Feeling drained every day, no matter how much sleep you get, can be frustrating and sometimes worrying. If you find yourself constantly saying, “I’m tired all the time,” your doctor might suggest running some blood tests.
These tests are often referred to as tired all the time bloods, and they help uncover any underlying health issues that may be zapping your energy.
Fatigue can stem from various causes, ranging from poor sleep to chronic conditions. Blood tests are a key step in narrowing down those causes and finding answers. Let’s break down what these tests involve and why they matter.
What Do “Tired All the Time Bloods” Check For?
When someone complains of ongoing fatigue, doctors often begin with routine blood work to get a clearer picture of overall health. Here are some of the most common blood tests used:
1. Full Blood Count (FBC)
This test measures different types of cells in your blood. If you’re low in red blood cells, for example, it could point to anemia, a common reason for fatigue. Anemia means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can leave you feeling weak and exhausted.
Click here to learn more about extreme tiredness in women.
2. Thyroid Function Test
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold. A simple blood test checks if your thyroid hormone levels are in the healthy range.
3. Vitamin D and B12 Levels
Low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can lead to extreme tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and even mood changes. If you’re deficient, you may need supplements or dietary changes to correct the imbalance.
Click here to learn more about how to get rid of tiredness fast.
4. Iron Studies
Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood. Low iron levels (even without full-blown anemia) can cause chronic fatigue. Women, in particular, are at higher risk due to menstruation.
5. Liver and Kidney Function Tests
The liver and kidneys filter toxins from the body. If they aren’t working properly, toxins can build up in your blood and cause symptoms like tiredness, loss of appetite, or brain fog.
Click here to learn more about no energy and fatigue: causes and solutions.
6. Blood Sugar and HbA1c
Fatigue can also be an early sign of diabetes. Checking your blood sugar levels and long-term glucose control (HbA1c) helps determine if your fatigue is linked to blood sugar fluctuations.
Why Am I Still Tired After Normal Blood Results?
Sometimes, tired all the time bloods come back normal, yet the exhaustion remains. This doesn’t mean the fatigue isn’t real—it just suggests that the root cause might lie elsewhere. Other factors to consider include:
- Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- High stress levels or mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety
- Chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia
- Poor diet or dehydration
- Lack of physical activity or overtraining
In these cases, your doctor may suggest further testing, lifestyle changes, or referrals to specialists such as a sleep therapist or dietitian.
Click here to learn more about extreme fatigue with no other symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s easy to brush off tiredness as a normal part of life. But if your fatigue is ongoing, getting worse, or affecting your daily routine, it’s time to take it seriously. You should make an appointment with your doctor if you:
- Feel tired most days for over two weeks
- Notice weight loss or gain without trying
- Struggle with memory or focus
- Wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Experience breathlessness, dizziness, or frequent headaches
- Feel low in mood or anxious without a clear cause
These could be signs of an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Click here to learn more about why I want to sleep all the time and have no energy.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When you see a doctor about tiredness, the visit usually starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. Be prepared to answer questions like:
- How long have you felt tired?
- Are there specific times of day it’s worse?
- Have you noticed any other symptoms (e.g., hair loss, irregular periods, poor sleep)?
- How is your diet and exercise routine?
- Do you take any medications or supplements?
After the conversation, your doctor may order tired all the time bloods to check for medical causes. Results usually take a few days. Based on the findings, you might receive:
- Lifestyle advice (sleep hygiene, diet, hydration)
- Supplements (iron, B12, Vitamin D)
- Medication (e.g., thyroid hormone therapy)
- A referral to another healthcare professional if needed
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your visit. Understanding your health is key to getting better.
Click here to learn more about why I feel sleepy all the time, even when I get enough sleep.
How to Boost Energy Naturally
While medical tests are important, there are also steps you can take on your own to fight fatigue:
- Improve sleep habits: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid screens before bed.
- Stay hydrated: Even mild dehydration can make you feel sluggish.
- Eat balanced meals: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
- Move regularly: Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can boost your energy.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can affect sleep and energy levels.
- Manage stress: Mindfulness, journaling, or talking to someone can help lower your mental load.
Click here to learn more about severe dehydration symptoms in kids.
A Word from GetMe Treated
Feeling tired all the time isn’t something you should ignore, especially when it lasts more than a few days or affects your ability to function.
Tired all the time bloods are an essential starting point to help your doctor uncover what’s going on behind the scenes.
Whether it’s a vitamin deficiency, thyroid issue, or something more serious, getting tested can put you on the path to feeling better.
Even if your blood tests are normal, there are many ways to support your energy naturally and take control of your health.
Click here to learn more about how to prevent further kidney damage.
FAQs About Tired All the Time Bloods
What does it mean if I’m tired all the time but my blood tests are normal?
It could be due to lifestyle factors, stress, poor sleep, or conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. Talk to your doctor about other possible causes.
How long does it take to get results from tired-all-the-time bloods?
Most routine blood test results are available within 24 to 72 hours. Your doctor will let you know when to expect them.
Can low Vitamin D make you tired?
Yes. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in energy production, and low levels are associated with fatigue, bone pain, and low mood.
Should I fast before getting blood tests for tiredness?
It depends on the tests being done. Some tests, like glucose or cholesterol, may require fasting. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Can mental health issues cause constant tiredness?
Absolutely. Conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to sleep problems and drain your energy, even if blood tests are normal.
What are the most common medical reasons for fatigue?
Anemia, thyroid issues, low B12 or Vitamin D, and chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney problems are among the most common.