Symptom lookup

"I feel ___. What should I ask for?"

A short list of common symptoms and the bloodwork or screenings a walk-in clinician can order the same day. Use these as talking points — not a diagnosis.

Fatigue / low energy

Fatigue has dozens of causes. Cover the big four first: anemia, iron stores, thyroid, and blood sugar.

Tests to ask for

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
"Can I get a CBC with differential? I don't have a family doctor tracking my baseline."
Ferritin (iron stores)
"Can we add a ferritin to check my iron stores?"
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."
Vitamin B12
"Please add a B12 level."
Vitamin D (25-OH)
"Can we check my 25-hydroxy vitamin D level?"

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a resting pulse and BP reading
Ask about depression / sleep screening

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Unexplained weight loss

Rule out diabetes, thyroid overactivity, and gut malabsorption before anything more invasive.

Tests to ask for

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
"Can I get a CBC with differential? I don't have a family doctor tracking my baseline."
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
"I'd like a CMP — kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and glucose."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a stool test if there's diarrhea or blood
Ask about a chest x-ray if there's cough

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Frequent thirst / peeing a lot

Classic prediabetes / diabetes signs — check A1c and fasting glucose before anything else.

Tests to ask for

Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
"I'd like a CMP — kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and glucose."

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Chest pain or racing heart

If pain is severe, radiates to arm/jaw, or comes with shortness of breath — call emergency services, don't wait for a walk-in.

Tests to ask for

Blood pressure check
"Please check my blood pressure and tell me the numbers so I can track it."
Baseline ECG
"Can I get a baseline ECG to keep on file?"
Atrial fibrillation check
"I'd like to be checked for atrial fibrillation — pulse check or ECG."
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
"Please order a fasting lipid panel — total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."

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Persistent cough (3+ weeks)

Ask about a chest x-ray. For smokers 50+, this is also a prompt for the low-dose CT screen.

Tests to ask for

Low-dose CT (lung cancer)
"I have a smoking history — I'd like a low-dose CT lung cancer screen."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a chest x-ray
Consider TB testing if travel or exposure history

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Change in bowel habits or blood in stool

Don't wait for the next screening cycle — ask for a FIT kit now, plus colonoscopy referral if bleeding.

Tests to ask for

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
"Can I get a CBC with differential? I don't have a family doctor tracking my baseline."
Ferritin (iron stores)
"Can we add a ferritin to check my iron stores?"
Colorectal cancer screening
"I'm due for colorectal screening. Can you order a FIT test, or refer me for a colonoscopy?"
Early colonoscopy (family history)
"I have a first-degree relative with colon cancer — I need a referral for a colonoscopy."

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Headaches / brain fog

Cover common reversible causes before neurology imaging: BP, thyroid, B12, iron, blood sugar.

Tests to ask for

Blood pressure check
"Please check my blood pressure and tell me the numbers so I can track it."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."
Vitamin B12
"Please add a B12 level."
Ferritin (iron stores)
"Can we add a ferritin to check my iron stores?"
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."

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Depressed mood or anxiety

Ask for a formal PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) so it's on your chart. Rule out thyroid.

Tests to ask for

Depression, anxiety & minority-stress check
"I'd like a mental health check — PHQ-9 / GAD-7. If you know of LGBTQ2S+-affirming counsellors, please share the list."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."

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Erectile / libido changes

Test hormones, blood sugar, and lipids — vascular and endocrine causes are common and treatable.

Tests to ask for

Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
"Please order a fasting lipid panel — total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for total testosterone (morning draw) if libido changes

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Missed / heavy / painful periods

Iron loss is common with heavy bleeding. Also worth checking thyroid.

Tests to ask for

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
"Can I get a CBC with differential? I don't have a family doctor tracking my baseline."
Ferritin (iron stores)
"Can we add a ferritin to check my iron stores?"
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."

Also worth mentioning

Ask about pelvic ultrasound if pain or heavy bleeding persists

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New lump, mole, or skin change

Bring photos with a date. Walk-in clinicians can refer to dermatology or biopsy on the spot.

