Why Am I Tired Even With Normal labs?

reshmapatelmd
Jan 28
2 min read

A common concern I hear is: “My labs are normal, so why do I still feel exhausted?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.

Normal does not always mean optimal. Most conventional lab ranges are based on population averages, not on what supports your optimal energy, resilience, and wellbeing. You can fall within the “normal” range and still be functioning below your personal optimal level.

This is where a functional medicine approach adds value—by looking beyond isolated lab values to understand patterns, trends, and deeper root causes.

Some common upstream contributors to fatigue may include:

Nutrient deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin D, amino acids)
Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid, cortisol, sex hormones, insulin)
Chronic infections or immune activation
Toxic exposures (mold, heavy metals, environmental chemicals)
Gut microbiome imbalance or inflammation
Nervous system dysregulation or chronic stress

Fatigue is rarely random. It is often the body’s way of communicating that something deeper needs attention.

Instead of focusing on whether labs are “normal,” a more empowering question is: “Are my labs optimal for me—and where might my body be asking for support?”

When we listen closely and address root causes, energy often begins to return—not through force, but through alignment.

If you’re feeling tired despite being told everything looks “normal,” this may be an invitation to look deeper.

I offer a root-cause, individualized approach to help uncover what your body may be asking for and to support sustainable energy from the inside out.

Interested in a functional medicine consultation? Please contact the office via email at info@reshmapatelmd.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. Reshma Patel MD is a a functional medicine physician practicing in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. She is passionate about using nutrition and lifestyle choices to help heal the body.

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