7 Blood Tests for Fatigue to Have Your Doctor do if You're Always Tired ...

By Chelsie

7 Blood Tests for Fatigue to Have Your Doctor do if You're Always Tired ...

If you have been feeling more tired than usual you might want to consider asking your doctor to run certain blood tests for fatigue. Your tiredness could be an indicator that something is wrong. A few years ago, I became very tired and couldn’t explain why I felt so run down. Knowing thyroid problems run in my family, I went to my doctor and asked her to test my thyroid. The results showed I had severe hypothyroidism that was progressively getting worse every day. I was so glad I asked my doctor to run some blood tests for fatigue. If I hadn’t I would have gotten worse without knowing why. Instead, I received the proper treatment and slowly started feeling better.

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1

TSH

The TSH test is one of several important thyroid blood tests for fatigue. TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for signaling the thyroid to produce a couple of hormones that are very important for your wellbeing; free T4 and free T3. If your thyroid gland is not producing enough of these important hormones, your pituitary gland will stimulate the production of more TSH to try and create balance. When this happens you will have fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, hair loss, and menstrual irregularities. All of these symptoms are associated with hypothyroidism; the disease that made me feel like I was walking around with bricks on my feet. In addition to TSH, you will also want to have your doctor check your free T4 and free T3 levels since these hormones drop in a person with hypothyroidism.

UPD:

The TSH test is one of the most important tests to have done if you are feeling fatigued. It stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and is produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone signals the thyroid to produce two critical hormones, free T4 and free T3. When your thyroid is not producing enough of these hormones, your pituitary gland will produce more TSH to try to balance them out. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, hair loss, and menstrual irregularities. All of these are associated with hypothyroidism, a condition that can make you feel like you are carrying around heavy weights.

In addition to the TSH test, it is important to have your doctor check your free T4 and free T3 levels as well. These hormones will drop in someone with hypothyroidism. Your doctor may also want to check your TPO antibodies, which are markers for Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that can lead to hypothyroidism.

2

Free T4

One of the important hormones that is produced by the thyroid gland is thyroxin, or T4. This hormone makes up 90% of your thyroid hormones. T4 can be bound to protein or unbound. The unbound T4 is called free T4, and this is the most important measure of T4 to have checked because it is the most biologically active. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough free T4. Without enough of this hormone you can feel very fatigued and very sick.

UPD:

Free T4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that makes up 90% of all thyroid hormones. It is important to measure the free T4 level as it is the most biologically active form. A low level of free T4 can be indicative of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of this hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, muscle aches, constipation, depression, slow heart rate, and sensitivity to cold. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have a blood test done to check your levels of free T4. If the level is low, it is likely that you are suffering from hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism can be managed with medication, and lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure that your symptoms are managed and that your free T4 levels remain within a normal range.

3

Free T3

Free T3 is another hormone that is produced by the thyroid; however, not very much free T3 is made by the thyroid gland. A large portion of it is made when the body converts free T4 into free T3. Free T3 is actually the most biologically active thyroid hormone, as it is taken in by tissues throughout the body. Not everyone who has hypothyroidism will have low levels of free T3. I, however, did experience low levels of free T3, and I can tell you that when the free T3 hormone is low you really feel crummy. I hardly had enough energy to get myself out of bed.

UPD:

Free T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that is responsible for controlling the body's metabolism. It is the most biologically active thyroid hormone, and it is taken in by tissues throughout the body. Low levels of free T3 can cause fatigue and low energy levels, making it difficult to do everyday activities.

In the case of hypothyroidism, not everyone will have low levels of free T3. However, if the levels are low, it can cause extreme fatigue and lack of energy. Symptoms of low free T3 levels can include feeling tired all the time, difficulty concentrating, and feeling cold all the time.

Having your doctor do a blood test to check for free T3 levels is important if you are experiencing extreme fatigue. It is important to note, however, that a normal free T3 level does not always mean that you are healthy. Other tests may be necessary to determine the cause of your fatigue, such as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test or a thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) test.

