Are Your Thyroid Labs "Normal"—But You Still Feel Awful? Here’s What Your Doctor Might Be Missing
I can’t tell you how many times a patient walks into my office, exhausted, frustrated, and feeling unheard. They’ve been dealing with fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, thinning hair, or constant cold hands and feet, but when they bring it up with their doctor, they get the same response:
"Your thyroid labs look normal. You’re fine."
But they don’t feel fine. And that’s why they’re sitting in front of me—because they know something is off, and they’re finally ready to get real answers.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. And you’re not crazy. Let’s talk about why “normal” labs don’t always mean optimal health—and how I help my patients reclaim their energy, metabolism, and quality of life.
Listening to the Whole Story—Not Just the Lab Numbers
When a patient comes to me with thyroid concerns, I don’t just glance at a single TSH number and send them on their way. I listen—to their symptoms, their struggles, and their intuition that something isn’t right.
What I often find is that their labs may be in the “normal” range, but their thyroid is far from functioning optimally.
That’s why I always run a full thyroid panel to get the whole picture:
🩸 TSH – The signal from the brain telling the thyroid what to do
🩸 Free T4 & Free T3 – The actual thyroid hormones responsible for metabolism and energy
🩸 Reverse T3 – Can block active thyroid hormone if stress is high
🩸 Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & TGAB) – Checks for Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune thyroid condition
Many of my patients discover that their Free T3 (active thyroid hormone) is too low or that they have autoimmune thyroid issues that were never tested before. And once we know what’s going on, we can actually do something about it.
Why I Don’t Just Settle for "Normal" Thyroid Ranges
Most lab reference ranges are based on a broad, average population, including people with thyroid dysfunction. That’s why patients are often told they’re fine, even when they’re dealing with clear symptoms of low thyroid function.
For my patients, I look for optimal ranges, not just "acceptable" ones:
| Marker | Standard Lab Range | Optimal Range for Vibrant Health |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | 0.5 – 4.5 mIU/L | 1.0 – 2.5 mIU/L |
| Free T4 | 0.8 – 1.8 ng/dL | 1.1 – 1.4 ng/dL |
| Free T3 | 2.0 – 4.4 pg/mL | 3.0 – 4.0 pg/mL |
| Reverse T3 | 9 – 25 ng/dL | <15 ng/dL |
| TPO Antibodies | <35 IU/mL | <9 IU/mL |
| TG Antibodies | <40 IU/mL | <9 IU/mL |
💡 Just last week, I had a patient with a TSH of 3.8—technically normal—but their Free T3 was barely registering. No wonder they felt exhausted! Once we adjusted their treatment plan, they finally started to feel like themselves again.
How I Help My Patients Restore Their Thyroid Health
Once we identify what’s actually going on, we create a plan that works with their body, not against it.
1. Getting the Right Labs & Connecting the Dots
The first step is running a full thyroid panel and identifying patterns in their symptoms. I always take time to explain what the numbers mean and why they matter.
📌 Need to check your thyroid properly? I can help you order a full panel and guide you through your results. [Click here to schedule a consult.]
2. Supporting Thyroid Hormone Production Naturally
Once we know where the imbalance is, we focus on giving the thyroid what it needs through targeted nutrition and supplements.
🛑 Many of my patients are low in iodine, selenium, and zinc, which are essential for thyroid hormone production. After testing their nutrient levels, we add in thyroid-friendly foods like:
Brazil nuts (for selenium)
Seaweed & wild-caught fish (for iodine)
Pumpkin seeds & grass-fed beef (for zinc & iron)
After just a few weeks of replenishing key nutrients, many of my patients report better energy, less brain fog, and improved mood.
3. Managing Stress & Inflammation (A Major Thyroid Blocker!)
One thing I see over and over? Chronic stress is a thyroid killer. When cortisol (your stress hormone) is high, it can slow down thyroid function and increase Reverse T3, making you feel sluggish.
That’s why I help my patients create realistic, sustainable ways to manage stress—whether it’s deep breathing, movement, or simply learning to say no.
One patient of mine started adding just 10 minutes of gentle yoga before bed, and within a month, their Reverse T3 dropped significantly—and they felt so much better. Small changes can make a big difference.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again—Let’s Make It Happen
If you’ve been brushed off by doctors or told your thyroid is fine when you know something is wrong, I hear you.
I work with patients every day who are tired of feeling dismissed, and I help them get the right testing, real answers, and a personalized plan to restore their energy, metabolism, and well-being.
Want to check your full thyroid panel and finally get the support you deserve? Click here to book a consult.
You don’t have to keep pushing through exhaustion and frustration. Let’s figure this out—together.
