Why You Still Don’t Feel Well — Even When Your Labs Are Normal
Evidence-based care means listening to more than just lab results.
It’s one of the most common concerns patients share: “I’ve had all the tests done… but I still don’t feel right.” Despite reassuring lab work, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, bloating, brain fog, or chronic pain persist. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it.
Understanding Reference Ranges
Most lab tests use “reference ranges” that reflect what’s typical for a general population. But these ranges don’t always reflect what’s optimal for you. It’s possible to be “within normal limits” but still not feel well — especially if your values are borderline or shifting.The Limits of Standard Testing
Lab results are essential tools in clinical practice, but they represent only part of the picture. Symptoms are just as important. For example:- Fatigue with normal iron may still reflect low ferritin stores or a thyroid imbalance.
- Digestive symptoms may exist without obvious abnormalities on basic panels.
- Mood changes may reflect nutritional deficiencies, sleep disruption, or hormonal shifts not captured in routine blood work.
Evidence-Based Doesn’t Mean Symptom-Blind
A truly evidence-based approach includes both objective measures and subjective experiences. Clinical judgment involves listening closely, asking deeper questions, and identifying patterns across body systems — not just reacting to numbers on a page.How We Approach Unresolved Symptoms at Pure Health
As a Nurse Practitioner-led clinic, we support patients with a broader, more integrative view of health that includes:- Validated screening tools and symptom inventories
- Clinical interpretation of borderline or “normal” lab results
- Individualized assessment of sleep, stress, nutrition, and lifestyle
- When appropriate, referrals for additional testing or allied supports (e.g. registered dietitians, therapy, or endocrinology)
Your Health Is More Than a Number
If you’ve been told your labs are fine, but you still don’t feel well — you deserve more than a dismissal.
At Pure Health, we take time to listen, assess, and advocate — with evidence and empathy.Written by Agnes Etaka, MN, NP – Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Pure Health Primary Care. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical assessment.