Tired all the time — when fatigue needs a medical work-up
Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest is one of the most common reasons adults consult — and one of the most under-investigated. A short, focused work-up usually finds the cause.
When constant tiredness and fatigue needs a doctor — soon
·Fatigue with unexplained weight loss
·Breathlessness or palpitations on mild effort
·Profound daytime sleepiness despite full nights of sleep
·Persistent low mood, loss of interest, or sleep disturbance
·Pallor, easy bruising, or heavy menstrual bleeding
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. If you have any of the above, book a same-day consult or seek urgent care.
Common causes a physician will look for
·Iron-deficiency anaemia — extremely common in Indian adults, especially women
·Hypothyroidism — fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss
·Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiency
·Uncontrolled diabetes or prediabetes
·Sleep apnoea, depression, chronic stress
What to expect at the consult
A 'tiredness panel' — CBC, ferritin, TSH, B12, Vitamin D, HbA1c, and a basic metabolic screen — interpreted together with history and examination. Most patients leave with a clear diagnosis after the first visit.
Frequently asked
Which blood tests should I get for constant tiredness?
A standard initial panel: CBC + ferritin, TSH, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, HbA1c, liver and kidney function. Anything beyond that should be driven by symptoms, not added 'just in case'.
Is this just stress?
Sometimes — but stress and a real medical cause often coexist. A 30-minute panel rules out the common physical causes before attributing fatigue to lifestyle alone.