Why You Still Feel Sick Even When Your Labs Are “Normal”

Have you ever been told, "Your labs look normal" while still feeling sick, exhausted, foggy, or anxious? You're not alone. Many people experience persistent symptoms even when their conventional la

b results fall within standard reference ranges. In functional medicine, we ask deeper questions: Are those ranges optimal? Are we missing subtle imbalances that may affect how you feel every day?

The Problem with "Normal" Lab Ranges

Standard lab reference ranges are based on averages from the general population—not necessarily healthy individuals. That means you could fall within the "normal" range and still be far from optimal health. Functional medicine uses optimal ranges that reflect where your body operates best, rather than where disease is merely absent.

For example:

• A TSH of 4.0 might be "normal" but could indicate suboptimal thyroid function for someone with fatigue, weight gain, or cold intolerance.

• A B12 level of 400 pg/mL may technically pass, but still leave you with neuropathy, brain fog, or mood swings.

Functional Medicine: Looking Beyond the Surface

Functional health practitioners consider your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and lab markers together—not in isolation. We look for patterns and trends, not just single numbers. It's like assembling pieces of a puzzle rather than judging one piece on its own.

We may also recommend advanced testing that reveals deeper imbalances in gut health, hormones, detox pathways, inflammation, or nutrient status that standard labs often miss. Think Organic Acids Testing, GI-MAP, DUTCH Hormone Test, or Hair Mineral Analysis.

Common Root Causes Missed by Standard Labs

1. Chronic low-grade inflammation

2. Hidden gut infections or dysbiosis

3. Subclinical thyroid or adrenal dysfunction

4. Nutrient depletions

5. Toxic burden (mold, heavy metals, chemicals)

6. Blood sugar dysregulation, even with "normal" glucose or A1c

You Know Your Body Best

If you’re not feeling like yourself, trust that inner signal. In functional medicine, we validate your experience and work to uncover why you feel the way you do. It's not about chasing perfection in numbers; it's about restoring function, balance, and quality of life.

Ready for Deeper Answers?

You don’t have to settle for "normal" when you still feel off. Functional wellness coaching offers a path forward with personalized, root-cause strategies. Your healing journey starts by asking better questions—and listening to your body’s answers.

Learn more about our wellness packages here.

Xenia,

Your Holistic Practitioner