Lab Tests and Imaging

Naturopathic Doctors interpret lab results differently. This allows for more personalization.

How a Naturopathic Doctor Interprets Lab Results

One of the things that truly sets a naturopathic doctor apart from conventional medical practitioners is their approach to interpreting lab results. Rather than just looking at your blood work through a lens of “normal” reference ranges, naturopathic physicians dig deeper into your results, taking into account optimal health markers and how they relate to your symptoms. This more personalized and thorough interpretation can make a significant difference in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Standard vs. Optimal Ranges

Lab tests are typically ordered based on your symptoms, and results come back with a reference range for each test. These ranges are meant to reflect what is seen in the average population, based on factors like age, gender, and ethnicity. However, they don’t always represent what would be considered “optimal health.” Instead, they offer a general guideline that may overlook potential underlying issues. Unfortunately, many doctors use these ranges as the standard for health, which can lead to missed or misdiagnoses.

Thyroid Testing: A Common Misstep

One area where this is particularly evident is in thyroid testing. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is often the first line of assessment for thyroid function. This test measures how much TSH the pituitary gland is releasing to signal the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. However, this test only tells part of the story and doesn’t show how well the thyroid is actually responding to that signal.

Most doctors will order a TSH test when thyroid issues are suspected, but the reference ranges for TSH are often quite broad (0.4 to 4.5). For optimal thyroid health, naturopathic physicians prefer to see TSH levels between 0.5 and 2.0. Moreover, it’s also important to test Free T4 (the thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid) and how T4 is converted into the active form, T3.

Under long-term or intense stress, however, the body can take a different pathway. Instead of converting T4 into T3, the body may convert it into Reverse T3, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss—all signs of hypothyroidism—without any red flags on a traditional TSH test. This is a perfect example of how relying only on traditional lab results can result in a missed diagnosis.

Macrocytic Anemia: The Hidden Issue in High Altitudes

Another commonly missed diagnosis, especially in areas like Prescott, is macrocytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are too large to carry sufficient oxygen or remove toxins efficiently. In high-altitude areas, like Prescott, the reference ranges for red blood cell size (measured by RDW/MCH) can be skewed. Many people new to these areas are still adjusting to the elevation, and this can impact their lab results.

Locally, reference ranges for RDW can go as high as 16, whereas optimal levels are closer to 11.5 to 12.5. If your physician only relies on these reference ranges, they may overlook a Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency that is contributing to your symptoms. This oversight could leave you struggling with issues like fatigue, cold hands and feet, dizziness, or neuropathy, all while the root cause remains untreated.

Cholesterol Testing: More Than Just Numbers

Cholesterol testing is another area where lab results can be misunderstood. Traditionally, cholesterol tests measured total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), VLDL, and HDL (the “good” cholesterol). However, newer tests, developed by the Cleveland Clinic of Cardiology, go beyond just measuring cholesterol levels and now assess the particle size of LDL and HDL.

The size of the LDL particle can tell us a lot about cardiovascular health. Smaller, denser LDL particles are more likely to contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. On the other hand, larger LDL particles are less likely to cause such issues. Understanding these distinctions allows a naturopathic physician to get a more accurate picture of your cardiovascular risk and take a more targeted approach to treatment.

How Naturopathic Doctors Provide a Personalized Approach to Health

At the core of naturopathic medicine is a personalized approach. By carefully considering your signs, symptoms, lab results, physical exam, and medical history, a naturopathic doctor can provide a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. They focus on understanding the complex relationships between your body’s systems and aim to correct imbalances before they develop into more serious health issues.

Incorporating an understanding of optimal lab values alongside traditional reference ranges allows naturopathic physicians to identify underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. This holistic approach helps bring you back to your best self, not just a “normal” state of health.