): $185/month
• Adult (18-64): $245/month
• Senior (65+): $225/month
BHRT pellets additional ($100 women / $150 men).
FAQ
How quickly will I feel better? Most notice improvement 2-4 weeks, especially with pellets. Full benefits 2-3 months.
Are hormone pellets safe? Yes. Bioidentical hormones (same molecular structure as your body's) are safer than synthetics. We monitor labs regularly.
Will I need HRT forever? Most stay on long-term (especially post-menopause or low-T). Some reduce after optimizing lifestyle/gut/stress.
What if my doctor says my thyroid is "normal"? "Normal" TSH doesn't mean optimal. We test Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3. Often people with "normal" TSH have low T3.
Do you prescribe testosterone for women? Yes. Women need testosterone too. Low T in women = fatigue, low libido, can't build muscle, weight gain.
Can I do this remotely? Yes for follow-ups and thyroid management. Pellet insertions require in-person.