Why We Look Beyond “Normal” Labs: A NaturopathicApproach to Testing

At the heart of naturopathic medicine is the commitment to find the root cause—and to recognize that your body is always giving you valuable information. Many patients come to us after being told their labs are “normal,” even though they still feel tired, anxious, inflamed, or off balance. We believe that optimal health isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about how well your body functions day to day.

Unlike conventional medicine, which often uses broad reference ranges to rule out illness, functional and naturopathic lab testing looks at subclinical imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. That’s why we often include specialized assessments like saliva and urine hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, comprehensive stool analysis, and urinary neurotransmitter testing as part of your personalized care plan.

For example, saliva and dried urine testing can give us a much clearer picture of hormone patterns over the course of a day or month. This is especially helpful for evaluating cortisol (your stress hormone), estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels—something that basic blood work may miss. These insights are vital when treating fatigue, sleep issues, menstrual concerns, or menopausal transitions.

We also use urinary neurotransmitter testing to evaluate chemical messengers like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. These play a crucial role in mood, focus, sleep, and stress resilience. When paired with hormone testing, this can give us a fuller picture of your neuroendocrine balance and help us develop targeted support for anxiety, depression, or burnout. And for many patients, food sensitivities and gut imbalances are at the core of their symptoms. Identifying hidden food triggers and assessing gut health through advanced stool testing helps us address inflammation, immune overload, and poor nutrient absorption at the source.
We may also recommend micronutrient testing, which can identify key vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect everything from energy production and immune health to cognitive function and metabolism. Even small imbalances can have a big impact—and correcting them can lead to significant improvements in how you feel.

We may also recommend micronutrient testing, which can identify key vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect everything from energy production and immune health to cognitive function and metabolism. Even small imbalances can have a big impact—and correcting them can lead to significant improvements in how you feel.

Naturopathic medicine is rooted in the belief that your symptoms matter—and that they deserve to be explored, not dismissed. If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but still don’t feel like yourself, it may be time to look deeper. Schedule a consultation today to learn how personalized, functional lab testing can help uncover what your body truly needs to heal and thrive.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnett, contact her office at 425-539-0800 or send an email to staff@drclara.com. Her offices are conveniently located in Seattle and Bellevue, and appointments are also available via telemedicine. Most insurance plans are accepted.