Tiredness and Fatigue

Iron Profile

• Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Free Thyroxine (FT4)

High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs - CRP)

Vitamin D

Iron Profile

• Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Low ferritin levels can indicate an iron deficiency, which is a common cause of tiredness and fatigue. Conversely, high ferritin levels might suggest conditions like inflammation, liver disease, or iron overload.

• Iron: This test measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood, which is necessary for the production of haemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to anaemia, which is often associated with tiredness, weakness, and fatigue.

• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the total amount of iron that can be carried by transferrin, a protein that transports iron in the blood. High TIBC levels often indicate an iron deficiency, which may contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy.

• Transferrin Saturation: This is the percentage of transferrin that is bound to iron. Low transferrin saturation usually points to an iron deficiency, which is a frequent cause of fatigue. On the other hand, high transferrin saturation could suggest iron overload.

• Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC): UIBC measures the reserve capacity of transferrin to bind with iron. High UIBC values are typically linked to iron deficiency, while low levels can indicate iron overload, which might contribute to general fatigue and discomfort.

Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid issues are a common cause of fatigue, as both an overactive and underactive thyroid can lead to tiredness and low energy levels.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH regulates the production of thyroid hormones. High TSH levels typically indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which is commonly linked to fatigue, weight gain, and sluggishness. Low TSH levels may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which can also affect energy levels, but in different ways, often causing restlessness and fatigue.

• Free Thyroxine (FT4): FT4 is the active form of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid. Low levels of FT4 may indicate hypothyroidism, a condition often linked to feelings of tiredness, sluggishness, and general fatigue. Conversely, high FT4 levels could suggest hyperthyroidism, which can also cause tiredness but typically in the form of disrupted sleep and energy fluctuations.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):

hs-CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels may indicate inflammation from conditions such as infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, or even heart disease. Inflammation can contribute to feelings of tiredness and fatigue, often leading to a sense of overall malaise.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is crucial for overall health, immune function, and bone health. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and a weakened immune system. Deficiency in vitamin D is common, particularly in the UK, and can significantly impact energy levels, contributing to feelings of tiredness.