Why “Normal” Labs Don’t Always Mean Optimal Health
Nov 4
2 min read
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It can be incredibly frustrating to be told your labs are “normal,” even when you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, bloating, brain fog, or irregular cycles. The truth is, conventional lab reference ranges are based on averages, not optimal health.
Conventional vs. Optimal Lab Ranges
Conventional labs are designed to detect disease, using broad, population-based reference ranges.
They focus on answering the question: “Is there a disease?”
Optimal lab ranges, often used in functional medicine and integrative health approaches, focus on peak health, prevention, and overall wellness.
They answer the question: “How can I function at my best?”
Here’s a comparison:
Marker | Conventional Range | Optimal Range | Focus |
TSH (Thyroid) | 0.4 – 6 mIU/L | 2.5 – 3 mIU/L | Detect disease vs. peak thyroid function |
Glucose (Fasting) | Up to 99 mg/dL | 70 – 85 mg/dL | Identify diabetes risk vs. energy & blood sugar stability |
LDL Cholesterol | <100 mg/dL | <70 mg/dL | Detect heart disease risk vs. cardiovascular optimal health |
Hemoglobin A1c | 4 – 5.6% | 4.5 – 5.2% | Identify diabetes vs. maintain stable blood sugar |
Vitamin D (25-OH) | 20 – 50 ng/mL | 40 – 60 ng/mL | Prevent deficiency vs. support immune & hormone health |
Tip: Conventional labs identify disease, while optimal lab ranges help prevent future illness and support peak wellness.
Real-Life Examples
Thyroid: Sarah’s TSH is “normal” on paper, but she experiences fatigue, hair thinning, and brain fog. Her thyroid may be on the lower end of normal, enough to cause symptoms.
Hormones: Emily struggles with irregular cycles and mood swings. Standard labs fall within normal ranges, but subtle imbalances affect her daily life.
Vitamin D: Hannah experiences low mood and irritability, but her vitamin D level is “normal” at 25 ng/mL. Optimal functional ranges suggest 40–60 ng/mL to support hormone balance, mood, and immune function, meaning her current level may be contributing to her symptoms.
Knowledge Alone Doesn’t Change Health
Lab results provide valuable information, but knowledge alone won’t create change. Understanding your numbers won’t improve digestion, energy, or hormone balance by itself. What truly makes a difference is consistent, targeted action, and that’s where I can help.
As a functional nutrition dietitian, I help you translate lab results into actionable strategies. Together, we create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans tailored to your gut, hormones, and immune system. I provide guidance, support, and accountability so you can integrate these insights into your daily life and achieve lasting improvements, without generic protocols or quick fixes.
Action and Consistency = Results
True health changes don’t come from quick fixes. They come from personalized, evidence-based strategies implemented consistently. Using lab results to guide nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior changes, with the right coaching, is how you finally feel the way you want to feel.
Prioritize Yourself
If you’re ready to feel better, it’s time to prioritize your health. Labs are an important tool, but they are only as powerful as the actions you take based on them. With the right guidance, you can move beyond “normal” labs and work toward truly optimal health, improved energy, balanced hormones, and overall wellness.
