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US doctor shares 10 hidden signs your body is screaming for help, even if your reports look ‘normal’

Published on: Feb 24, 2026, 13:30:09 IST
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Hidden insulin issues can lead to weight gain and fatigue despite normal blood tests. (Freepik)
Hidden insulin issues can lead to weight gain and fatigue despite normal blood tests. (Freepik)

Just because your lab reports look fine doesn’t mean you are. Dr Cleo Tetzloffshares 10 subtle warning signs your body could be struggling beneath the surface.

Sometimes our bodies send quiet signals that something isn’t right, fatigue that doesn’t go away, sudden mood swings, persistent aches, or digestive issues that flare up for no clear reason. You may brush them off as stress, ageing, or just a busy life. But what if these subtle signs are actually your body crying out for help?

According to Dr Cleo Tetzloff, a Functional Medicine Practitioner based in California, USA, even when your tests come back normal and your doctor assures you everything is fine, your body might still be struggling in ways that aren’t obvious on paper. (Also read: Gastroenterologist warns 70% of Indians do not meet their daily fibre requirements; reveals how much you really need )

She shares in her February 6 Instagram post 10 signs your body is screaming for help, even when tests say you’re “fine.”

1. You’re exhausted, but your thyroid looks normal

Your thyroid test came back “in range,” but you still feel drained. Important details about your thyroid weren’t even checked, so the full picture is missing.

2. You can’t focus, but your B12 is “fine”

Your vitamin B12 is low-normal, but not enough for your brain and energy. Brain fog, memory lapses, and fatigue are all connected to this.

3. Your hair is falling out, but you’re told you’re not anaemic

Even if your main blood count looks okay, low iron stores can cause hair loss and fatigue. This is often overlooked.

4. You feel anxious or depressed, but vitamin D is “enough”

Vitamin D affects mood, energy, and immunity. Your level might be technically okay, but still too low for your body to function optimally.

5. You’re gaining weight, but blood sugar seems normal

Your basic blood sugar test may look fine, but hidden insulin issues can quietly cause weight gain, cravings, and fatigue over the years.

6. You can’t sleep, but cortisol (stress hormone) was “normal”

A single test doesn’t capture your daily hormone swings. Imbalances can leave you wired at night and exhausted during the day.

7. You feel terrible, but your hormones are “normal for your age”

Low levels of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can cause fatigue, mood changes, and low energy, even if tests say you’re “okay.”

8. You’re inflamed, but no one checked

Inflammation in the body can affect energy, weight, and overall health. Standard blood tests often miss it.

9. Your gut is a mess, but no one investigated

Bloating, constipation, sudden food sensitivities, or anxiety can all come from gut problems, but these are rarely tested properly.

10. No one is connecting the dots

Low energy, hair loss, mood changes, sleep problems, and digestive issues are often treated separately. The bigger picture of what’s wrong with your body is rarely seen.

“You’ve been told it’s just stress, anxiety, or 'getting older.” Prescriptions are handed out, but the underlying issues are ignored. Your body isn’t broken, you’re just not getting the full picture,” concludes Dr Cleo.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Akanksha Agnihotri
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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