Feeling Always Tired and Gaining Weight? Your Next Steps in The Woodlands, TX
Feeling Always Tired and Gaining Weight? Your Next Steps in The Woodlands, TX
If you’ve been feeling tired all the time, getting out of breath even on small tasks like climbing stairs, and your clothes are suddenly feeling tighter even though you’re trying to eat less, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. These symptoms can be frustrating and confusing, especially when the usual efforts to control weight don’t seem to work. You might be wondering if something underlying is causing these changes and want to find out why this is happening.
You’re in the right place. This post will help you understand the possible reasons behind your fatigue and weight gain, guide you on which healthcare providers can help in The Woodlands, TX, and give you an idea of the estimated costs for common initial medical visits and tests. Our goal is to support you in taking the next step toward better health with confidence.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX
Based on your symptoms of ongoing fatigue, breathlessness, and unexplained weight gain, a few types of doctors could be a good starting point to diagnose potential causes. Here are some providers you might consider:
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine who handle a broad range of conditions. They can investigate chronic symptoms and order necessary tests to find the root cause.
- Family Practice Doctor: Generalists who treat patients of all ages and can address many health concerns in one place, including fatigue and weight changes.
- Cardiologist: Heart specialists who can evaluate if heart or circulation issues might be contributing to your breathlessness and tiredness.
- Endocrinologist: Doctors who specialize in hormones and metabolism. Since thyroid problems or other hormonal imbalances often cause fatigue and weight gain, they can provide targeted care.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of common procedures you may have during your first visit and their estimated self-pay costs in The Woodlands, TX. These costs are based on local providers and can give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to discuss your symptoms in detail, review your medical history, and plan the next steps, including tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.57 (typically ranges from $149.68 to $249.46)
Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 155 providers in The Woodlands area. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood test (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: A group of blood tests to check your overall health, including organ function and chemical balance.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (typically ranges from $12.37 to $32.00)
Provider Availability: Based on 23 providers locally. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: This test checks your red and white blood cells and platelets, revealing anemia or infections that might explain your tiredness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.79 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $22.48)
Provider Availability: Based on 22 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Measures thyroid function, since thyroid problems are a common cause of fatigue and unexplained weight gain.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.88 (typically ranges from $19.72 to $48.04)
Provider Availability: 21 providers offer this test. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart tracing test to check for cardiac causes of breathlessness or fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.70 (typically ranges from $17.09 to $36.31)
Provider Availability: Based on 64 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: General exam and symptom discussion to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.28 (ranges from $149.46 to $249.10)
Provider Availability: 239 providers, the largest group locally. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level blood test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Checks your average blood sugar over three months to rule out diabetes, which can cause tiredness and weight gain.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.55 (ranges from $11.35 to $25.75)
Provider Availability: 64 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test for cholesterol and triglycerides (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: Measures blood fats to assess risk factors that might be affecting your energy and heart health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.09 (ranges from $15.72 to $42.47)
Provider Availability: 26 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: To check if your thyroid gland is affecting your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.97 (ranges from $19.73 to $54.22)
Provider Availability: 25 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine test for kidney function (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Assesses kidney health, which can impact how you feel overall.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.02 (ranges from $6.08 to $19.96)
Provider Availability: 11 providers.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist evaluation to explore heart-related causes of breathlessness and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.93 (ranges from $144.70 to $241.16)
Provider Availability: 95 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood test (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Checks overall blood chemistry related to heart health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.31 (ranges $12.42 to $22.20)
Provider Availability: 7 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Blood counts can show anemia or other factors impacting heart and energy levels.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (ranges $9.13 to $15.22)
Provider Availability: 7 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Since thyroid problems affect heart and energy, this test is common.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.68 (ranges $19.75 to $33.61)
Provider Availability: 3 providers. -
Procedure: Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart electrical activity check.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.91 (ranges $17.17 to $38.65)
Provider Availability: 96 providers.
Visit with an Endocrinologist
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Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist visit focusing on hormone-related causes like thyroid, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.72 (ranges $149.04 to $248.40)
Provider Availability: 21 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood test (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Overall blood chemistry check.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.64 (ranges $12.32 to $22.95)
Provider Availability: 4 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks your blood counts for anemia or infection.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.17 (ranges $9.13 to $19.20)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Focused thyroid evaluation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.18 (ranges $19.75 to $36.60)
Provider Availability: 4 providers. -
Procedure: Vitamin D-3 level test (CPT Code: 82306)
Purpose: To check vitamin D levels, as deficiency can cause tiredness and other symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.81 (ranges $34.81 to $62.80)
Provider Availability: 3 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action now can help you get clarity on your symptoms and start the path toward feeling better.
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor first, as they can guide you through the initial evaluation. If heart or hormonal issues are suspected, you might be referred to a Cardiologist or Endocrinologist.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, any lifestyle changes you’ve made, and any questions or concerns you want to address.
- Discuss Costs: When you call to book your appointment, ask about the estimated costs for visits and tests. The prices listed here are averages and can vary by provider and insurance coverage.
- Stay Positive: Remember, many causes of fatigue and weight gain can be treated effectively once diagnosed. Seeking professional advice is a smart and empowering first step.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and cost estimates for healthcare services in The Woodlands, TX based on available data as of June 2025. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms and care options.