This post is sponsored by Labcorp OnDemand but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"Not to toot my own horn, but I like to think I live a pretty healthy, balanced lifestyle for a gal in her early 20s. Sure, I get McDonald’s delivered at the end of a night out most weekends, and sometimes I skip Pilates and pay the no-show fee to binge-watch old seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race instead. But in general, I do my best to stick to a sleep schedule, eat well, and work out a few times a week. Despite all that effort, I’m still always exhausted. I’ve lived with chronic fatigue for years, brushing it off as normal—even when I could fall asleep at a party or standing up like a horse.
I’m 23 and have come to realize I shouldn’t have the energy levels of an 80-year-old. So, I turned to Labcorp OnDemand for answers. Their micronutrient test measures three vitamins (vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate) and three minerals (magnesium, iodine, and zinc) in the blood. Micronutrients can impact energy levels, and results from this blood test can help guide lifestyle changes. Was this finally going to clue me in on the causes of my chronic fatigue? It was time to investigate.
What is chronic fatigue?
Aside from being able to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, other symptoms of chronic fatigue have crept their way into my life. I’ve also experienced brain fog, frequent dizziness, unrefreshing sleep (regardless of my trusty melatonin and white noise machine), and my muscles becoming sore very quickly. It’s important to note that everyone is different, and chronic fatigue doesn’t have just one cause. It can stem from factors like nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, stress, poor sleep, or other underlying health conditions.
After reflecting on my symptoms, possible causes, and lifestyle choices, I decided the Labcorp OnDemand Micronutrient Test could provide some insight on what might be behind my daily exhaustion. The test provides detailed levels of key micronutrients I might not be getting enough of. With that in mind, I decided to give Labcorp OnDemand a go.
What is Labcorp OnDemand?
Labcorp OnDemand allows you to purchase lab testing without the hassle of needing a doctor’s appointment, so you can get insights into your health on your own time. I know I’m not the only one who’s had to wait months just to get in with my doctor for a routine check-up, so this is a major game-changer. However, remember that a Labcorp OnDemand test is not a substitute for consulting a provider, and you should always speak with a healthcare professional regarding your results. Whether you’re focused on improving your energy like me, optimizing nutrition, or reaching fitness milestones, Labcorp OnDemand can offer health tests designed to give you insights that will help you make this year your healthiest yet.
With over 70 tests available, including hormonal, nutritional, and more, you can find a test fit for your needs and concerns. Scheduling an appointment for bloodwork is insanely easy, too—choose whatever test is best for you and purchase online, walk in, or make an appointment at one of Labcorp’s 2,000+ patient service centers nationwide for a sample collection, and get notified via email once your results are ready. And as if the ease wasn’t incentive enough, you can use code EVERYGIRL to get 20% off your first test purchase.
My experience with Labcorp OnDemand’s Micronutrient Test
Spoiler alert: My experience with Labcorp OnDemand was seamless and genuinely insightful (thank God). I purchased my micronutrient test online, got an appointment for a few days later at a Labcorp location that was a 15-minute walk from my apartment, was in and out of my sample collection within 20 minutes, and was notified that my results were ready via email three days later. I’m quite the busy bee, so having access to a service that took barely any time at all was a huge win. It is, without a doubt, the easiest healthcare experience I’ve ever had.
And the best part of it all? I actually gained helpful information from my micronutrient test. In fact, I learned I have a prominent iodine deficiency. Upon doing some research as to what this meant, I was met with the answers I’d been looking for: Common symptoms of iodine deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, and memory difficulties (AKA brain fog). I also resonated with other symptoms of iodine deficiency not directly correlated with my exhaustion concerns, such as heavy/irregular periods and hair thinning. Now that I have this information, I can visit my primary care physician and learn about my options for increasing my iodine levels. This was my first step in addressing my chronic fatigue, and it’s super relieving to know there are potential answers with solutions on the horizon.
Labcorp OnDemand
More results from Labcorp OnDemand
For both moral support and my own curiosity, I convinced a few coworkers to take the micronutrient test with me. Here’s what they found:
Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
“The only veggies I eat come from my abuela’s sofrito, so I expected alarming results. Turns out, my only issue was low vitamin D, likely from lack of sun. Prolonged deficiency can lead to bone and muscle weakness, so I’ve added more vitamin D-rich foods—and yes, some extra veggies—just to be safe.”
Kaia Grobe, Video Content Editor
“I don’t usually struggle with fatigue, but as winter rolled in and the days got darker, I noticed a dip in my energy, mood, and even some hair loss. It wasn’t surprising when my Labcorp OnDemand results showed a vitamin D deficiency. Since sunny days are rare during a Wisconsin winter, I’ve started eating more vitamin D-rich foods and taking a high-quality supplement recommended by my doctor.”
Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
“I’ve been trying to conceive for two years and taking prenatal vitamins almost daily, so I didn’t think my fatigue could be from a deficiency. I was shocked when my test results showed my vitamin D levels were in the red zone. Low vitamin D can contribute to fatigue and low mood, both of which I’ve felt. I’m excited to add a new vitamin to my routine and see if it helps!”
The Labcorp OnDemand tests I want to try next
After a successful first trial, there are a few more Labcorp OnDemand tests I would love to take in order to gain insight into some more of my health and nutrition woes. After moseying through their test selection, here are a few that caught my eye:
- Women’s Health Test: This comprehensive test offers insights into overall wellness, helping identify if you might be at risk for common concerns like diabetes, heart disease, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and more. As a woman, this feels like an essential next step.
- Complete Heart Health Test: An expanded heart health test measures key indicators of cardiovascular and metabolic health to help you understand your risk of cardiovascular disease and developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Standard Thyroid Test: After learning my iodine deficiency might be linked to thyroid dysfunction, this test feels like a natural next move. It screens for conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which are common concerns for women.
Why I’m recommending Labcorp OnDemand to everyone I know
As I mentioned before, I went several years too long doing absolutely zilch for my chronic fatigue. But thanks to Labcorp OnDemand being so efficient (seriously, I cannot emphasize enough how easy the whole process was) and insightful, I’m confidently headed in the right direction of feeling how a healthy, functional 20-something is supposed to. No more unwarranted yawning at pregames in 2025! Woo!
If you’re anything like me and want to really tackle adulting by taking control of your health concerns and curiosities, I can’t recommend Labcorp OnDemand enough. You deserve to feel your best, girl! Let this be the first step.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editoral Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
This post is sponsored by Labcorp OnDemand, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.