The blood tests I’d ask for if I didn’t feel like myself

Sometimes there isn’t one obvious symptom.

You’re just more tired than usual.

You’re achy.

Your energy isn’t what it was.

And the best way you can describe it is:

“I just don’t feel like myself.”

If that were me, I wouldn’t automatically assume it was menopause or simply part of getting older.

But I also wouldn’t assume there is one magic blood panel that every woman over 50 needs.

I’d start with the symptoms and ask what needs investigating.

Depending on the clinical picture, a GP may consider tests such as:

A full blood count.

Iron or ferritin.

Vitamin B12 and folate.

Vitamin D.

Thyroid function.

Glucose or HbA1c.

Liver and kidney function.

Lipids.

Inflammatory markers.

But the useful tests depend on the person.

More testing is not automatically better testing.

This is where I think self-advocacy really matters.

Go into the conversation with useful information:

What are you experiencing?

When did it start?

Is it changing or getting worse?

What medications and supplements are you taking?

How is it affecting your normal life?

That gives the clinician something concrete to work with.

I would much rather see a woman ask:

“Could something else be contributing to how I feel, and is there anything you think we should investigate?”

than arrive with a social-media checklist and insist on 15 tests that may not be relevant.

For example, for people being investigated specifically for osteoporosis or fragility fracture, UK guidance lists a range of routine and selectively indicated blood tests.

That’s a good example of why testing should be tied to the clinical question.

My view?

Blood tests are useful when they help answer a question. I wouldn’t turn them into another wellness competition where more tests automatically means better health.

"Take your symptoms seriously, document them and ask what needs investigating. Don’t assume every woman needs the same blood panel."

- Danielle Frost

RESEARCH / USEFUL SOURCES

• NOGG: Investigation of osteoporosis and fragility fractures