Harley Street Health Centre

07/08/2026

Do you know what your body is really telling you when you're not drinking enough water? Most people think dehydration just means feeling a bit thirsty or getting a headache. But the effects run much deeper than that. It can quietly affect your energy, your concentration, your kidney function, and even your skin, often long before you notice any obvious symptoms. No dramatic warning signs. Just a slow decline you might mistake for something else entirely.

In this clip from the latest episode of The Harley Street Doctor Podcast, host Alya Shakir, CEO of Harley Street Health Centre, is joined by Dr Enam Abood, Founding Director and Head Doctor, to break down what happens to your body when you don't drink enough water, why the effects are often more serious than people realise, and why staying properly hydrated matters more than most of us think.

Watch the full episode on YouTube via the link in our bio.

24/07/2026

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤?🍷
Most people don't deliberately underestimate their alcohol intake. They simply don't count every drink.

A glass of wine with dinner. Drinks at a networking event. A top-up from the bottle at home. Before long, those drinks can add up to more than you realise.

In this clip from the latest episode of The Harley Street Doctor Podcast, host Alya Shakir, CEO of Harley Street Health Centre, is joined by Michael Imonirhua, CEO of Keysteps Wellbeing to discuss why we often underestimate our alcohol consumption, how it can impact our health, and why awareness is the first step towards making healthier choices.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
📹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwIBHowIYeY

21/07/2026

How to Use Private Healthcare Alongside the NHS
Having supported patients alongside the NHS since 1998, we often hear concerns and questions about how to use our services and other private healthcare while also continuing to use the NHS.

We understand why this may be confusing. Questions like “Will I lose my NHS registration?” “Will this upset my NHS GP?” “What happens if I need a referral?” have often kept people away from the convenience of private healthcare unnecessarily.

Many people assume they must choose between the NHS and private healthcare. In reality, most patients use a combination of both. Private healthcare can provide faster access to consultations, investigations and treatment, while the NHS remains an essential source of ongoing care, emergency services and specialist treatment.
Can You Use Private Healthcare & the NHS at the Same Time?
Yes. Choosing private healthcare does not affect your right to NHS care. You can remain registered with your NHS GP while also seeing private doctors, specialists or therapists and undergoing private tests or treatment. There is no limit to how much private healthcare you utilise.

If you really think about it, utilising private healthcare lifts some burden from an overworked NHS system, using your health insurance or paying directly means one less person on an NHS waiting list.

So why use private healthcare at all?
There are multiple benefits to private healthcare:

- Fast GP or specialist appointments – we see you same-day and most private specialists can be accessed within 48 hours.
- Quicker access to diagnostic tests – results from just 4 hours, fast imaging, same-day appointments
- Second opinions – longer appointment times resulting in more in-depth diagnosis and assessment
- Choice of consultant or hospital – choice in your care is vital
- Greater flexibility over appointment times – work around you and your work schedule
- Avoiding long waiting lists for non-urgent care – resolve the issue quickly and improve quality of life

Your NHS GP remains an important part of your healthcare journey and can provide access to NHS referrals, screening programmes, vaccinations, chronic disease management and community services. It’s always recommended to stay connected with your NHS GP and keep them informed of any treatment you are receiving privately, especially medications and prescriptions.
Understanding Referrals
NHS referrals and private referrals are separate pathways. A private consultation does not automatically move you up an NHS waiting list. However, private specialists can often provide valuable assessments, diagnoses and recommendations that can be shared with your NHS GP.

For example, you can see a private GP, have private testing, and use that information to speak to your NHS GP about your future care.

Private referrals are more straightforward – you see one of our GPs, and we refer you directly to the specialist we recommend or of your choice. You can utilise your private health insurance at this time, or directly with us if you are internationally insured.
What Happens After Your Private Appointment?
Choosing private healthcare doesn't prevent you from accessing NHS services in the future. Many patients have private consultations or investigations before continuing their care through the NHS. If you choose this route, standard NHS referral processes and waiting times will still apply.
To ensure continuity of care, we recommend that clinic letters, reports and investigation results are shared with your NHS GP and any other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. With your consent, we can communicate directly with your NHS GP on your behalf.
If you're prescribed medication privately, you'll usually need to pay for a private prescription. In some cases, your NHS GP may agree to continue prescribing medication recommended by a private specialist, but this isn't guaranteed and depends on local NHS policies and the GP's clinical judgement.

Using NHS-Funded Treatment in Private Hospitals
Some private hospitals provide NHS-funded care through NHS contracts. Patients may be able to choose these providers through NHS referral pathways while still receiving treatment free of charge.

Private healthcare and the NHS are not competing systems. For many patients, they work best together. Private care can provide rapid access to consultations, diagnostics and specialist advice, while the NHS continues to provide comprehensive long-term and emergency care. Understanding how both systems interact allows you to make informed decisions and access the right care at the right time.

