Fatigue, bloating, and brain fog are common symptoms that often point to internal imbalances. With the right lab tests, it's possible to uncover the root causes and build a plan that leads to lasting relief.
Below is a list of some of the most commonly ordered labs for evaluating these concerns, along with what each one helps reveal.
1. 🍬 Insulin and Blood Sugar (Fasting Insulin, Glucose, A1c)
Issues with blood sugar regulation often show up as:
Fatigue after meals
Brain fog, especially mid-morning or mid-afternoon
Bloating, sugar cravings, or increased abdominal fat
Fasting insulin helps assess insulin resistance before glucose becomes elevated. A1c shows average blood sugar levels over three months.
2. 🧪 Testosterone
Low testosterone can contribute to:
Persistent fatigue and low motivation
Brain fog and slow thinking
Abdominal weight gain or reduced muscle tone
This test can be important for both men and women, especially if energy is low despite good lifestyle habits.
3. 🩸 Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This foundational panel looks at blood cells, helping to detect:
Anemia, which can cause fatigue, cold hands and feet, or lightheadedness
Infection, which may drain energy even without obvious symptoms
Inflammation, which can affect energy and recovery
4. 🦋 Thyroid Panel
The thyroid regulates metabolism, digestion, and energy.
Imbalances may cause bloating, constipation, fatigue, or mood swings
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates production of thyroid hormones
Testing actual thyroid hormones provide a more complete picture than TSH alone
5. 💊 Vitamin B12 and Folate
Both nutrients support red blood cell production and brain function.
Deficiencies are linked to fatigue, memory issues, numbness, and tingling
Low levels may occur even with a balanced diet due to absorption issues or medications
6. ☀️ Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate energy, immune function, and hormonal balance. It also allows for calcium absorption.
Low levels are extremely common and may contribute to fatigue, low mood, or foggy thinking
Suboptimal Vitamin D can also contribute to poor calcium absorption, which can contribute to vertigo or renal stones
Proper levels support resilience, sleep, and immune response
7. 🔍 Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
This test evaluates hydration, kidney health, liver health, and electrolyte balance.
Imbalances can lead to headaches, fog, muscle weakness, or bloating
Can be useful for monitoring medications, diet, and hydration status
The liver plays a key role in digestion, detoxification, and hormone processing
Elevated liver enzymes can signal liver inflammation, fatty liver, or side effects from medications
Sluggish liver function may result in fatigue, poor digestion, or fullness after meals
8. 🔥 Inflammatory Markers (CRP, ESR)
These tests help identify chronic low-grade inflammation that may be contributing to:
Slowed thinking or reduced mental clarity
Persistent tiredness or poor recovery
Subtle digestive symptoms and bloating
🧭 What Happens Next?
These lab results give insight into what's happening beneath the surface. With proper interpretation, they form the foundation of a personalized plan that can include nutrition, movement, and medications.
✅ Ready to Get Tested?
📅 Reach7 members get access to on-site lab testing plus personalized reviews of every result.
Whether you're dealing with fatigue, bloating, or brain fog, your care team will walk you through what your labs mean and what to do next.

Author
Leanna Andrews, NP
Medical specialist passionate about evidence-based medicine, nutrition, and healthy living. I cut through the noise to bring clear, reliable insights that empower everyday readers to help them Live Better & Thrive Longer.