Why Am I Always Tired? Common Health Issues Affecting Men
7-minute read · Reviewed by the Veritas Clinical Team · Last updated July 2026
Feeling tired now and then is normal. Feeling tired most of the time, even after a proper night’s sleep, is different, and it’s one of the most common reasons men come to see us. Persistent tiredness usually has a cause, and quite often it’s something a simple blood test can help identify.
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“I just put it down to work being busy, but I’ve felt exhausted for months now. Is that normal?”
It’s one of the most common things we hear, and it’s a fair question. Tiredness that drags on for weeks or months, well beyond a busy patch at work, is worth taking seriously rather than simply pushing through.
Persistent fatigue rarely has a single, obvious cause. It’s common for more than one factor, low iron, poor sleep, and stress, for example, to be contributing at the same time. That’s why a proper conversation and, where appropriate, a blood test, tends to be more useful than guessing at a single explanation.
Based on general NHS guidance on the assessment of persistent fatigue.Common causes of tiredness in men
None of these will apply to everyone, and several can overlap. A blood test can help narrow down which, if any, are relevant to you.
Low testosterone
Can affect energy, motivation and mood, alongside other symptoms.
Vitamin D deficiency
Common in the UK, particularly over autumn and winter.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Can cause tiredness, low mood, and pins and needles.
Low iron (ferritin)
Iron deficiency can leave you feeling drained even without anaemia.
Thyroid problems
An underactive thyroid commonly causes fatigue and weight changes.
Blood sugar issues
Undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes can present as ongoing tiredness.
Poor sleep quality
Including undiagnosed sleep apnoea, common but frequently overlooked.
Stress and low mood
Mental and physical health are closely linked, and both can affect energy.
Feeling exhausted all the time is just part of getting older, or working hard.
While energy levels do naturally change with age and workload, persistent, unexplained tiredness often has an identifiable and sometimes very treatable cause. It’s worth checking rather than assuming it’s simply something to live with.
Tired of feeling tired?
Same-week appointments. No GP referral needed.
Tiredness is one of the most common reasons people visit their GP, yet men are statistically less likely than women to bring it up or seek help for it. Bringing it up early, rather than waiting for it to become severe, often makes it easier to identify a clear, manageable cause.
Is it more than “just tired”?
It’s worth having a conversation and considering a blood test to help identify what might be contributing.
Improving sleep habits and reducing stress where possible is a reasonable first step, but it’s still worth checking if things don’t improve.
What happens at your appointment?
A conversation about how long you’ve felt tired, and any other symptoms.
Your pharmacist recommends which blood tests are most relevant to you.
A simple sample, with rapid results available for several common tests.
Your pharmacist talks you through what your results mean.
Treatment where appropriate, or a referral if something needs further investigation.
Which test should I start with if I’m not sure what’s causing my tiredness?
There’s no single right answer, it depends on your symptoms and history. Tell your pharmacist how you’ve been feeling and they’ll suggest a sensible starting point.
Can I book more than one test in the same visit?
Yes, many people combine tests such as testosterone, vitamin D, B12, ferritin or HbA1c in a single appointment.
When should you seek medical advice?
Ongoing tiredness is usually suitable for a routine appointment. The following is a general guide to how urgently to act.
- Tiredness lasting several weeks without an obvious cause
- Mild changes in energy, mood, or concentration
- Tiredness alongside unexplained weight change
- Snoring heavily with pauses in breathing during sleep, noticed by a partner
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
- Significant unexplained weight loss, or coughing up blood
- Severe low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself
These symptoms need assessment by a GP, NHS 111, or A&E as appropriate. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, you can also contact the Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123.
How Veritas Pharmacy can help
Testosterone testing
From £39, three levels of detail.
Vitamin D test
Rapid results, £50.
Vitamin B12 injection
£29 per injection.
Full hormone testing hub
Testosterone, thyroid, cortisol and more.
- Persistent tiredness usually has a cause, and often more than one.
- Common contributors include low testosterone, vitamin D, B12, iron, thyroid, and blood sugar.
- A blood test is the most reliable way to check, rather than guessing.
- Sleep quality and mental wellbeing matter just as much as physical causes.
Related reading
Testosterone testing explained
Vitamin D deficiency: 12 signs you shouldn’t ignore
Understanding your HbA1c
Ready to find out what’s behind your tiredness?
Tell us how you’ve been feeling and we’ll help you choose the right test to start with.
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The information in this post is for general information purposes. It is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. We make an effort to keep the content on this page up to date and accurate.
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