When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Enough: How to Crack the Code of Your Unexplained Symptoms
Let’s get real. You dragged yourself to the doctor, survived the blood draw, and got the “Everything looks fine!” call. But here you are—exhausted, bloated, and so brain-fogged you forgot your own phone number.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been there. Early in my career, I shrugged off fatigue as “part of the job”—until I crashed hard. Turns out, “normal” labs missed my struggling adrenal glands (your body’s stress managers) and a gut microbiome that looked like a garden overrun by weeds.
Your body isn’t lying. Medicine just isn’t listening.
The Dirty Secret About “Normal” Lab Ranges
Conventional labs are like judging your car’s health by its cupholders. Those “normal” ranges? They’re based on averages from a population where most people are already unwell.
Let me break it down:
A fasting blood sugar of 99 mg/dL is “normal.” But optimal? Closer to 85. That gap? It’s your cells screaming, “We’re drowning in sugar overload—no wonder you’re crashing by noon!”
Thyroid TSH under 4.5 is “fine.” But if you’re colder than a penguin’s toes and losing hair like a shedding golden retriever? We’re missing the story.
Functional Medicine: Let’s Play Health Detective
Traditional care asks, “Are you sick?” I ask, “Why aren’t you thriving?”
Case in point: Linda, 42, came to me with “normal” thyroid labs but felt like a walking icicle. A full panel found Hashimoto’s (an autoimmune attack on her thyroid) and her body struggling to use thyroid hormones properly—issues hiding in plain sight.
My Rule of Thumb:
If your provider says you’re “fine” but you feel like a dumpster fire, it’s time to dig deeper.
Thyroid Tests: TSH Isn’t the Whole Story
Conventional Approach:
Tests TSH. If it’s under 4.5, you’re “fine.”
What We Do Instead:
Test active thyroid hormones (the ones your cells actually use) and antibodies (clues your immune system is misfiring).
Why? Your thyroid might be making hormones, but is your body using them?
Translation:
TSH alone is like judging a book by its cover—while skipping the plot twist on page 42.
Hidden Inflammation: The Slow Burn Your Labs Miss
Low-grade inflammation won’t spike standard labs, but it’s like a campfire in your cells—slowly charring your energy and clarity.
Clues Your Doctor Ignores:
Ferritin: Not just for iron—it’s a stress alarm bell.
Fibrinogen: A hint your blood’s stickier than a toddler’s hands after snack time.
hs-CRP: The early warning sign before bigger issues like heart disease.
If you’re puffier than a soufflé after meals, inflammation’s likely gatecrashing your gut.
Your Body’s Not Broken—It’s Begging for Backup
Your symptoms aren’t drama. They’re clues. If you’re told “It’s all in your head” but still feel off, trust your gut. (Literally—your gut might be the issue.)
Ask yourself:
Do I feel “fine” or alive just existing in survival mode?
Are my energy levels steady or a rollercoaster?
Does my doctor treat me like a number or a partner?
Your Next Step: Ditch “Normal,” Demand Better
If You’re…
Tired of being overlooked by “normal” labs
Ready to uncover why you’re stuck in survival mode
Curious what “optimal” looks like for YOU
Let’s chat. In a free discovery call, we’ll:
Review your labs without the “fine” brush-off
Map a testing plan that finds real answers
Talk root causes over herbal tea—no confusing terms, just clarity
P.S. Still clinging to that “normal” lab report? Use it as a coaster. Your body’s whispers matter more.
