Feeling tired sometimes is to be expected – especially if you live a busy life. But if you’re experiencing a consistent lack of energy, it may be more than just a string of bad days.
An NHS GP is advising anyone who feels constantly under the weather to consider having a blood test that could pinpoint numerous potential issues for the fatigue.
Doctor Shireen, in a widely circulated TikTok video, talked through the most common medical reasons for tiredness, ranging from vitamin deficiencies to an underactive thyroid. While many might attribute fatigue to insufficient sleep, deeper health concerns shouldn’t be dismissed without investigation, she said.
In the two and a half minute clip, Doctor Shireen said: “I’m an NHS GP and if you are feeling tired all the time, I’m going to tell you the things you should ask your GP to check for on your blood test. Get a pen and paper ready and let’s get into it”.
Firstly, a full blood count (FBC) is important, she stated. This examination enables doctors to diagnose conditions such as anaemia, characterised by low haemoglobin levels. Doctor Shireen explained: “Haemoglobin is found in the blood and it carries oxygen around your blood to your organs. If this is low, you will feel tired”.
You should have your doctor check your iron levels, especially if you’re a “woman of child-bearing age”. The menstrual cycle or withdrawal bleeds from the contraceptive pill may cause an individual to have low iron, possibly leading to anaemia and other issues, such as hair loss and brittle nails.
Another contributing factor to tiredness could also be your thyroid working improperly, which can also be ascertained with a blood test, says Doctor Shireen. She went on to explain that the thyroid is a gland in your neck that creates a hormone named thyroxine, which “helps with metabolism and all sorts of other things”.
The GP mentioned: “If your thyroid is underactive and you’re not producing enough thyroxine, we can pick this up in a blood test and this will also be making you feel quite tired.”
Not getting enough of certain vitamins could also be behind feelings of fatigue. Doctor Shireen observes vitamin D deficiencies “all the time” among patients since individuals in the UK often don’t absorb enough rom sunlight. To counter this, she suggests taking a vitamin D supplement from October to March or year-round for those who work inside or habitually cover their skin.
Vitamin B12 and folate, also known as vitamin B9, were highlighted by the GP as essential nutrients. She pointed out that people on plant-based diets are likely to be deficient in B12 unless they supplement it, since it’s mainly found in animal products. Folate, on the other hand, is abundant in “leafy green vegetables”.
Finally, Doctor Shireen advised perimenopausal women, typically aged 36 and above, to have their hormones checked. She emphasized: “Perimenopause is a really overlooked potential cause of tiredness.”
If you are experiencing these symptoms or are concerned about your health, consult with your GP.