Our team is here to explain anything you need, just give us a call, and we’d be happy to help you navigate your journey.
https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/blog/general-health/how-to-use-private-healthcare

21/07/2026

"𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍." So, Why Do You Still Feel Unwell?
As a GP, one of the hardest conversations Dr Enam Abood has with her patients who have been living with symptoms such as bloating, joint pain, muscle aches, overwhelming tiredness or brain fog, only to be told that "everything is normal."

For many people, particularly women in midlife and beyond, these symptoms are very real. Yet when blood tests and examinations don't reveal an obvious cause, it can leave them feeling frustrated, dismissed and questioning themselves.

There is nothing more disheartening than feeling unwell while being told that nothing is wrong.

The reality is that medicine is not always straightforward. Standard blood tests are excellent at identifying many conditions, but they don't always provide the full picture. Hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, sleep disorders and other health issues may require a more detailed assessment.

Symptoms should never be ignored simply because an initial test appears normal.

A good consultation isn't just about reviewing blood results. It's about listening to your story, understanding how your symptoms affect your daily life and investigating further when clinically appropriate.

If you've been struggling with persistent symptoms and still don't have answers, don't lose hope. Sometimes the next step isn't repeating the same test, it's asking different questions.

Dr Enam Abood explains why normal results don't always mean your symptoms should be ignored, and why a thorough clinical assessment is just as important as the blood tests themselves.

Persistent symptoms deserve a thorough assessment. Book an appointment with one of our experienced Private GPs today.
https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/experts

Our private GP services are provided by experienced doctors & high qualified therapists. Excellent care & personal attention.

17/07/2026

🚨𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 🎙️
Would you recognise the early signs that someone you love may be struggling with alcohol?

In this upcoming episode of The Harley Street Doctor, addiction specialist Michael Imonirhua, CEO of Keysteps Wellbeing subtle warning signs that often appear long before physical symptoms, from drinking earlier in the day to changes in mood and behaviour.

Early recognition can make all the difference.

🎥 The full episode premieres on YouTube next week.
https://youtu.be/QwIBHowIYeY

Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

16/07/2026

It’s not “just a bad period.”

Endometriosis affects millions of women, yet many spend years searching for answers because their symptoms are dismissed as normal.

Symptoms can include:
• Heavy periods
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during or after s*x
• Pain when going to the toilet
• Difficulty conceiving

Did you know? Endometriosis doesn’t only affect the reproductive organs.

Although rare, it has been found in other areas of the body, including the lungs, bladder, diaphragm, and even the eyes.

If your periods are stopping you from living your life, don’t ignore the signs.

Speak to a healthcare professional.

08/07/2026

Dr Enam Abood will be appearing in Netflix’s upcoming documentary, Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy.

Premiering on 5 August, the documentary explores the global chicken industry and asks important questions about nutrition, food production, and our health.

We are incredibly proud to see Dr Enam Abood sharing her expertise as part of this important discussion.

📺 Be sure to add it to your watchlist.

03/07/2026

Low mood. Anxiety. Brain fog. Fatigue.

These symptoms are often dismissed as stress or simply part of getting older, but they can sometimes be linked to an underlying health issue.

In this video, Dr Redlin explains why it’s important to investigate persistent symptoms rather than ignore them.

If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself, a consultation and the right blood tests may help identify the cause.

📍Book a GP consultation or private health assessment today.

’sHealth PreventativeHealth HarleyStreet LondonGP

29/06/2026

😴 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 “𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥” 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬?

You are not alone.

Routine blood tests don’t always explain persistent fatigue. Low ferritin, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function, blood sugar, stress, sleep, and hydration can all affect your energy levels.

Don’t settle for “everything looks normal” if you still don’t feel like yourself.

Learn more in our latest blog.
🔗 Link in bio

PreventativeHealth London

Private GP clinics 3 great Central London locations.

25/06/2026

Normal Blood Test but Still Tired?
You’re tired all the time. You’ve done everything, gone to see your GP, finally got some blood tests done, and are hoping to see the answer to why you feel the way you do. Maybe your thyroid is sluggish, or your vitamin D and iron are low. The results come back and they’re “normal” what a disappointment!

This is a very common reason people come to see me at the clinic: fatigue, aches and pains, brain fog, but no clear reason. I know how frustrating and worrying that can be, so I thought it would be helpful to reassure you.

Many people live for months, sometimes years, with fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, low motivation, hair changes, poor recovery, disrupted sleep, or a constant feeling of “running on empty,” despite being told everything is “fine.”

The reality is that standard testing does not always tell the full story.

“Normal” is not the same as optimal, and subtle imbalances can still have a significant impact on how you feel day to day. Most GPs look at the result parameters and declare your results “normal”. But there is a problem with this approach.
The Problem With “Normal”
Most routine blood testing is designed to identify clear disease, not early dysfunction, nutritional insufficiency, or the metabolic and inflammatory changes that can affect energy long before illness develops.

A patient may technically fall within a “normal” laboratory reference range while still experiencing symptoms related to:

- Low iron stores
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Blood sugar instability
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor sleep recovery
- Stress physiology
- Undereating or poor protein intake
- Early insulin resistance

Many patients are reassured because nothing appears “wrong,” but that does not mean the body is functioning optimally. This is particularly common in busy professionals, parents, shift workers, athletes, perimenopausal and menopausal women, and people living under chronic stress.
Iron Levels Can Be “Normal” But Still Too Low For You
One of the most overlooked causes of low energy is low ferritin.

