“Normal” Labs, Still Feel Off? Here’s What Your Bloodwork Isn’t Telling You

Why Traditional Lab Testing Often Misses the Real Problem, and What to Do Instead

Have you ever been told “your labs look normal”, but you still feel exhausted, inflamed, or just not like yourself?

You're not alone.

At Premer Health & Performance, we work with patients in Lincoln, Omaha, and virtually across the U.S. who’ve been stuck in this frustrating cycle. You’ve done the testing. You’ve asked the right questions. But you’re still being told everything is “fine.”

Here’s why that keeps happening, and how functional medicine changes the game.

The Problem With “Normal” Lab Ranges

Most traditional lab ranges are built on population averages, not optimal health.

According to the CDC, over 70% of U.S. adults are overweight or living with chronic conditions. That means the reference range for “normal” is based on a chronically sick population.

So when your doctor says everything looks “normal,” what they often mean is:
→ You’re not sick enough for medication yet.
→ You’re not outside the bell curve.

But what if your body has already been whispering for help?

Functional Ranges vs. Standard Ranges

Functional medicine asks a different question: Not “Are you sick?” but “Are you functioning at your best?”

Here’s how it works:

• Traditional range for TSH (thyroid hormone) might flag anything over 4.5

• Functional range says: Anything over 2.5 may start showing symptoms

Same lab. Different interpretation. Way different plan.

This approach allows us to catch problems earlier, when they’re easier to fix, and before they snowball into disease.

Why Patterns Matter More Than a Single Test

Looking at one marker in isolation rarely tells the full story.

Take thyroid health, for example. You might get a normal TSH result but still feel tired, gain weight, and lose your edge. Why? Because thyroid function is influenced by:

• TSH

• Free T3 & Free T4

• Reverse T3

• Iron, B12, and selenium

• Inflammation and cortisol

We don’t just ask, “What does this number say?” We ask, “What is your body trying to tell us through the pattern?”

That’s the power of systems-based analysis.

What We Do Differently at Premer Health & Performance

At our clinic, Functional Medicine means combining:
→ Advanced lab testing (Almost always blood, sometimes saliva, urine, or stool testing)
→ Pattern recognition by a trained clinician
→ Strategic planning based on your goals and physiology

Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, inflammation, brain fog, hormone imbalance, or chronic pain, we go deeper to find the why.

We work with patients both in-person in Lincoln, NE and virtually across the U.S., so you don’t have to settle for generic care or another “you’re fine” from your provider.

Signs You Might Benefit From Functional Lab Testing:

• You’ve been told everything is normal, but you don’t feel normal

• You’ve had persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings

• You’ve had hormone panels that were “in range” but didn’t explain anything

• You’re seeking root-cause answers, not bandaids

• You want to optimize, not just get by

Final Word: Just Fine Isn’t Good Enough

You weren’t meant to live in survival mode. You weren’t meant to be told “you’re fine” when you feel anything but.

If you’re tired of chasing symptoms, relying on Google, or waiting until things get worse before someone takes you seriously, it’s time for a new approach.

Key Takeaways

• "Normal" lab ranges are based on population averages, not optimal health

• Over 70% of U.S. adults have chronic conditions, so “normal” doesn’t mean healthy

• Functional lab ranges help detect dysfunction before it becomes disease

• Patterns across multiple labs (not isolated numbers) reveal the real story

• Many symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and poor recovery show up before labs cross into “disease” territory

• Functional medicine looks for root causes, not just bandaid solutions

• Advanced testing + clinical insight = faster, more accurate answers

• You don’t need to be sick to deserve care, you deserve to feel optimal

• We offer Functional Medicine both in-person (Lincoln, NE) and virtually across the U.S.

Ready to Feel Better? Book a complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Premer.

Book a free discovery call to see if Functional Medicine is the right fit. We’ll talk through your symptoms, your goals, and map out your next step.

📍 In Lincoln or Omaha? We’d love to see you in person.
🌎 Not local? We offer virtual visits across the U.S.

You deserve answers. And you deserve to feel optimal, not just “normal.”

---

Premer Health & Performance

We help high-performing adults, athletes, and naturally minded families move better, feel stronger, and stay out of pain for good.

Our concierge-style clinic offers chiropractic care, functional medicine, and 1:1 strength training with a root-cause, performance-driven approach. It’s personalized care built around your long-term health, not just quick fixes.

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, we also offer virtual appointments for patients nationwide, allowing you to receive expert, individualized care from anywhere.

Get started here:

1. Book a Free Discovery Call – Let’s talk through your goals and create a plan that fits.

2. Get Free Access to the ‘Reclaim Your Edge Private Podcast Series’ – A 5-part private podcast to help you feel clear, energized, and in control of your health.

3. Join the Weekly ‘Premer Playbook’ Email Newsletter – Our weekly wellness newsletter with tips, tools & recs.

4. Connect With Us On Social Media – Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for almost daily insights and education.

This isn’t cookie-cutter care. It’s smart, holistic, and built for people who want to feel their best and stay that way. We’re ready to help you.