4

Cortisol

Hypothyroidism is not the only disease that can cause fatigue; there are many others, including adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can make you feel very tired, and it occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that metabolizes proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. It also affects blood glucose, helps maintain blood pressure, and regulates the immune system. Cortisol levels change throughout the day, with the highest level being in the morning. Doctors will often order several tests throughout the day in order to establish a daily pattern. Cortisol levels can be checked in blood, urine, and saliva. So, if blood tests aren’t your thing there are other options.

UPD:

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and helps regulate many of the body's functions. It helps to metabolize proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, and it also helps to regulate blood glucose, maintain blood pressure, and manage the immune system. Cortisol levels change throughout the day, with the highest levels being in the morning.

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. To diagnose adrenal insufficiency, doctors usually order several tests throughout the day to establish a daily pattern of cortisol levels. These tests can be done using blood, urine, or saliva samples.

Other conditions that can cause fatigue include anemia, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnea. Anemia is a condition where the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, which can also lead to fatigue. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms.

5

Hemoglobin A1C

Hemoglobin A1C, HA1C for short, is a measurement of glucose overtime. This one test actually has the ability to provide a picture of the glucose levels in your blood over the last few months. This test is frequently used to diagnosis diabetes, which is actually a cause of fatigue. Along with fatigue, people with diabetes can also experience blurred vision, slow healing, and an increase in thirst and urination. This test has become a standard test doctors order during routine physicals, and it is very likely that you have already had yours checked.

UPD:

Hemoglobin A1C (HA1C) is a test that measures glucose levels over a period of time. It is a very important test for diagnosing diabetes, which can be a cause of fatigue. With diabetes, people may experience blurred vision, slow healing, and increased thirst and urination. This test is now a standard part of routine physicals, so it is likely that you have already had yours checked.

However, there are other blood tests that can be done to help diagnose fatigue. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, can cause fatigue, and can be tested for with a complete blood count. Thyroid problems can also cause fatigue, and can be tested for with a thyroid-stimulating hormone test. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause fatigue, and can be tested for with a B12 test.

Kidney and liver functions can also be tested with blood tests. If these organs are not functioning properly, they can cause fatigue. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that can be used to measure the levels of electrolytes, proteins, and other substances in the blood. This test can also be used to check the functioning of the kidneys and liver.

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6

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is actually very common, and although vitamin D is usually associated with bone health, a deficiency in it can cause fatigue. There are 2 types of Vitamin D present in blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the inactive precursor to the other form, and it is the form that is most often measured in blood tests. This is due to the fact that it is present in the blood for a longer amount of time. If your Vitamin D blood test shows a deficiency, follow your doctor’s orders and take your Vitamin D supplement. Your energy levels just might return to normal once you correct the deficiency.

UPD:

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for many bodily functions, including energy levels. People who are deficient in vitamin D often experience feelings of fatigue, and this is why it is important to get your vitamin D levels checked through a blood test. Vitamin D is present in two forms in the blood: 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D form is the most often measured in blood tests, as it is present in the blood for a longer period of time.

If you find that your vitamin D levels are low, it is important to take a vitamin D supplement to increase your levels. Vitamin D is found in many foods, including fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products. You can also get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, but make sure to use sunscreen or protective clothing when going outside.

7

Iron

I did not forget one of the most common tests doctors check when their patients come in complaining about fatigue - iron. Anemia is a problem that arises when a person does not have enough iron, and the hallmark symptom of anemia is fatigue. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. If you do not get enough iron in your diet, your body will draw upon iron it has stored in tissue, and eventually you will become anemic. There are several different tests doctors order to check for anemia. These include serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron binding capacity. All three of these tests together provide a better picture of possible anemia.

Fatigue creeps up on everyone now and then, but if you are excessively tired you should consider seeing your doctor. Your doctor can order these blood tests to make sure nothing serious could be causing fatigue. However, if your blood tests are fine you may want to consider adding a few naps into your weekly routine. Have you been excessively tired lately?

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