Common symptoms
Fatigue, feeling unwell, drowsiness, lack of energy, dry skin, increased thirst, joint, muscle, and abdominal pain, frequent colds, and more.
About the test
Fatigue is a highly subjective and nonspecific symptom that affects quality of life and daily functioning. Although fatigue is something we are accustomed to in the Estonian climate, it can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue. We may feel tired due to excessive mental or physical exertion or sleep disorders, but fatigue is also associated with many illnesses and is a common result of various vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The various causes of fatigue can be categorized as mental and physical. Common mental causes include stress, depression, anxiety, and so-called 'chronic fatigue syndrome,' which is a prolonged state of fatigue. Fatigue is also a common complaint for many physical reasons—insufficient or poor-quality sleep, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (especially iron, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D), chronic inflammation, and various infections (e.g., flu, COVID-19, Epstein-Barr virus, etc.). Many chronic diseases present with fatigue, such as anemia, diabetes, thyroid hypo- and hyperfunction, lung diseases, joint and muscle disorders, kidney and liver diseases, myocarditis, and other heart diseases. Some medications can also cause fatigue, and sometimes the cause is an excessively high dosage.
To identify the causes of fatigue, it is recommended to start with a health check-up package assessing the body's general condition, which may help uncover the underlying reasons for fatigue.
A hemogram is a comprehensive test that measures the hemoglobin content in the blood, calculates red blood cell indices, and counts blood cells: leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. Low hemoglobin and/or erythrocyte values indicate anemia caused by various reasons. Higher leukocyte values suggest the possibility of acute or chronic inflammation, but values can also rise in cases of severe stress. Leukocyte reduction mainly occurs during viral infections, but also from certain medications, alcohol consumption, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency, among other causes.
Diabetes is the most common chronic metabolic disease that, along with other symptoms (constant thirst and dry mouth, frequent urination, drinking, sudden weight loss, increased hunger, etc.), causes fatigue and weakness. This disease requires daily and continuous treatment. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin tests are suitable for assessing the risk, diagnosis, and monitoring of diabetes.
Persistent fatigue may also be a sign of thyroid over- or underactivity. Since thyroid hormones influence our metabolism, changes in their levels can significantly speed up or slow down metabolic processes, which are crucial factors in the development of fatigue.
Fatigue can also be caused by chronic kidney disease, which progresses quietly and often without significant symptoms in the early stages. Kidney function decreases over years or even decades. As kidney function declines, the accumulation of waste products in the blood causes malaise. Various health problems may develop, such as increased blood pressure, anemia, brittle bones, etc. Timely diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease. The creatinine test, along with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), allows for an assessment of kidney function.
A persistent feeling of fatigue can arise from liver and bile duct diseases, such as viral hepatitis types A, B, and C, primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and more. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme levels help in identifying liver diseases. Mild enzyme elevation may occur with obesity, certain medications, excessive alcohol use, hemochromatosis (iron metabolism disorder), and strenuous physical activity.
Iron deficiency can also cause prolonged fatigue. Ferritin is a good test for assessing iron stores. The body needs iron to synthesize hemoglobin in red blood cells, which ensures the transportation of oxygen to tissues. Therefore, symptoms of iron deficiency can include pale skin, joint pain, headaches, shortness of breath during minimal physical exertion, palpitations, and memory, mood, and attention disorders. Iron is also an important component of myoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to muscles (including the heart muscle), which supports endurance during physical activity.
Fatigue may also result from a deficiency in vitamin B12 and folate. Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids, folate, amino acids, proteins, and myelin (the protective sheath around nerve cells). Together with folate, these vitamins are involved in the development of red blood cells in the bone marrow and are necessary for normal nerve function. A deficiency in vitamin B12 and folate can result in neurological symptoms (memory impairment, depression, sensory disturbances in limbs, etc.) as well as anemia.
Since there is little vitamin D in food, the best source is sunlight. Our skin cells produce vitamin D when exposed to UV radiation, but at our latitude, especially in cold and dark seasons, the necessary radiation is scarce. Low vitamin D levels are one of the most common causes of fatigue and lack of energy, as confirmed by several scientific studies. Sufficient vitamin D levels in the blood are important for supporting a stable nervous system, blood pressure regulation, immune system, bones, muscles, and coordination.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that is produced by our bodies and can also be obtained from food. It is a powerful antioxidant and plays an important role in cellular energy production. Therefore, sufficient Q10 levels in the blood are important for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and muscles. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can result from metabolic disorders and low intake in the diet.
Laboratory tests provide an overview of the body's current state, and normal results do not guarantee the absence of all health issues. If symptoms persist, we recommend consulting your general practitioner or booking a consultation with a laboratory doctor.