Daily Headaches in London – Are Blood Tests Needed?

Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Daily or frequent headaches are a common complaint in London. Many people describe throbbing pain, pressure, heaviness, tight bands, foggy thinking or pain behind the eyes. While headaches are often linked to stress, poor sleep, dehydration or screen use, they may also point to underlying medical causes such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid imbalance, anaemia, high blood pressure or inflammation.

Clinically, we see many London patients who experience headaches during commutes, long office days, or stressful weeks. Blood testing helps identify whether your headaches are lifestyle-related or linked to nutritional, hormonal or metabolic imbalances. This guide explains the causes of daily headaches, red flags, and which tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre provide clarity.

Why Do I Get Daily Headaches?

Headaches can come from several systems in the body.
Common causes include:

Lifestyle causes

• Stress
• Long screen time
• Poor sleep
• Dehydration
• Caffeine changes
• Weather pressure changes

Medical causes

• Low iron or ferritin
• Thyroid imbalance
• Low vitamin D
• Low B12
• Blood sugar fluctuations
• High blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Infection or inflammation

Blood testing helps identify internal causes that are not obvious.

Types of Headaches

Daily headaches tend to fall into three groups:

Tension-type headaches

Tight band, scalp tension, aching temples
Common in office workers and commuters.

Migraine-type headaches

Throbbing pain, light sensitivity, nausea
Often linked to hormones, stress or deficiencies.

Secondary headaches

Caused by an underlying condition
These require testing to investigate.

Common Symptoms That Come with Daily Headaches

People often report:

• Tiredness
• Feeling foggy
• Neck tension
• Light sensitivity
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Poor focus
• Irritability
• Eye pressure
• Worsening after screens

These symptoms may point to metabolic or vitamin imbalances.

When Are Headaches a Serious Concern?

Seek urgent care if you experience:

• Sudden severe headache
• New headache after age 40
• Weakness or numbness
• Vision changes
• Confusion
• Fever or stiff neck
• Headache after injury
• Persistent vomiting

These can indicate serious causes and require immediate attention.

Risk Factors for Daily Headaches in London

You’re more likely to develop daily headaches if you:

• Work long hours
• Sleep less than 6 hours
• Have low vitamin D
• Skip meals
• Use screens for long periods
• Experience high stress
• Have anaemia
• Have thyroid imbalance
• Drink little water
• Use alcohol or caffeine regularly

These patterns are common in Londoners.

Blood Tests That Reveal the Cause of Headaches

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, the following tests are often recommended.

Thyroid Panel

Thyroid imbalance causes:

• Headaches
• Low energy
• Foggy thinking
• Temperature sensitivity

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D is extremely common in the UK and linked to:

• Daily headaches
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue

Vitamin B12 & Folate

Low B12 affects nerves and causes:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Tingling sensations

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Checks for:

• Anaemia
• Infection
• Inflammation

Anaemia can cause headaches due to reduced oxygen delivery.

Ferritin

Low iron storage is a common cause of chronic headaches in women.

HbA1c (Blood Sugar Balance)

Blood sugar swings trigger:

• Headaches
• Shakiness
• Fatigue

Electrolytes

Imbalances affect hydration and muscle tension.

Wellness Profile

Ideal when headaches are paired with:

• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Mood changes

This profile gives a full metabolic picture.

Which MDC Profiles Should You Choose?

Wellness Profile

Best for:

• Frequent headaches
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Suspected vitamin deficiencies

Thyroid Profile

For headaches linked to temperature sensitivity, low energy or hair changes.

Vitamin & Mineral Profile

For persistent headaches with fatigue or muscle tension.

FBC + Ferritin

For weakness, dizziness and headaches in women.

HbA1c

For headaches linked to sugar dips or crashes.

Symptom – Test Matching Table

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Book Your Headache Investigations at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00

Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24 – 42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Quick Links

• HbA1c Test
• Full Lipid Panel
• Fatigue and Energy Profile
• Kidney Function Test
• Electrolytes Test
• Liver Function Test
• Thyroid Function Test
• Magnesium Test
• Full Blood Count
• Urinalysis & Culture
• Book an Appointment
• ECG Testing
• Wellness Profile
• Pancreatic Profile
• Advanced Sexual Health Panel
• STI Testing London
• Cardiac Profile

Read More

• NHS – Headaches
• NHS – Migraine Causes and Treatments
• NHS – Anaemia in Adults
• British Thyroid Foundation – Thyroid and Headaches
• NHS – Vitamin Deficiency