Why Regular Blood Work Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story About Your Health
Have you ever been told by your doctor that your labs look normal, yet you feel anything but normal? No energy, stubborn weight gain, and brain fog clouding your days?
I understand—this was my experience when I first had my blood work done. The results showed “normal” for most markers, yet I felt far from it. Despite the “normal” results, I was struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and mood swings—symptoms that were clearly abnormal for someone with supposedly perfect labs.
Conventional blood work ranges are derived from averages across a broad population, often including individuals who are not in optimal health. These ranges are not the same as functional (optimal) ranges, which are narrower and represent a healthier subset of people. This is why countless women in menopause don’t receive the support and treatment they need and deserve.
Functional health practitioners aim to “catch” any imbalances early so corrections can be made through healthy lifestyle changes, rather than waiting until prescription medications become necessary. We strive to restore as much function to the body as possible before a diagnosis or disease arises.
Functional blood work assessments give us a sneak peek into changes in your:
- Organ health (liver, kidneys, gut, thyroid, etc.)
- Hormone health (insulin, thyroid, cortisol)
- Nutrient status and electrolytes
- Metabolic efficiency (how we burn fuel for function)
Functional lab tests analyze your results from a functional perspective, using tighter and narrower reference ranges that reflect optimal health rather than merely being “cleared” from disease or diagnosis. These tests can identify imbalances in the body even before symptoms show up, providing crucial insights as the first step on a deeper health-building journey.
In my clinical practice, I have found these assessments to be incredible motivators for individuals ready to take action and jumpstart their journey to better health. Many of my clients share their lab results with me, and we assess them through a functional lens before moving on to more advanced functional lab tests.
Taking the Next Step
In my practice, I offer standalone Functional Health Assessments, which include a comprehensive functional blood work assessment and lifestyle recommendations. You can find more information about the assessment (here).
One common question I receive from potential clients is: “Why do I have to run these expensive functional tests when surely you can get it all through my blood work?”
It’s a valid concern, and here’s why the investment in functional testing is worth it:
- Regular blood tests provide a surface-level view, but functional tests delve deeper, uncovering hidden imbalances and dysfunctions that standard tests miss.
- Functional tests can detect issues before they become full-blown problems, allowing for early intervention and prevention of chronic diseases.
- The detailed insights from functional tests enable the creation of highly customized health plans tailored to your unique needs, leading to more effective and sustainable results.
- Functional tests focus on identifying the root causes of your symptoms, rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. This holistic approach leads to more comprehensive and lasting health improvements.
So, while conventional blood tests are a good start, advanced functional lab testing offers deeper insights into:
- Hormone health
- Immune function
- Digestion
- Detoxification
- Energy levels
- Nervous system health
These tests can pinpoint imbalances and poorly functioning bodily systems far more effectively than regular blood tests. With the proper testing and results, we can create highly customized and personalized protocols tailored just for you.
By following these protocols, the functioning of key bodily systems can return to balance, and your symptoms can disappear or subside, helping you finally feel like yourself again.
So, while regular blood work has its place, if you truly want to see results and feel your best, functional lab testing, along with a highly personalized and customizable health-building program, is the way to go.
