Fatigue
Persistent fatigue — tiredness that is present most days, does not improve with rest, and is impairing daily functioning — is one of the most common reasons people seek medical review. In most cases, a targeted blood test panel identifies a treatable cause such as thyroid disease, anaemia or vitamin deficiency. Where no cause is found, a structured clinical assessment can guide management of conditions such as ME/CFS.
What it is
Persistent fatigue — tiredness that is present most days, does not improve with rest, and is impairing daily functioning — is one of the most common reasons people seek medical review. In most cases, a targeted blood test panel identifies a treatable cause such as thyroid disease, anaemia or vitamin deficiency. Where no cause is found, a structured clinical assessment can guide management of conditions such as ME/CFS.
Symptoms and signs
- Persistent tiredness that is not relieved by a full night's sleep.
- Physical exhaustion out of proportion to activity undertaken (post-exertional malaise).
- Brain fog — difficulty concentrating, word-finding problems, memory lapses.
- Low mood, reduced motivation and social withdrawal associated with fatigue.
- Physical symptoms — breathlessness on exertion (anaemia), cold intolerance (thyroid), weight change.
How we investigate
Full blood count, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, TSH (thyroid), fasting glucose and HbA1c, liver function tests, kidney function (eGFR, U&E), CRP and ESR. Coeliac antibodies (anti-tTG) if indicated. Sleep questionnaire for sleep apnoea risk. Mental health screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7).
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Treat the underlying cause — iron supplementation for iron deficiency; levothyroxine for hypothyroidism; B12 injections or high-dose oral B12; vitamin D.
- Structured pacing and activity management — for ME/CFS; co-designed with the patient to avoid boom-bust cycles.
- Sleep hygiene review — and referral for sleep study where obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected.
- Mental health assessment — depression and anxiety are common co-morbidities; CBT and medication where appropriate.
- Specialist onward referral — endocrinology (thyroid, adrenal), haematology (B12/folate), gastroenterology (coeliac) as indicated.
When to see a specialist
- Fatigue persisting more than 6 weeks without explanation
- Blood tests showing abnormal thyroid, haemoglobin, B12, ferritin or vitamin D
- Fatigue with post-exertional malaise suggesting ME/CFS
- Significant sleep disturbance or suspected sleep apnoea
- Fatigue alongside low mood, weight change or other systemic symptoms
See a GP specialist within 7 days. No GP referral required. Learn more →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral for a fatigue assessment at The Vesey? +
No. You can book directly with Dr Greg Spencer or our GP team without a referral. We will write to your regular GP with your consent.
How much does a fatigue assessment cost at The Vesey? +
Private GP consultation from £90. Fatigue blood panel from £95. If thyroid or endocrine cause suspected, see Dr Yogesh Kalaiah from £280.
How quickly can I be seen? +
Same-week GP appointments are typical, including Sundays. Same-day blood tests are available on site.
What conditions will be investigated for fatigue? +
Thyroid (TSH), anaemia (FBC), iron (ferritin), vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, liver function, kidney function, HbA1c, CRP and inflammatory screen.
What blood tests are done for fatigue? +
Full blood count (anaemia), thyroid (TSH), iron studies (ferritin), vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, liver function, kidney function, HbA1c, CRP. At The Vesey from £95 per panel.
What conditions cause persistent fatigue? +
Hypothyroidism, anaemia, vitamin deficiencies (B12, D, iron), sleep apnoea, depression and anxiety, type 2 diabetes, coeliac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
What is chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)? +
A complex neurological condition characterised by post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairment. Diagnosis is clinical; management is supportive (pacing, sleep hygiene, graded activity).
How much does a fatigue assessment cost? +
Private GP consultation from £90. Fatigue blood panel from £95. If thyroid or endocrine cause suspected, see Dr Yogesh Kalaiah from £280.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
If fatigue has lasted more than 6 weeks and is affecting work or daily life, a structured blood panel review with a GP or specialist is the right first step.
Cost and pathway
Private GP consultation from £90. Fatigue blood panel from £95. Endocrinology (thyroid) review with Dr Yogesh Kalaiah from £280. Self-pay and insurance accepted.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our GP team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727