Persistent tiredness can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you are getting enough sleep. While stress, poor sleep quality, or busy routines often play a role, ongoing fatigue can also signal underlying medical conditions that require further investigation.
Health screening tests are an effective way to explore possible causes of tiredness and identify issues that may be affecting your energy levels. At Kaizen Medical, several routine tests are commonly used to assess whether conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, heart issues, or nutrient deficiencies could be contributing to fatigue.
Blood Tests That Help Identify Causes of Fatigue
Blood tests are often the first step when assessing unexplained tiredness. They help detect health concerns that may be affecting your energy levels.
Full Blood Count and Iron Studies: These tests assess red blood cell levels and iron stores, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Low levels may indicate anaemia, a frequent cause of fatigue.
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D Testing: These nutrients support healthy nerve function, red blood cell production, and muscle health. Deficiencies can lead to ongoing tiredness, weakness, and poor concentration.
Thyroid Function Tests: The thyroid controls how your body uses energy. An underactive or overactive thyroid can disrupt your metabolism, leading to fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity.
Diabetes Screening (Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test): These tests assess how well your body manages blood sugar. Poorly controlled blood sugar, even in the early stages, can cause low energy, sluggishness, and poor focus.
Liver Function Tests: The liver plays a key role in processing nutrients and removing waste. Early liver problems may cause fatigue and weakness, even before other symptoms appear.
Hormone Testing: Hormone levels affect sleep, energy, and mood. Imbalances, such as low testosterone or menopause-related changes, can contribute to persistent tiredness.
Heart and Circulation Tests
When the heart or blood vessels are not functioning properly, oxygen delivery to the body may be reduced, leading to low energy.
Heart Screening and Atrial Fibrillation Checks: Heart rhythm issues, such as atrial fibrillation, can cause the heart to pump inefficiently, resulting in tiredness, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening: PAD occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs. This can cause fatigue during walking or activity and may indicate broader circulation problems.
Sleep Quality and Fatigue
Sleep issues are a frequent but often overlooked cause of tiredness.
Sleep Apnea Assessment: Sleep apnea disrupts breathing during sleep, preventing deep, restorative rest. Many people with sleep apnea feel constantly tired despite sleeping through the night.
When to Speak to an Internal Medicine and Hypertension Specialist
It is advisable to consult an internal medicine specialist if you experience:
- Persistent tiredness that interferes with work, daily tasks, or physical activity
- Fatigue accompanied by shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or dizziness
- Ongoing tiredness with unexplained weight changes or low mood
- Fatigue lasting several weeks despite adequate rest and sleep
An internal medicine and hypertension specialist in Singapore can assess whether conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, or hormonal changes are contributing to your tiredness. Targeted health screening helps identify the cause and guide treatment.
Conclusion
Fatigue often has medical causes that can be identified through routine health screening. Tests for blood sugar, thyroid function, nutrient levels, heart health, circulation, and sleep disorders provide valuable information to help guide treatment.
If you have been feeling unusually tired, consider scheduling a consultation with our internal medicine and hypertension specialist. Identifying the cause of your fatigue is the first step toward restoring your energy levels and improving your overall health.
