Why Am I Not Feeling Well?
Many people experience persistent symptoms despite normal routine tests.
This page helps you explore possible underlying causes and guides you toward the most appropriate laboratory tests.
What are you experiencing?
Select the area that matches your symptoms. You will see which body systems may be involved and which tests are most relevant.
Energy and Fatigue
Hormones and Metabolism
Digestion and Detox
Sleep and Stress
Muscles, Joints and Inflammation
Immune System and Sensitivities
Skin, Hair and Physical Appearance
Energy and Fatigue – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Persistent fatigue and low energy may be linked to several biological imbalances, including:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, magnesium, B vitamins)
- Hormonal imbalance (thyroid hormones, cortisol, sex hormones)
- Impaired cellular energy production (mitochondrial dysfunction)
- Chronic inflammation or immune activation
- Exposure to environmental toxins that burden detoxification pathways
Fatigue is often multifactorial and may not be explained by a single routine blood test.
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be relevant:
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to assess micronutrient status essential for energy metabolism
- Hormone and Thyroid Panels – to evaluate adrenal and thyroid function
- Organic Acids Test – to assess cellular energy production and mitochondrial markers
- Amino Acids Profile – to evaluate protein metabolism and neurotransmitter precursors
- Toxicology Screening – to identify possible chemical or environmental burden
These tests help identify physiological factors that may contribute to persistent fatigue and reduced vitality.
Brain and Mood – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, low mood, and poor concentration may be associated with disturbances in brain chemistry and metabolic balance, including:
- Neurotransmitter imbalance (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, noradrenaline)
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium, zinc)
- Blood sugar dysregulation and metabolic stress
- Hormonal influences (thyroid hormones, cortisol)
- Exposure to environmental toxins that affect the nervous system
- Chronic inflammation or immune activation
These factors can interfere with cognitive function and emotional regulation even when routine laboratory results appear normal.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be helpful:
- Neurotransmitter Panel – to assess key brain signaling molecules involved in mood and focus
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to evaluate micronutrients required for neurotransmitter production
- Organic Acids Test – to assess metabolic markers linked to brain energy and neurotransmitter pathways
- Hormone and Thyroid Panels – to evaluate hormonal influences on mental performance
- Toxicology Screening – to identify possible neurotoxic chemical exposure
These tests provide insight into biochemical factors that may contribute to cognitive and emotional symptoms.
Hormones and Metabolism – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as weight changes, low libido, menstrual irregularities, and temperature intolerance may be related to hormonal and metabolic imbalances, including:
- Thyroid dysfunction (underactive or overactive thyroid activity)
- Adrenal stress and altered cortisol rhythm
- Imbalance in sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
- Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation
- Micronutrient deficiencies affecting hormone synthesis (iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D)
- Chronic stress and inflammation interfering with endocrine regulation
Hormonal symptoms often develop gradually and may not be detected through basic screening alone.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be relevant:
- Hormone Panels – to evaluate adrenal and sex hormone balance
- Thyroid Function Testing – to assess thyroid hormone production and conversion
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to identify micronutrients required for endocrine health
- Organic Acids Test – to assess metabolic pathways influencing hormone regulation
- Amino Acids Profile – to evaluate building blocks for hormone and neurotransmitter synthesis
These tests help clarify metabolic and hormonal contributors to persistent symptoms.
Digestion and Detox – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as bloating, reflux, food sensitivity, constipation, and chemical sensitivity may reflect disturbances in digestive and detoxification systems, including:
- Imbalance of gut microbiota and impaired digestion
- Increased intestinal permeability (often referred to as “leaky gut”)
- Reduced liver detoxification capacity
- Accumulation of environmental toxins and metabolic waste products
- Insufficient bile production or enzyme activity
- Micronutrient deficiencies affecting detoxification pathways (B vitamins, magnesium, glutathione precursors)
Digestive and detoxification symptoms are often interconnected and may influence immune and metabolic function.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be relevant:
- Organic Acids Test – to assess gut metabolism, microbial byproducts, and detoxification markers
- Amino Acids Profile – to evaluate precursors for liver detoxification and gut repair
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to identify deficiencies affecting digestive and detox pathways
- Toxicology Screening – to detect environmental chemical burden
- Neurotransmitter Panel – to evaluate gut–brain interactions influencing digestive symptoms
These tests support a deeper understanding of digestive and detoxification imbalances.
