Health and Wellness

September 22, 2026

#152: 5 Reasons Your Labs Are 'Normal' But You Feel Like Garbage

Have you ever been told your labs are “normal,” yet you still feel exhausted, foggy, overwhelmed, or like something is just not right? If you’ve been struggling with persistent symptoms despite “normal” bloodwork, this episode is for you. In this episode, Brooke breaks down 5 reasons your lab results can come back normal even when you feel like garbage. She explains the difference between a standard disease reference range and what may be considered a more functional or optimal range, and why a “normal” result doesn’t always tell the whole story. From not being considered “sick enough” to having the wrong labs ordered, overly broad reference ranges, or simply looking at bloodwork without considering the bigger picture, there are several reasons your results may not be giving you the answers you’re looking for. Brooke also discusses why comprehensive lab testing and looking at your symptoms as a whole can be important when you're trying to understand persistent health issues—particularly when it comes to thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, hormones, nutrient status, and other root-cause concerns. If you’ve been dismissed because your labs are “fine,” this conversation will help you understand what questions you may want to ask next and why continuing to advocate for answers matters.

About this episode

What You'll Learn: 

  • Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean you feel your best
  • The difference between a disease reference range and a functional/optimal range
  • Why you may be told you’re “not sick enough” even when you’re experiencing significant symptoms
  • How broad laboratory reference ranges can sometimes make it difficult to identify potential issues
  • Why your provider may not have ordered the right labs to investigate your symptoms
  • Why bloodwork may be only one piece of a more comprehensive health picture
  • How additional testing can provide information that standard bloodwork may not capture
  • Why looking at individual lab values without considering your symptoms and overall health picture can miss important connections
  • How thyroid and Hashimoto’s symptoms can sometimes require a more comprehensive evaluation
  • What questions you can ask when you’re experiencing symptoms but being told your labs are “normal”
  • Why advocating for yourself and continuing to ask questions can be an important part of navigating your health
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    Shownotes

    Use my link for Needed & claim 20% off your first month → Shop Needed Supplements (enter code: mama20)

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    Labs + Resources: ‍

    Thyroid application form: https://go.thewellnourishedmama.com/thyroid-apply

    General application form: https://go.thewellnourishedmama.com/apply

    Hashimoto’s Lab Manual: https://thewellnourishedmama.myflodesk.com/hashimotos-lab-manual

    Order labs directly through Brooke: https://app.malla.co/join/well-nourished-mama

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    Transcript