Conditions · Autoimmune

A root-cause approach to autoimmunity

When the immune system turns on the body, the goal is to calm the drivers — not just manage flares. In Fredericksburg, VA, we take a functional approach to the inflammation, gut, and hormone factors behind autoimmune conditions. Start with an initial appointment.

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Look at what’s driving the immune response

Autoimmune conditions — from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to broader immune dysfunction — are shaped by inflammation, gut health, stress, nutrients, and hormones. Conventional care often waits for the disease to advance before acting.

At True You, Dr. Hoff works alongside your care to address the modifiable drivers with a functional, physician-guided plan aimed at calming the fire, not just naming it.

Why waiting isn’t the plan

Why “wait until it’s bad enough to medicate” costs you

The difference is catching the drivers early instead of only managing flares.

The conventional visit

“Wait until it’s bad enough to medicate”
Antibodies checked only once it’s advanced
Manage the symptoms
One organ, one specialist
A rushed visit

The True You approach

Catch and address the drivers early
Antibodies, gut, and inflammation assessed sooner
Reduce the triggers behind the flares
The whole-body drivers in one connected plan
Unhurried time with a physician who works alongside your care

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Antibodies can be elevated years before disease is “bad enough” to treat — acting early is where functional care helps most.

Where this helps

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

The most common autoimmune condition we see — see our thyroid hub.

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Inflammation & flares

Identifying and reducing the triggers behind recurring flares.

Fatigue & whole-body

The systemic symptoms — fatigue, fog, aches — that ride along.

Our approach

Functional Medicine

Target inflammation, gut, nutrients, and stress — the modifiable drivers of immune dysfunction.

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Thyroid & Hashimoto’s

For thyroid autoimmunity specifically, start with our dedicated thyroid hub.

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What are autoimmune conditions?

In an autoimmune condition, the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissue. Depending on where that happens, it can affect the thyroid (Hashimoto’s), joints (rheumatoid arthritis), skin (psoriasis), the gut (celiac disease), or several systems at once (lupus). The common thread is chronic inflammation.

Autoimmune disease usually reflects a mix of genetic susceptibility and triggers — infections, gut problems, stress, nutrient gaps, and hormone changes among them. Genes can’t be changed, but many of those triggers can be addressed, which is where a functional approach helps.

Why autoimmunity is often missed

Autoimmune conditions can take a long time to diagnose. Early symptoms — fatigue, aches, digestive trouble, brain fog — are vague, come and go, and often get attributed to stress. Standard bloodwork may look normal, and each specialist sees only one piece. Many people go years feeling unwell before they get an answer.

We listen to the whole story, test more broadly when the history points to it, and help connect you with the right specialist when a formal diagnosis is needed. Earlier recognition means earlier support.

Conditions patients bring to us

Functional support alongside your specialist care.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Thyroid autoimmunity — the most common we see.

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Rheumatoid arthritis

Joint-focused autoimmunity, supported alongside your rheumatologist.

Psoriasis & skin conditions

Skin flares with an immune and gut component.

Celiac & gut-related autoimmunity

Where the gut and immune system meet.

Learn more

Common autoimmune symptoms

Symptoms vary by condition, but many people notice:

Persistent fatigue

Tiredness that’s out of proportion to effort.

Joint & muscle aches

Pain, stiffness, or swelling that comes and goes.

Skin changes

Rashes, flares, or sensitivity.

Digestive issues

Bloating, pain, or changing bowel habits.

Brain fog

Trouble concentrating during flares.

Hair changes

Thinning or shedding.

How we evaluate

An autoimmune work-up may include

Antibody testing relevant to your symptoms, such as thyroid antibodies
Inflammation markers
Nutrient status, including vitamin D and iron
Thyroid, sex hormones, and blood sugar
A gut and food-trigger assessment
A careful history of when symptoms began and what makes them worse

How it works

A functional plan for autoimmune disease

Long-term management, focused on the drivers.

01

Step 1

Identify

An in-person visit at our Fredericksburg office and testing to map your symptoms and likely triggers.
02

Step 2

Reduce triggers

Address gut health, food triggers, and inflammation with a personalized nutrition plan.
03

Step 3

Support

Correct nutrient gaps and work on sleep, stress, and hormone balance.
04

Step 4

Monitor and coordinate

Track symptoms and labs over time — many visits virtual — and coordinate with your specialists.

Living well with an autoimmune condition

Managing autoimmunity is a long game. Flares can come with stress, illness, poor sleep, or certain foods, and quieter periods are a chance to build resilience. Your plan is reviewed as your symptoms, labs, and life change. Your first visit and lab work are in person at our downtown Fredericksburg office, and many follow-ups can be virtual — which helps when energy is low or flares make travel hard.

Autoimmune — common questions

Can functional medicine cure my autoimmune disease?

We don’t promise cures. We focus on the modifiable drivers — inflammation, gut health, nutrients, stress, and hormones — to help reduce flares and improve how you feel, alongside your other care.

Do you work with my specialist?

Yes. Our functional approach is designed to complement the care you already receive, not replace it.

Do you take insurance?

True You is a cash-based practice, so your care isn’t limited by insurance rules on testing or time. We’re transparent about costs during your consultation.

How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?

Diagnosis combines your symptoms, an examination, and blood tests such as specific antibodies and inflammation markers. Some conditions need a specialist’s evaluation, and we’ll help you get it.

Can diet help with autoimmune symptoms?

For many people, yes. Food can influence inflammation and gut health. We help you identify your own triggers and build a sustainable way of eating, rather than an overly restrictive one.

Are autoimmune conditions managed long-term?

Usually, yes. Most autoimmune conditions are managed over time. The goal is fewer flares, better energy, and a better quality of life, with care adjusted as things change.

Can stress trigger flares?

Stress is a common trigger. That’s why sleep and stress are part of the plan alongside nutrition, gut health, and any medical treatment you receive.

What triggers autoimmune disease?

It usually takes a combination of genetic susceptibility and triggers such as infections, gut problems, chronic stress, nutrient gaps, and hormone changes. We focus on the triggers that can be changed.

Is autoimmunity linked to gut health?

The gut plays a major role in regulating the immune system, which is why gut health is a core part of our autoimmune work-up.

Do autoimmune conditions run in families?

They often do, and having one autoimmune condition can raise the chance of another. If autoimmunity runs in your family, earlier testing can be worthwhile.

Can follow-up visits be virtual?

Many can. Your first visit and labs are in person at our Fredericksburg office, and much of the ongoing support can be virtual.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Any recent lab results, a list of your medications and supplements, and notes from specialists if you have them. The more of the picture we can see, the better.

Can you help if I don’t have a diagnosis yet?

Yes. Many patients come to us with symptoms that suggest autoimmunity but no clear answer. We test, look at the whole picture, and help you get the right specialist evaluation when it’s needed.

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