601 NW Harmon Blvd #10, Bend, OR 97703
Call the clinic: +1 (858) 333-5196

Hypothyroidism Care in Bend, OR

If you’re constantly tired, gaining weight without reason, feeling cold all the time, or just don’t feel like yourself—your thyroid might be trying to tell you something. At Proactive Choice, we treat hypothyroidism differently. Instead of rushing to medicate symptoms, we dig deeper to understand what your body truly needs. Our goal? To restore natural balance and help you feel clear, energized, and vibrant again.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones—impacting nearly every system in your body. From metabolism and mood to energy and skin health, the thyroid plays a crucial role in your overall well-being.

As a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor in Bend, Dr. Drew Collins approaches hypothyroidism holistically—addressing root causes rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Common signs of hypothyroidism

You don’t have to experience every symptom to have a thyroid imbalance. Common signs include

Persistent fatigue or sluggishness

Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Dry skin, thinning hair, or brittle nails

Constipation and digestive issues

Depression, brain fog, or mood changes

Irregular menstrual cycles or low libido

Cold hands and feet

Even if your labs are “normal,” you may still feel far from optimal—and that’s where we come in.

Our Natural Approach to Thyroid Health

Your thyroid doesn’t work in isolation. That’s why we take a systems-based approach—investigating how your adrenals, gut, liver, immune system, and environment may be affecting your thyroid function.
At Proactive Choice, our hypothyroidism care includes
Doctor working on medical research

Comprehensive Lab Testing

Including full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3), thyroid antibodies, adrenal function, and nutrient levels like selenium, iron, iodine, and B12.
Young woman drinking water at a table with fresh vegetables

Personalized Nutrient Support

Natural supplements and herbal medicine designed to nourish your thyroid, support conversion of hormones, and calm inflammation.
Patient receiving a thyroid ultrasound

Bioidentical Thyroid Hormone Therapy (when needed)

Levothyroxine (T4) is the standard treatment and works well for most people. The American Thyroid Association notes that some people also need liothyronine (T3) if they don’t feel better on T4 alone. Dr. Collins also prescribes custom-compounded thyroid capsules for some patients. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved, so he goes over that trade-off with you first.
Model of a thyroid gland next to a stethoscope

Autoimmune Thyroid (Hashimoto’s) Care

Hashimoto’s is autoimmune. Once it has lowered your thyroid hormone, replacing that hormone is still the core treatment. Diet, food sensitivity testing and gut work go alongside it, not in place of it.
Woman meditating indoors

Lifestyle & Nutrition Counseling

Food, stress, sleep, and movement all influence your thyroid. We guide you in making sustainable changes that restore balance.
Older adults making a video call

Ongoing Tracking & Support

Healing is a journey—and we’re with you every step of the way.
Dr. Drew Collins, ND, ozone therapy specialist in Bend, OR, in his office
Dr. Drew Evan Collins, B.S., N.D., is a licensed naturopathic physician (Oregon license 1332) with over 40 years of experience in holistic and integrative medicine. He earned his doctorate at Bastyr University in 1984. Based in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Collins specializes in hypothyroidism care, combining advanced diagnostic methods with natural therapies to restore thyroid balance and optimize energy, metabolism, and overall wellness.
As a member of the American Academy of Ozone Therapy, Dr. Collins offers advanced ozone therapy, homeopathy, and integrative medicine tailored to each patient’s needs. He is committed to empowering individuals in Central Oregon to take charge of their health naturally.
Dr. Collins’ approach is grounded in the principles of treating the whole person and empowering patients to achieve lasting health. He is committed to compassionate, patient-centered care, offering comprehensive support for fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, and other thyroid-related concerns. As the owner of Proactive Choice in Bend, Dr. Collins continues to advance holistic health and community wellness through education, advocacy, and integrative care.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking a natural solution for ongoing thyroid issues, Dr. Collins provides expert hypothyroidism care in Bend, Oregon, helping you regain vitality and quality of life.

You’re Not “Just Tired.” You Deserve Answers

Too many patients are told “your labs are fine” when they know something is off. At Proactive Choice, we believe in listening to your story, testing thoroughly, and treating you like a whole person—not a number on a chart.
When your thyroid is functioning properly, everything else feels easier. Let us help you get there.

Ready to Start Feeling Like You Again?

If you’re tired of being told you’re “fine” when you know you’re not, it’s time for a different kind of care. Discover what personalized, root-cause thyroid support can do for your energy, clarity, and joy.
Book a consultation with a trusted Thyroid Doctor in Bend today.

FAQs About Hypothyroidism Treatment

Ans. Maybe. Many offices check TSH alone, so we start with the full picture: free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies. If those are normal too, your thyroid may not be the problem. Then we look at other common causes of fatigue, such as iron levels and sleep, instead of prescribing thyroid hormone you don't need.

Ans. Synthroid is a brand of levothyroxine, which is T4. It is the standard treatment, and your body converts T4 into the active T3. The American Thyroid Association notes that some people need liothyronine (T3) as well if they don't feel better on T4 alone. Mayo Clinic does not recommend desiccated thyroid extract, because the amount of T4 and T3 in it can vary from batch to batch. Dr. Collins also uses custom-compounded sustained-release capsules for some patients. Ask him on your consult whether that fits your case.

Ans. Not in the sense of a cure. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition, and if it has already lowered your thyroid hormone, you will probably need thyroid hormone replacement. Natural care (diet changes, gut work, stress and nutrient levels) runs alongside that. We recheck antibodies and hormone levels to see what is actually changing.

Ans. Mayo Clinic says most people start to feel better one or two weeks after beginning thyroid hormone. TSH is usually rechecked about 6 to 8 weeks after starting, and the dose is adjusted from there.

Ans. Yes. We often check iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, B12 and vitamin D. One caution from Mayo Clinic: iron and calcium supplements can interfere with levothyroxine, so if you take both, we'll help you space them apart.

Book an Appointment

Complete the form below to request an appointment with Dr. Drew Collins. You can also call the clinic at (858) 333-5196.