Tests to ask for

Skin check
"Can you look at any moles that have changed? I don't have a dermatologist."

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Numbness, tingling, or nerve pain

B12 deficiency and diabetes are the top reversible causes.

Tests to ask for

Vitamin B12
"Please add a B12 level."
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
"I'd like a CMP — kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and glucose."

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Unusual vaginal discharge or odor

Most causes are treatable same-day: yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. Ask for a swab rather than a guess-and-treat prescription. If you've had new partners, add a full STI panel.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a vaginal swab: wet mount / NAAT for BV, yeast, and trichomonas
Ask for gonorrhea + chlamydia NAAT (endocervical or self-collected vaginal swab)
Ask about pH testing if BV is suspected

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Vaginal itching, burning, or pain

Rule out infection first (yeast, BV, STI, UTI). Persistent itching or a visible sore needs an in-person exam — don't accept a phone-only diagnosis.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a vulvovaginal exam and swab
Ask about urinalysis to rule out UTI
Ask about HSV (herpes) PCR if there's a sore or blister
Mention lubrication / atrophy if postmenopausal or on hormone therapy

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Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or postmenopausal)

Postmenopausal bleeding is never normal — ask for a referral for pelvic ultrasound and endometrial assessment. Between-period bleeding also warrants an STI check and a Pap review.

Tests to ask for

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
"Can I get a CBC with differential? I don't have a family doctor tracking my baseline."
Ferritin (iron stores)
"Can we add a ferritin to check my iron stores?"
Cervical cancer screening (Pap / HPV)
"I have a cervix and I'd like a Pap and HPV test. If a speculum exam is uncomfortable, can we discuss self-collected HPV swabs?"
HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for pelvic ultrasound + endometrial biopsy referral if postmenopausal
Ask when your last Pap / HPV test was and whether you're due

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Pelvic pain

Sudden severe pain — go to the ER (rule out ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, PID). For persistent pain, ask for an STI panel, urinalysis, and pelvic ultrasound.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for pregnancy test (beta-hCG) if possible pregnancy
Ask for urinalysis + culture
Ask for pelvic ultrasound referral

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Penile discharge, burning when peeing, or urethral pain

Assume STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma) until proven otherwise. Ask for testing before starting antibiotics — treatment is short and specific.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for first-catch urine NAAT: gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma genitalium
Ask about throat/rectal swabs if you have oral or anal sex
Ask for urinalysis to rule out UTI

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Sores, bumps, or rash on the genitals

Painful blisters point to HSV; a painless sore points to syphilis; cauliflower-like bumps point to HPV warts. All treatable — but need visual exam plus swab/blood test.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for HSV PCR swab of the sore (only useful while lesion is fresh)
Ask for syphilis blood test (RPR or treponemal)
Ask about HPV wart treatment options (cryotherapy, podophyllotoxin, imiquimod)

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Testicular lump, swelling, or pain

Sudden severe testicular pain = ER (possible torsion, a surgical emergency). A painless lump = same-week walk-in for exam + ultrasound — most testicular cancers are curable when caught early.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a scrotal ultrasound
Ask for urinalysis + STI panel if pain with peeing
Ask for tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) if a solid mass is found

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Erectile changes, low libido, or trouble climaxing

Vascular and endocrine causes are common and treatable. Screen for diabetes, lipids, thyroid, and testosterone before jumping to a prescription.

Tests to ask for

Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
"Please order a fasting lipid panel — total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides."
TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."
Blood pressure check
"Please check my blood pressure and tell me the numbers so I can track it."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for total testosterone (morning draw, ideally 2 samples)
Ask about prolactin and SHBG if testosterone is low
Mention any new meds — SSRIs, blood pressure meds, and finasteride all affect this

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Painful or difficult peeing

Most often a UTI in people with vulvas; more likely an STI or prostatitis in people with penises. Ask for a dipstick + culture — don't accept antibiotics without a sample.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for urinalysis + urine culture (with sensitivities)
Ask for STI NAAT if sexually active
Ask about prostate exam if 40+ with a prostate

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Contraception, Plan B, or pregnancy planning

Walk-in clinicians can prescribe most methods (pill, patch, ring, Plan B) and refer for IUD/implant insertion. For pregnancy planning, ask for pre-conception bloodwork.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a BP reading before starting combined hormonal contraception
Pre-conception: ferritin, TSH, rubella + varicella immunity, folate, HIV, syphilis
Ask about emergency IUD insertion (most effective form of emergency contraception)

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Menopause / perimenopause symptoms

Diagnosis is clinical (not a blood test). Ask about hormone therapy eligibility, bone density, and cardiovascular risk — this life stage shifts screening priorities.

