My Doctor Said All My Lab Tests Are Normal…
I wanted to talk to you today about a situation that is all too common in our medical system, and that I often encounter in our Naturopathic clinic. When a patient with common symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, weight gain, brain fog, gas & bloating, or hair loss, decides to visit their family doctor, they will often be sent for lab testing. In many cases, the doctor may inform the patient that “all your lab test results are normal…”. Unfortunately, even though you’re experiencing these symptoms, there may be no further investigation!
This can be quite frustrating for patients, as they will be suffering with these symptoms with no solutions in sight. This is a common situation where patients can fall through the cracks of our medical system, and not receive the right solutions to their health concerns. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I help patients navigate this situation in the following ways:
1) “Normal vs. Optimal” – I often find that “normal” lab values may not be “optimal” lab values. Symptoms can occur when lab values are at this “sub-optimal” stage, but lab reports will still appear fine. For all patients, I always question whether their lab values are “optimal”; if not, I will make sure our treatment plan strives for “optimal” levels, and not just “normal” levels.
2) More detailed lab testing – When lab results are “normal”, I also consider whether enough lab tests were done. For example, patients are often surprised when I inform them that there are multiple test options for thyroid health, liver function, iron status, hormone levels, digestive health, and more! With more detailed testing, we are often able to detect imbalances that otherwise would have been overlooked.
3) Alternative test options – At our naturopathic clinic, we have many specialized lab test options that your medical doctor does not use. In situations where your lab results appear “normal”, I will inform patients of alternative lab test options that can give us new and more detailed information that will help us assess your health concerns from a different angle.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, these are situations that we can approach from a different angle and offer effective natural treatment options. These situations are also great examples of how our naturopathic assessment and treatment can complement conventional medical care, ultimately helping as many patients as possible!
As such, if you have symptoms, but are told that “your lab results are normal”, or if you simply aren’t finding the right solutions to your health concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email our naturopathic clinic to book your appointment – you’ll be glad you did!
Yours in health,
Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Clinic
16655 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com