Low Mood

Full Blood Count:

• Red Blood Cell Count 

• Haemoglobin 

• Hematocrit 

• Mean Corpuscular Volume 

• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

• Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration 

• Red Cell Distribution Width 

• Platelets 

• Mean Platelet Volume ,

• White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Lymphocytes, Monocytes , Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Basophils.

 

Liver Function Test: Albumin, Globulin, Total protein, Bilirubin, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

 

Kidney Function Test: Urea, eGFR, Creatinine

 

Thyroid Function Test: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (FT4)

 

Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B9 (Folate)

 

Calcium 

 

Full Blood Count (FBC)

A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a routine blood test that assesses several key components of your blood to help identify potential health issues. Each biomarker in the FBC plays a vital role in evaluating your overall health.

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. Low levels of RBCs can be indicative of anaemia, which is often associated with fatigue and low mood.

• White Blood Cells (WBC): WBCs are essential for your immune system, protecting your body against infections. A low WBC count could suggest a weakened immune system, which can contribute to fatigue and feelings of malaise.

• Haemoglobin (Hb): Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low haemoglobin levels may suggest anaemia, which can lead to tiredness, weakness, and irritability, all of which can contribute to low mood.

• Haematocrit: This measures the percentage of your blood that is made up of RBCs. Low haematocrit can signal anaemia, which may cause feelings of exhaustion, often associated with a low mood.

• Platelets: Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. Low platelet counts can lead to excessive bleeding, while high counts may indicate a risk of clotting disorders, which can cause additional stress or anxiety, affecting mood.

Kidney Function Tests

Understanding kidney function can be helpful in managing your mood and energy levels, as kidney issues can sometimes contribute to feelings of fatigue and low mood.

• Creatinine: Elevated creatinine levels in the blood could point to kidney problems. Poor kidney function can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, which may negatively impact mood.

• eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): This test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Lower eGFR values may indicate kidney disease, which can result in tiredness and irritability, symptoms that could influence mood.

• Urea: Urea is a waste product from the breakdown of protein. High levels can suggest kidney issues or dehydration, which may lead to tiredness and feelings of being down.

Liver Function Tests

Your liver plays a key role in detoxifying the body, and liver problems can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue and mood changes.

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT levels can indicate liver damage, which may result in fatigue and low energy levels, potentially affecting mood.

• Albumin: This protein, produced by the liver, helps maintain blood pressure and volume. Low levels of albumin can indicate liver disease, which can cause fatigue and mood disturbances.

• Bilirubin: High bilirubin levels can cause jaundice and point to liver dysfunction. Liver problems can make you feel more tired and low in energy, which can impact your mood.

Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid issues are a common cause of low mood. A thyroid function test can help identify any imbalances that could be contributing to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and depression.

• Free Thyroxine (FT4): Low levels of FT4 can suggest hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), a condition that often leads to feelings of depression and fatigue, contributing to low mood.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): High levels of TSH typically suggest hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue and low mood, while low levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, which can result in anxiety and mood swings.

Vitamin Profile

Vitamins play a vital role in your mental and physical health. Deficiencies in certain vitamins can significantly impact mood and energy levels.

• Vitamin D: Crucial for mood regulation and immune health, low vitamin D levels are linked to symptoms of depression and fatigue.

• Vitamin B12: A deficiency in B12 can lead to fatigue, weakness, and neurological symptoms, all of which can negatively affect mood.

• Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. Low levels can cause fatigue and mood disturbances.

Calcium Levels

Calcium is vital for many functions, including nerve signalling and muscle function. Low calcium levels can lead to fatigue, irritability, and mood swings, contributing to a low mood.