Why Your Doctor Says You’re ‘Fine’—But You Don’t Feel Fine

Have you ever walked out of your doctor’s office feeling more confused about your health than when you walked in?

You’re exhausted. Bloated. Moody. Your cycle is a mess. But after a few blood tests and a quick exam, you hear something like:

“Everything looks normal.”
“That’s just part of getting older.”
“Painful periods are totally common.”

And while those statements might be true in terms of how many people experience them, here’s what I want you to really understand:

Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal.

Common Isn’t the Same as Normal

Let’s clear something up:

• Common means something happens often.

• Normal means your body is functioning optimally.

Here’s a real-life example:
Many women experience intense cramps, migraines, and mood swings before their period. That’s common—but it’s not normal. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is off.

One of my patients—let’s call her Sarah—came to me completely drained. Horrible PMS. Crashing energy. Weight gain no matter what she did. Doctors had told her for years this was “just part of being a woman.” But after a few months of balancing her hormones and addressing root causes, she had pain-free cycles, real energy, and started enjoying her body again.

We have to stop normalizing suffering.

Takeaway: If you’ve been told something is “normal,” ask yourself—is it common… or is it healthy?

Symptoms Are Clues, Not Inconveniences

Think of your body like a car.
When the check engine light comes on, would you cover it with a sticker and keep driving? Of course not. You’d figure out what’s going on under the hood.

Your body works the same way.

Here are a few “check engine lights” I see women ignore all the time:

• Fatigue → Could be thyroid dysfunction, adrenal burnout, or nutrient deficiencies.

• Bloating → Often linked to gut imbalances, food sensitivities, or stress.

• Low libido → Might signal hormonal imbalance, blood sugar swings, or chronic stress.

• Mood swings → Can be connected to blood sugar issues, inflammation, or neurotransmitter imbalances.

Another patient—let’s call her Jessica—struggled for years with brain fog and exhaustion. Her labs were “normal.” But when we looked deeper, we found thyroid dysfunction and key nutrient deficiencies. A few months later, she finally felt like herself again.

Reminder: Your symptoms are not in your head. They’re messages from your body that something needs attention.

What Optimal Health Really Looks Like

Let’s reframe what you should expect from your body. Optimal health means:

• Waking up refreshed, not dragging yourself out of bed.

• Having stable moods—not riding an emotional rollercoaster.

• Feeling energized without needing caffeine to function.

• Experiencing pain-free periods (yes, that is possible!).

You don’t have to accept “meh” as your baseline.

5 Small Shifts to Start Feeling Better

Ready to move from surviving to thriving? Here are a few simple steps to start with today:

1. Track Your Symptoms
   Keep a journal for 30 days. You’ll start to notice patterns that can guide next steps.

2. Support Your Gut
   Your gut affects hormones, mood, and energy. Add fiber, fermented foods, and cut processed junk for two weeks—see how you feel.

3. Balance Your Blood Sugar
   Ditch the carb-heavy breakfasts. Start your day with protein and healthy fats to stabilize energy and mood.

4. Reduce Hidden Stressors
   Poor sleep, skipping meals, toxic skincare—these add up. Look for what might be silently draining you.

5. Advocate for Yourself
   If you feel dismissed, get a second opinion. Seek out practitioners who look at root causes, not just lab results.

Here’s your next step:

• Write down one symptom you’ve accepted as “normal.”

• Choose one action to support your body this week.

• Ready to take the next step? Let’s explore how we can work together—visit my website to get started. www.drerinellis.com