Welcome to another insightful episode of The Unrushed Hour. Today, Dr. Angela Mineo, board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Cheval Wellness, explores the complexities behind those four familiar words: "your labs are normal." She dives into what "normal" really means in standard lab reports, why so many people, especially women, continue to struggle with symptoms even when their results are technically in range, and how optimizing health goes beyond just meeting statistical averages. From the nuances of hormone and iron testing to the limitations of routine panels and the importance of individualized care, this episode will empower you to ask better questions, understand your body, and move past frustration when normal just doesn’t feel right.
Timestamps:
00:00 Optimal vs. normal lab ranges
04:50 Interpreting women's hormone lab results
07:09 Importance of iron levels
12:32 Reviewing hormone therapy results
13:27 Understanding Lab Tests and Next Steps
16:26 Insurance screening vs. diagnostic tests
20:35 Insights on perimenopause changes
What "Normal" Labs Really Mean: Key Insights from The Unrush Hour Podcast
Are you tired of hearing that your labs are "normal," even though you still feel exhausted, foggy, or not like yourself? In a recent episode of The Unrush Hour podcast, Dr. Angela Mineo, a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Cheval Wellness, dives deep into what normal lab results actually mean and why feeling "normal" doesn’t always mean optimal health. Here, we share some of the most important takeaways to help you understand your results and advocate for better care.
Understanding Normal Lab Ranges
Most conventional healthcare providers rely on reference ranges when interpreting lab results. According to Dr. Angela Mineo, these ranges are drawn from averages of large segments of the population, including many people who may not feel their best. This means a lab result deemed "normal" might only indicate that you are not experiencing a severe disease, not that your body is functioning optimally. Dr. Angela Mineo emphasizes the difference between an absence of disease and truly thriving health. She suggests striving for the higher end of normal, or what she refers to as your "optimal" range, to ensure you’re not simply settling for mediocre wellbeing.
Why Symptoms Matter as Much as the Numbers
One of the core messages from the episode is the importance of listening to your symptoms. She highlights the frustration many people feel when told their results are fine, while they continue to experience fatigue, brain fog, or other bothersome issues. Dr. Angela Mineo points out that lab tests are great for ruling out serious health conditions but are less effective at uncovering the root causes of common but impactful symptoms. By combining lab results with a careful look at your symptoms, healthcare providers can offer more personalized and meaningful treatment.
Hidden Lab Variability and The Importance of Consistency
Another insight Dr. Angela Mineo brings up is the variability between different labs. She notes that only a few tests have standardized ranges, while most can vary from one laboratory to another. This is why Cheval Wellness sticks with a single lab provider to ensure consistent readings and more accurate tracking over time. If you notice your lab results are fluctuating, it may simply be due to different equipment or standards rather than a real change in your health.
Special Considerations for Women’s Health
The podcast episode places special emphasis on the unique challenges of interpreting labs for women, particularly regarding hormones. Dr. Angela Mineo explains that the timing of your cycle matters significantly when drawing labs for estrogen or progesterone, and that postmenopausal hormone levels require a completely different evaluation. Many standard lab panels don't account for these hormonal fluctuations, so working with a provider who understands female physiology is essential for meaningful insights.
The Role of Iron and Frequently Missed Tests
Iron deficiency is highlighted as a common but overlooked issue. Dr. Angela Mineo shares that many women are told they are not anemic and therefore aren't screened further, missing the chance to catch and address iron deficiency. Such deficiencies, even when mild, can impact overall well-being, hormone balance, energy levels, and more. Insurance constraints often limit the number of tests performed, so symptoms may warrant a deeper look beyond the "basic" panels like TSH, CBC, and cholesterol.
At-Home Lab Tests: Helpful or Harmful?
With the rise of at-home and direct-to-consumer lab tests, there’s more data at our fingertips than ever before. Dr. Angela Mineo advises that while these tests can be valuable for monitoring, initial and complex interpretations should always be guided by a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Misinterpreting results can cause unnecessary worry or lead to misguided self-treatment.
Actionable Steps and Takeaways
Next time you hear that your labs are "normal," Dr. Angela Mineo recommends asking your provider exactly what was tested, where you fall within the range, and how your results compare to past tests. Bring previous labs and a list of your symptoms for a more thorough evaluation. And if you feel dismissed, consider seeking out a specialist who looks beyond normal ranges to uncover the root causes impacting your quality of life.
The episode reminds listeners that you don't have to settle for "normal." Optimal health is about feeling your best, not just avoiding disease. For more personalized guidance, consider tools like Cheval Wellness’s free clarity assessment, and always discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.
Cheval Wellness - https://chevalwellness.com/
Cheval Wellness Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chevalwellness/
Cheval Wellness Blog - https://weightlossclinicnewportrichey.blogspot.com/
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”