Natura
You sleep seven, eight hours and still feel worn out in the morning? Then it is worth looking at lab values as well as daily life and strain. No list is complete, but these values are often measured for persistent tiredness.
Commonly measured values
- Blood count and ferritin: Hemoglobin shows whether anemia is present. Ferritin gives clues about iron stores. Low stores are possible even without anemia.
- TSH (possibly fT3, fT4): thyroid values. An overactive or underactive thyroid can accompany tiredness, feeling cold or restlessness. For interpreting thyroid hormones, see Reverse T3.
- Vitamin B12 (possibly holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid): important for blood formation and nerves. The total value alone can be hard to interpret in the borderline range. More in the article Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
- 25-OH vitamin D: storage form of vitamin D, especially relevant in the winter months (Vitamin D3 test).
- HbA1c and fasting glucose: show long-term and current blood sugar. More on insulin resistance.
- CRP: nonspecific inflammation marker.
- Liver and kidney values: give clues about metabolism and excretion.
Reference range is not the same as optimal
A reference range describes where about 95% of a comparison group lie. It does not say what is appropriate for you personally, and it differs by laboratory and method. That is why values are never read alone but together with complaints, course, medication and earlier measurements. We do not set our own limits; we show the laboratory's stated range and discuss what it can mean in your case.
Stress hormones and saliva tests
Cortisol day profiles from saliva are used in functional medicine. How well their informative value is established varies, and a single value is rarely conclusive. We therefore discuss beforehand which question such a test is meant to answer.
Even without a conspicuous lab value: causes beyond the blood
- sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
- depression or lasting emotional strain
- medication with tiredness as a side effect
- infections and recovery phases after illness
- lifestyle: rhythm, movement, light, diet (Sleep & Rhythm)
How we proceed at Natura Heilpraxis
We begin with a conversation and decide together which values fit the question, instead of ordering the largest possible package. An overview of package offers is on the page Laboratory Diagnostics and at the Lab Check-up. General background on metabolic pathways is offered by Understanding Biomarkers. Individual values, cofactors and sources can be looked up in the freely accessible reference work ORY Biomarker. Our discussion does not replace medical diagnostics.
Frequently asked questions
Which lab values are most often abnormal with tiredness?
Commonly discussed are low iron stores (ferritin), high or low thyroid values (TSH), low vitamin B12 and low vitamin D. Blood sugar values and inflammation markers are added. How often this applies depends on age, sex and life circumstances.
What does “within the reference range” mean?
A laboratory’s reference range covers the range in which about 95% of a comparison group lie. It does not say what is optimal for you personally. Values are therefore never judged alone but together with complaints and course.
Do I have to be fasting for the blood draw?
For fasting blood sugar and blood lipids yes, for many other values not necessarily. Ask the laboratory or the practice beforehand which preparation applies to the values you want.
Where can I find my values explained?
On our page “Understanding Biomarkers” we present metabolic pathways in general terms. Your own values are interpreted in the consultation.
All questions & answers in the guide →
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
