Getting comprehensive lab work done is important.
But getting the labs is only step one.
You actually have to know what they MEAN.
And no….seeing everything fall inside the little green “normal” range does not necessarily tell you the whole story.
I hear this ALL. THE. TIME:
“But my doctor said my labs are normal….”
And sometimes they ARE perfectly fine!
But here’s something you need to understand about lab ranges:
“Normal” and “optimal for YOU” are not always the same thing.
Reference ranges are useful. We need them. But when I’m reviewing someone’s labs, I’m not just looking down a sheet of paper asking whether each individual number has an H or an L next to it.
I’m looking for PATTERNS.
Looking Beyond Individual Lab Results
How does your fasting glucose look alongside your A1C and fasting insulin?
What do your triglycerides look like in relation to HDL?
What is your ApoB doing?
What about inflammation?
Iron?
Thyroid?
Nutrients?
Hormones?
And most importantly….
How does all of that fit with YOU?
Your age. Your symptoms. Your family history. Your medications. Your nutrition. Your lifestyle. Your goals.
One lab value does not live on an island.
You guys know my philosophy by now….everything is tied together.
Gut health. Metabolic health. Cardiovascular health. Hormones. Nutrition. Inflammation.
Looking at those relationships—and putting the numbers into the context of the individual—is where lab interpretation becomes so valuable.
More Testing Is Not Always Better Testing
This is also where functional medicine can sometimes go off the rails….
MORE TESTING IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER TESTING.
I love data.
But ordering every test imaginable because we can isn’t necessarily good medicine. I want data that helps me answer a question.
The goal isn’t to obsess over 100+ biomarkers and Google every number that’s slightly outside a range. 🙃
The goal is to use your labs to make better decisions.
Maybe we change something nutritionally.
Maybe we adjust—or STOP—a supplement.
Maybe fasting isn’t serving you.
Maybe something warrants a conversation with your PCP or a specialist.
And sometimes….
I tell you everything looks great and to go LIVE YOUR LIFE.
That’s valuable information too.
A 100+ Marker Lab Report Isn’t a Health Plan
Comprehensive lab testing has become increasingly accessible, and I LOVE that people are becoming more proactive about their health.
But there’s a problem.
You can end up with LOTS of data….and very little idea what to actually DO with it.
A 100+ marker lab report isn’t a health plan.
The interpretation is where the value is.
Your numbers need to be considered alongside your health history, nutrition, symptoms, family history, medications, supplements and goals.
Otherwise it’s just….a lot of numbers.
What Should You Actually Do With Your Lab Results?
This is the part I want people to focus on.
Get the labs. But don’t stop at getting the labs.
Look at trends.
Look at patterns.
Look at the WHOLE person.
Then use that information to make thoughtful, individualized decisions about what actually needs to change….and what DOESN’T.
Because more information isn’t necessarily the goal.
Better decisions are.
Already Have Comprehensive Lab Results?
If you’ve already had a comprehensive panel done through Function Health or a similar service but aren’t sure what all those numbers actually mean for YOU, that’s exactly why I created my Function to Functional Mini Package.
I take your labs PLUS your health history, nutrition and current supplements and help you make sense of the whole picture.
You’ll leave with:
Key action items and priorities
A personalized nutrition plan
Lifestyle recommendations
A targeted meal plan
Follow-up recommendations for your PCP or other specialists
Personalized supplement recommendations
Because data is power….but only if you know what to do with it.
Or, if you’d like to work with me more comprehensively and have your testing done through our practice, you can schedule a discovery call.
And then….please go enjoy your life and stop refreshing your lab portal. 🙂
