Low Mood & Fatigue Screen

Persistent low mood, tiredness, and low energy can sometimes have an underlying physical cause. Problems such as an underactive thyroid, anaemia, hormonal changes, blood sugar issues, or a vitamin deficiency can all leave you feeling flat, exhausted, or unable to concentrate. This screen checks a range of physical health factors that can contribute to, or mimic, these symptoms, helping to build a fuller picture of what may be affecting how you feel.

How each part of the screen helps

• Thyroid and hormones (TSH, FT4, LH, FSH, progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone): the thyroid controls your metabolism and energy, and an imbalance is a common cause of fatigue and low mood. Sex hormone changes, including those around the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, or low testosterone, can also strongly affect mood, motivation, and energy
• Full Blood Count: checks for anaemia, one of the most common physical causes of persistent tiredness and low energy, as well as other blood conditions
• Vitamin D (25-OH): low vitamin D is very common, especially in the winter months, and has been linked to low mood and fatigue
• Blood sugar (glucose and HbA1c): unstable or raised blood sugar, including diabetes, can cause tiredness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months
• Cholesterol panel: gives a picture of your metabolic and cardiovascular health, which is closely tied to overall energy and wellbeing
• Rheumatoid factor (RF): screens for signs of an underlying inflammatory condition, as ongoing inflammation and chronic illness can contribute to fatigue and low mood

An important note

This screen checks for physical factors that can influence mood and energy, but it does not diagnose depression or any mental health condition, which is based on how you are feeling and functioning rather than a blood test. Normal results do not mean your symptoms are not real, and abnormal results do not necessarily explain them fully. Your findings are best discussed with your GP as part of a wider conversation about your health.

If you are struggling

If you are finding it hard to cope, or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please know that support is available and you do not have to manage alone. You can speak to your GP, call NHS 111, or contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, day or night.