Tests to ask for

TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
"Please order a fasting lipid panel — total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides."
Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screen)
"I'd like an A1c to screen for prediabetes and diabetes."

Also worth mentioning

Ask whether MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) is appropriate for you
Ask for a bone density scan (DEXA) baseline
Vaginal dryness / painful sex: ask about local vaginal estrogen (very low systemic dose)

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Concern after unprotected sex or condom failure

Time-sensitive. HIV PEP works only if started within 72 hours. Plan B works best within 24 hours. Baseline STI panel now, repeat at 2 and 12 weeks.

Tests to ask for

HIV & STI screening
"Please run a full STI panel — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (including throat and rectal swabs if relevant), and hepatitis B & C."
PrEP / DoxyPEP conversation
"I'd like to talk about HIV PrEP, and DoxyPEP for bacterial STI prevention."

Also worth mentioning

Ask about HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — must start within 72 hours
Ask about emergency contraception if pregnancy possible
Book a repeat STI panel at 2 weeks and again at 12 weeks

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Sore, tender, or swollen breasts

Most breast pain is cyclical and hormonal — not cancer. But new, persistent, one-sided, or non-cyclical pain deserves a clinical exam. Track whether it links to your cycle, caffeine, or new meds.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a clinical breast exam
Note whether pain is cyclical (with periods) or constant
Ask about imaging (ultrasound if <30, mammogram +/- ultrasound if 30+) for focal or persistent pain
Mention any new hormonal contraception, HRT, or SSRIs

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Breast lump or thickening

Any new lump, thickening, or area that feels different from the rest should be imaged — even if it's likely a cyst or fibroadenoma. Don't wait for a routine mammogram cycle.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a clinical breast exam and diagnostic imaging referral (not just screening)
Under 30: ultrasound first. 30+: mammogram + ultrasound
Ask what triggers a biopsy referral and the expected timeline
Mention any family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer

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Nipple discharge or changes

Milky discharge from both sides is often hormonal or medication-related. Spontaneous, bloody, or one-sided discharge — or a newly inverted nipple — needs prompt evaluation.

Tests to ask for

TSH (thyroid)
"Can we check my TSH? Fatigue, weight changes, and mood can all trace back to thyroid."

Also worth mentioning

Ask for prolactin level if discharge is milky and you're not breastfeeding
Ask for imaging if discharge is bloody, clear, or from a single duct
Mention any medications (antipsychotics, some antidepressants raise prolactin)

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Skin changes on the breast

Dimpling, puckering, orange-peel texture, persistent redness, or eczema-like changes on the nipple can be signs of inflammatory or Paget's breast cancer. Get evaluated within days, not weeks.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for urgent breast imaging (mammogram + ultrasound)
Ask whether a skin punch biopsy of the nipple is warranted for eczema-like changes
Photograph the change to track progression

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Chest tissue lump or tenderness (people with chest tissue)

Anyone with chest tissue — including men, trans men post-top surgery (residual tissue), and non-binary folks — can develop breast cancer or gynecomastia. Same rules: new lumps get imaged.

Tests to ask for

Also worth mentioning

Ask for a clinical exam and ultrasound
Cis men: ask about testosterone, estradiol, LH, prolactin if gynecomastia is bilateral
Trans men post-top surgery: residual tissue can still develop cancer — mention surgical history
Mention any anabolic steroid, spironolactone, or estrogen use

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Not medical advice. This site is an educational reference to help you have better conversations at a walk-in clinic. It does not replace a clinician who knows your history. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.