Why “normal” hormone levels are NOT optimal

Here’s a MAJOR issue I run into continually in my work with clients:

Their doctors tell them their hormone levels are “normal” based on their labs, but they feel like garbage and they KNOW something is off.

They leave their appointment feeling frustrated, discouraged, even dismissed…often with a prescription for drugs that aren’t actually going to help resolve the root cause issues at hand.

The Problem with “Normal” Hormone Levels 

In conventional medical training, hormones are described as falling within a designated “normal” range. Anything outside that window is flagged as “high” or “low,” while values inside were assumed to be “healthy.” 

But what if this model is misleading? 

What if simply reaching a “normal” hormone value rarely equates to true health, vitality or quality of life?

The Truth Behind Reference Ranges

Here’s the real story:

Reference ranges are, in fact, statistical averages — not definitive indicators of health. 

These numbers are based on a population that is increasingly less healthy and burdened by chronic illness; over 50% of North Americans have impaired glucose tolerance, and over 70% are overweight or obese. 

Using these population averages as a standard for health often means patients are told they’re “normal” even when they feel anything but.

New research shows that when patients reach healthy levels for key markers—like blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and hormones—their risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver can drop significantly.

A Patient-Centered Alternative

There needs to be a seismic shift in medical philosophy, which is to focus on the individual, not just their lab results.

Lab values matter, but they’re often interpreted without considering the patient’s symptoms or unique context, which are CRITICAL (ie. perimenopause, something doctors learn almost nothing about in Med Schools).

Another issue is “hormone resistance.” (Translation: the hormone is present at sufficient levels but the receptor can’t “hear” the signal, much like a hearing impaired person can’t hear a conversation at normal volume.) 

While conditions like insulin and leptin resistance are widely acknowledged, other forms—such as thyroid or broader hormone resistance—are often missed. 

On top of this, modern environmental influences - like processed foods, chemical exposures and hormone disruptors - can interfere with the body’s ability to use its own hormones. 

As a result, patients with “normal” hormone readings often struggle with symptoms typical of deficiency.

A More Effective Path Forward

By taking a more holistic approach - considering your lab data AND symptoms AND life circumstances (ie. perimenopause) - you and your care provider can achieve transformative, life-changing results. 

No, this approach is not robotic or high-throughput, and it cannot be done and dusted in a quick 10-min doctor’s appointment…But it’s the approach that really works.

This is the approach I take with my clients. I also teach them how to approach their care providers, how to get the support they need and where I want them on those reference ranges, emphasizing that while lab values provide important guideposts, their symptoms are always more important.

Be Part of the Change

If you’re a midlife woman who’s ready to move past outdated standards and truly thrive, consider joining us in the Better Beyond 40 Formula. You can book a free Consult with me so we can see if we’re a fit to work together.

Discover how evidence-based hormone and metabolic optimization can help you feel your best and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life, leaving symptoms behind.