Your most Googled questions on general health

We all know to visit a doctor when it feels like something’s wrong. But what about when we feel like we’re just ticking along?

An ache here or a yawn there might not make you panic, but it could leave you with doubts about your general health. So, what should you look out for and what can you do to keep an eye on things?

Skip to: 

• Ways to monitor general health
• What can an at-home blood test check for?
• Anything else?
• At-home testing FAQs
• The final say

Have your blood tested

Blood tests are one of the most common ways of monitoring your health. They have a wide range of uses, including: ²

• checking if you have an infection
• seeing how well certain organs are working 
• screening for certain genetic conditions

If you’re taking a blood test for any of these reasons, it’s likely you’ll see a GP. However, you can also take a blood test at home to assess your general health.

They look for certain biomarkers (signs) that can indicate:

• your general health 
• your risk of certain vitamin deficiencies
• your cholesterol levels
• your testosterone levels
• your thyroid health

Weigh yourself

Your weight doesn’t necessarily indicate your health. However, being seriously under- or overweight may increase your risk of certain conditions.

You might use this measurement to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which is designed to tell you which weight category you fall into.

Remember that BMI only measures your height and weight against each other. It doesn’t take factors like your fitness, muscle mass, and ethnic background into account: these can all affect what measurements are healthy for you.

What might we look out for in an at-home blood test?

Vitamin deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies can happen when you don’t get enough of a certain vitamin in your diet. They might also occur because of a health condition you have; maybe your body can’t use the vitamin properly.

Other times, vitamin deficiencies might indicate a wider health concern.

Most food sources of vitamin B12 come from meat and dairy products, though some cereals are fortified with it.⁸ You should get your vitamins through your diet wherever you can. However, if this isn’t possible, a vitamin B12 supplement can help you increase your levels.

An at-home test may be useful if you don’t get much B12 in your diet (for example, if you’re vegan and don’t eat B12-fortified foods) or if you’re experiencing signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Handpicked content: Vitamin B12: Functions, foods, deficiency, & supplements

Vitamin D deficiency

According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, one in six adults have low levels of vitamin D. ⁹ Since we get it mainly from the sun, it’s no surprise here in the UK!

The NHS recommends we take a vitamin D supplement every day between October and March.¹⁰

Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency

We need folate, or vitamin B9, to make healthy red blood cells. It also reduces the risk of certain birth defects in unborn babies.¹²

Being low in folate can cause folate deficiency anaemia. Just like with B12 anaemia, you might experience: ¹³

• weakness or tiredness
• dizziness
• heart palpitations
• shortness of breath
• loss of appetite  
• memory loss or changes

Most of your dietary folate comes from fortified foods like cereals and bread. There are also small amounts in foods like oranges, green vegetables, nuts, and peas.¹⁴ Taking a multivitamin containing folate may be helpful if you struggle to get it in your diet.

Folate is particularly important for our brains and new cell development, so much so that the NHS recommends taking folate supplements before you start trying for a baby or if there’s any chance you could get pregnant.¹⁵

Taking a quick, at-home blood test could help you monitor your folate levels and identify any deficiencies, lowering your risk of complications.

It could also provide some clues if you’ve been feeling low or run down.

Handpicked content: Folic acid deficiency: Causes, symptoms, treatment, & more

Other areas to monitor

Vitamins aren’t the only things that can contribute to our overall health:

Testosterone levels

We all have some amount of testosterone in our bodies. It can be made by the testes and the ovaries.

In men, a testosterone imbalance can cause low sex drive, low energy, and erectile dysfunction.²¹ In women, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may result in a testosterone imbalance.²²

You might want to check your testosterone with an at-home test if you’re experiencing any of these, or if you’re taking testosterone replacement therapy.

Anything else?

It’s always best to see your GP if you’re worried about your health. But sometimes we just like to know how our body’s doing or keep track of the conditions that we’re already receiving medical help for.

Using at-home testing as a yearly check-in can help give you peace of mind about your everyday health and make sure you’re in the best shape you can be.

These are useful places to start when it comes to your general health. However, it’s worth remembering that it won’t pick up on other deficiencies, imbalances, or risk factors.

If you’re concerned about your health, or you still feel like something’s not right after a test, you should always visit your doctor for advice.

At-home testing: Answering your FAQs

1. What is at-home blood testing?

It’s as simple as it sounds: it’s a blood test that you can do yourself from home.

Most at-home tests use a simple finger prick to draw blood. They come in a kit that provides all the equipment and information you’ll need.

These tests measure for particular signs, which can tell you if you have ideal levels of certain vitamins, hormones, or other measures of health. Some tests may also tell you if you’re at risk for certain health conditions.

They can’t diagnose you with a medical condition, but they can provide accurate results and advise you to get further help if needed.

2. Where can I get an at-home blood test?

You can find a range of at-home blood testing kits in your local pharmacies, as well as on the high street and online.

4. Are at-home tests medical devices?

Yes. While they’re not a replacement for all medical advice, they’re a useful and accurate way to check up on your general health when you’re not due an appointment.

At-home tests can’t diagnose you with a condition, but they can let you know whether you fall within the ideal range for certain biomarkers.

The final say

Could these tips give you some confidence about your overall health?

You should always see a doctor if you’re feeling unsure, but simple self-checks can provide peace of mind in between appointments.

Plus, our expert colleagues are here to provide free, personalised advice in-store or online to help you find out which test could be right for you.

What could you learn about your body?