What is the Origin of Physiological Norms?

The concept of physiological norms is fundamental to clinical laboratory science, established through the large-scale testing of healthy populations to define the 95% confidence interval for various analytes. 'Norms' derives from the Latin norma, meaning 'a carpenter's square,' signifying a rule or standard. While essential for identifying overt pathology, in personalized medicine, the focus shifts toward the individual's optimal range, which may differ from the statistical norm.

What is the Mechanism of Physiological Norms?

These norms function as a statistical filter; laboratory assays compare a patient's result against the established range to flag significant deviations that may indicate disease or dysfunction. Clinically, a result outside the norm prompts further investigation into a potential pathology. However, the true value in hormonal health lies in interpreting these results within the context of the patient's symptoms and unique optimal physiological set point.

Physiological Norms

Meaning

The statistically derived, population-based reference ranges for various biological parameters, such as hormone levels, blood glucose concentrations, or hematological counts, that are generally considered indicative of a non-diseased state. These norms serve as a clinical benchmark for initial diagnostic screening, though they represent a population average rather than an individual’s optimal functional level. They are the starting point for evaluating a patient’s health status.