Tired All the Time? Find Out Why.
Blood tests to uncover the cause of your fatigue. Iron, thyroid, vitamins, hormones, cortisol, blood sugar. 80% of chronic fatigue has a treatable cause. A blood test takes 15 minutes.
Who Is This Page For?
What Causes Constant Tiredness?
Fatigue is a symptom, not a diagnosis. These six causes are behind most unexplained tiredness, and every one is simple to check with a blood test.
Low iron
Low iron means less oxygen reaching your cells. The most common cause in women.
Thyroid trouble
A slow thyroid slows your metabolism and saps energy, often quietly for years.
Low vitamin D
Yes, even here. Low vitamin D drags down energy, mood and immunity.
Low vitamin B12
Essential for nerves and healthy red blood cells. Low levels cause fatigue and brain fog.
Blood sugar swings
Unsteady blood sugar can cause energy crashes and afternoon slumps.
The stress response
The body's stress response affects recovery, sleep quality and daytime energy.
Fatigue Testing Packages
Start simple with iron and thyroid. Go comprehensive if you want answers fast. All packages include a plain-language ODx report plus standard lab report for your doctor.
Iron Deficiency and Anaemia Package
Most start hereThe #1 cause of fatigue in women. Iron profile plus B12. No fasting required.
Thyroid Package
RecommendedFull thyroid panel including antibodies. Checks for an under-active or over-active thyroid. No fasting required.
Vegetarian and Vegan Package
Key nutrients often deficient in plant-based diets. No fasting required.
ODx Vital Package
Core fatigue markers in one panel: iron, thyroid, vitamins, blood sugar, inflammation. Covers 90% of common fatigue causes. Some components require fasting.
ODx Max Package
Everything in Vital plus hormones, cortisol, homocysteine and full mineral panel. The most thorough fatigue investigation. Fasting required.
Mental Health Wellness Analysis
Nutrients and hormones that affect mood, anxiety, focus and mental energy.
Long COVID Package
Inflammation, clotting markers and deficiencies common after COVID infection.
Not sure where to start? If you are new to testing, start with the Iron and Anaemia Package plus the Thyroid Package. Together, these cover the two most common causes of fatigue (roughly 70% of cases). If those come back normal, move to a comprehensive panel. Or WhatsApp us and describe your symptoms.
Fasting note: Basic panels (iron, thyroid, vitamins) do not require fasting. Comprehensive panels that include glucose, insulin or lipids require 8 to 10 hours fasting. Water and black coffee are fine.
All packages: Payflex available (4 interest-free instalments). 10% student discount. 10% pensioner discount. All prices include VAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What blood tests should I get if I am always tired?
Do I need to fast?
How long do results take?
What if my results are abnormal?
Is ferritin the same as iron?
Can I test for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Stop Guessing. Start Testing.
80% of fatigue has a treatable cause. A blood test takes 15 minutes. No doctor's referral.
Walk-in labs: Observatory (Cape Town), Hillcrest (Durban), Parktown North (Johannesburg). Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00. Practice #1117394.
Epicentre Walk-In Labs does not provide medical diagnoses. For diagnoses and advice, consult your healthcare practitioner.