Sleep and Stress – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as insomnia, poor sleep quality, stress intolerance, and feeling “wired but tired” may be linked to disturbances in stress regulation and circadian balance, including:
- Dysregulation of cortisol rhythm and adrenal function
- Neurotransmitter imbalance (serotonin, GABA, melatonin precursors)
- Blood sugar instability during the night
- Magnesium and B vitamin deficiencies affecting nervous system relaxation
- Chronic inflammation or immune activation
- Environmental or lifestyle stressors overwhelming recovery mechanisms
Sleep and stress symptoms often reflect combined hormonal, neurological, and metabolic influences.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be helpful:
- Hormone and Cortisol Panels – to evaluate stress hormone patterns and adrenal function
- Neurotransmitter Panel – to assess chemical messengers involved in sleep and relaxation
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to identify nutrients required for nervous system balance
- Organic Acids Test – to assess metabolic stress and neurotransmitter pathways
- Toxicology Screening – to identify chemical exposures that may interfere with sleep regulation
These tests provide insight into biological factors influencing sleep quality and stress resilience.
Muscles, Joints and Inflammation – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as muscle pain, joint stiffness, inflammation, and slow healing may be associated with underlying biochemical and immune-related imbalances, including:
- Mineral deficiencies (magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium)
- Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress
- Immune system activation or hypersensitivity reactions
- Impaired mitochondrial energy production
- Accumulation of environmental toxins affecting connective tissue
- Amino acid imbalance affecting muscle repair and collagen synthesis
Musculoskeletal symptoms may reflect both metabolic and immune-related dysfunction.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be relevant:
- Elements and Minerals Panels – to assess micronutrients required for muscle and joint health
- Amino Acids Profile – to evaluate building blocks for tissue repair and inflammation control
- Organic Acids Test – to assess oxidative stress and energy metabolism
- Toxicology Screening – to identify environmental chemicals that may contribute to inflammation
- Immune Sensitivity Testing (LTT) – to evaluate possible immune reactions to metals or materials
These tests help clarify inflammatory and metabolic contributors to musculoskeletal discomfort.
Immune System and Sensitivities – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as frequent infections, allergies, inflammation, and sensitivity to foods or chemicals may reflect dysregulation of the immune system, including:
- Chronic immune activation or low-grade inflammation
- Delayed immune hypersensitivity to metals, chemicals, or materials
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies affecting immune defence (vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron)
- Impaired detoxification leading to immune overload
- Gut-related immune imbalance and microbiome disruption
- Environmental toxin exposure triggering immune stress
Immune-related symptoms may overlap with autoimmune or allergic conditions and are often difficult to explain with routine testing alone.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be helpful:
- Immune Sensitivity Testing (LTT) – to assess delayed immune reactions to metals, plastics, and other substances
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to evaluate nutrients essential for immune function
- Organic Acids Test – to assess metabolic and microbial markers influencing immune balance
- Toxicology Screening – to identify environmental chemical burden
- Hormone Panels – to evaluate stress-related immune modulation
These tests support a deeper understanding of immune-related contributors to persistent symptoms.
Skin, Hair and Physical Appearance – Possible Causes and Testing Guidance
Possible underlying causes
Symptoms such as acne, eczema, hair loss, brittle nails, premature aging, and poor wound healing may reflect underlying metabolic, hormonal, or nutritional imbalances, including:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D)
- Hormonal imbalance (thyroid hormones, sex hormones, cortisol)
- Impaired detoxification and accumulation of environmental toxins
- Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Amino acid imbalance affecting collagen and keratin synthesis
- Gut-related nutrient absorption issues
Changes in skin and hair often provide visible signs of deeper physiological disturbances.
Suggested test categories
Based on these symptoms, the following laboratory test areas may be relevant:
- Vitamins and Minerals Panels – to assess nutrients essential for skin and hair health
- Hormone and Thyroid Panels – to evaluate endocrine influences on appearance
- Amino Acids Profile – to evaluate building blocks for collagen and tissue repair
- Organic Acids Test – to assess oxidative stress and metabolic balance
- Toxicology Screening – to identify environmental exposures affecting skin and detox pathways
These tests help identify biochemical factors contributing to visible physical symptoms.
Find the right tests for you
Answer a few questions about your symptoms and health history.
Our medical team will review your information and guide you toward the most appropriate laboratory tests and consultation options.
How World Health Laboratories can help you
World Health Laboratories uses advanced laboratory testing to explore functional and metabolic factors that may contribute to persistent or unexplained symptoms.
Rather than relying on a single test, our approach considers multiple body systems, including:
- Nutritional and micronutrient status
- Hormonal and metabolic balance
- Brain chemistry and neurotransmitters
- Detoxification and environmental exposure
- Immune sensitivity and inflammatory markers
Each questionnaire submission is reviewed by qualified professionals to ensure that any suggested testing strategy is appropriate, targeted, and clinically meaningful.
This helps avoid unnecessary testing and supports a more personalised and informed approach to health assessment.
If indicated, you may also be guided toward a professional consultation to discuss your results and next steps.
Disclaimer:
This questionnaire provides general informational guidance only and does not replace medical diagnosis or professional consultation. All submissions are reviewed by our medical team before any test recommendations are made. In case of urgent medical concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
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