Ferritin reflects iron stores, and patients can experience fatigue, hair shedding, dizziness, poor exercise tolerance, restless legs, or breathlessness even when haemoglobin remains normal.

This means you may not technically be anaemic, but your body may still be struggling.

At Harley Street Health Centre, we frequently see patients with “normal” iron panels who feel dramatically better once depleted iron stores are identified and addressed appropriately.

Low ferritin is especially common in:

- Women with heavy periods
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Endurance exercisers
- Patients recovering from illness
- People under chronic stress or poor sleep

B12, Folate & Vitamin D Matter More Than People Think
Fatigue is not always about sleep.

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for energy production, neurological function, concentration, and red blood cell formation. Even borderline deficiencies can contribute to:

- Brain fog
- Tingling
- Poor memory
- Low mood
- Exhaustion

Vitamin D deficiency is also extremely common in the UK, particularly during the winter months or among people who work indoors.

Many patients describe:

- Low mood
- Muscle aches
- Frequent illness
- Poor recovery
- Persistent tiredness

Improving vitamin D levels can sometimes produce surprisingly significant improvements in wellbeing and resilience.

Unfortunately, taking low-dose over-the-counter supplements can sometimes be ineffective in improving your levels, so doctor-recommended high doses are best.
Blood Sugar Instability Can Cause Energy Crashes
Another increasingly common issue is insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation.

Patients often assume blood sugar problems only affect people with diabetes, but long before diabetes develops, the body can begin struggling to manage glucose efficiently.

This may show up as:

- Afternoon crashes
- Sugar cravings
- Brain fog
- Irritability when hungry
- Weight gain around the abdomen
- Poor concentration
- Waking tired despite sleep

A standard glucose test may appear normal while underlying insulin resistance is already developing.

Markers such as fasting insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and inflammatory markers can provide a more complete picture of metabolic health.

We’ve seen demand for metabolic and insulin resistance testing rise significantly as patients become more proactive about understanding their long-term health risks and energy levels.
Inflammation Can Drain Energy
Low-grade inflammation is another hidden contributor to fatigue.

The body uses enormous amounts of energy when under chronic inflammatory stress.

Inflammation may be linked to:

- Poor sleep
- Food intolerances (such as lactose and fructose)
- Gut health issues, including “leaky gut”
- Chronic stress
- Autoimmune conditions
- Long viral recoveries

Markers such as CRP (C-reactive protein) can sometimes help identify this picture.

Patients frequently describe feeling:

- Flat
- Heavy
- Unmotivated
- Achy
- Mentally slowed down

Even mild chronic inflammation can affect energy production and recovery.
Stress Physiology Is Real
Many high-functioning people underestimate the physical impact of stress.

The body is not designed to operate under continuous pressure indefinitely.

Long periods of emotional strain, poor sleep, high cortisol output, overwork, caregiving stress, or burnout can eventually affect:

- Sleep quality
- Appetite regulation
- Hormonal balance
- Blood sugar stability
- Recovery capacity
- Mood and cognition

This does not mean symptoms are “just stress.”

It means the body and nervous system may genuinely be depleted.

Often, patients only recognise the extent of their exhaustion once they finally slow down.
Thyroid Tests Are Sometimes Incomplete
Thyroid dysfunction is another common cause of fatigue, cold intolerance, low mood, constipation, hair changes, and weight fluctuations.

While many patients have thyroid testing, it is not always comprehensive.

In some cases, a broader assessment including:

- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Thyroid antibodies

may provide additional insight, especially where symptoms strongly suggest thyroid dysfunction despite a “normal” TSH.
Lifestyle Matters More Than People Expect
Modern life creates a perfect storm for low energy:

- Sedentary work
- Processed food
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Irregular eating
- Excess alcohol
- Dehydration
- Minimal daylight exposure
- Constant digital stimulation

Sometimes fatigue is not caused by a single major disease but by the cumulative effects of multiple smaller physiological stressors.
So what can you do?
We often see meaningful improvements from surprisingly simple interventions:

- Higher protein intake
- More fibre
- Better hydration
- Resistance exercise
- Improved sleep consistency
- Blood sugar stabilisation
- Treating deficiencies
- Reducing ultra-processed foods
- Managing stress load

The body is remarkably responsive when given the right support!

In short, if you are feeling tired, foggy, or achy, you are not imagining it. It will interact with your mental health, but not be caused by it necessarily – it’s normal to feel low if you’re struggling with energy levels.

What you need is a clear plan. I work with my patients to first clearly identify the likely causes and to work with them holistically to improve their quality of life together.

I believe good medicine is much more than just ruling out disease. A good doctor should want you to live a life free of pain, fatigue and other obstacles, to support your emotional well-being with physical transformation.

Book an appointment today and let’s work together towards your health goals.
https://www.harleyhealthcentre.com/blog/general-health/normal-blood-test-but-still-tired